How to properly cover flowers for the winter: tips and recommendations

Flowers delight the eyes of summer residents with their colors and aromas. But to enjoy them next season, you need to properly prepare them for winter.

How to do it? What is the best way to cover flowers? What mistakes to avoid?

These questions were answered by the expert of the online publication "BelNovosti", scientist-agronomist and landscape designer Anastasia Kovrizhnykh.

Selecting a material for covering

The first thing to consider when choosing a material for covering flowers is its air permeability and thermal insulation.

Film, polyethylene and other synthetic materials are not suitable, as they do not allow air to pass through and create a greenhouse effect, which can lead to rotting of plants.

It is better to use natural materials such as:

• Straw – provides good protection from frost and wind, but can attract rodents.

• Spruce branches – create a natural microclimate, but can be difficult for delicate plants.

• Spunbond is a lightweight and durable non-woven material that allows light and air to pass through.

• Agrofibre – similar to spunbond, but denser and warmer.

Rules for covering flowers

Depending on the type of flowers and climate, the shelter may be different. But there are general rules that need to be followed:

1. Flowers should be covered not immediately after the first frosts, but when the soil freezes well. This will help to avoid premature awakening of the plants.

2. Before covering, you need to trim the flowers, remove dry and diseased parts, as well as fallen leaves. This will prevent the development of diseases and pests.

3. Flowers should be covered in layers, starting from the soil and ending with the top cover. There should be an air gap between the layers to ensure thermal insulation.

4. Flowers should be covered carefully, without damaging the stems and leaves. Do not compact the material too much.

5. Flowers should be covered in a timely manner, without waiting for severe frosts or snowfalls. You should also monitor the condition of the cover during the winter and, if necessary, adjust or change it.

This way you can keep your flowers healthy and beautiful until spring.