Nigel Slater prepares garden for winter's rest, allowing plants a seasonal slumber.
In the heart of winter, caring for tender plants like Pelargoniums (geraniums) requires careful planning and execution to protect them from frost and ensure they remain healthy until the next growing season. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to overwinter Pelargoniums and other tender plants.
## Overwintering Pelargoniums
There are three main methods for overwintering Pelargoniums: taking cuttings, bringing potted plants indoors, and storing them in a dark place.
### Method 1: Take Cuttings 1. Choose non-flowering stems from your Pelargonium plants. 2. Cut sections about four inches long, removing lower leaves. 3. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone. 4. Place the cuttings in a pot filled with compost containing extra grit or vermiculite for better drainage. 5. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Place the pot in a warm, well-lit spot away from direct sunlight to prevent mildew.
### Method 2: Bring Potted Plants Indoors 1. Before bringing the plants inside, reduce watering to help them harden off. 2. Place the pots in a sunny windowsill or under grow lights if natural light is limited. 3. Ensure the indoor temperature remains between 40°F and 60°F (4°C and 15°C) to slow down growth.
### Method 3: Store in a Dark Place 1. Before winter, reduce watering and allow the plant to dry slightly. 2. Trim back the stems to about 6 inches from the base. 3. Place the pot in a cardboard box or paper bag to keep it dark and cool. 4. Occasionally check and water the soil to keep it slightly moist but not wet.
## Overwintering Other Tender Plants
### General Tips 1. Insulate containers with bubble wrap or straw to protect the roots from cold. 2. Group multiple pots together to share and retain heat. 3. If possible, move the pots to a cold frame or greenhouse for protection.
### Specific Care for Other Plants - Petunias can be overwintered by taking cuttings similarly to Pelargoniums. Keep them in a frost-free area until spring. - Coleus can be overwintered by taking cuttings of healthy stems in the fall. Place them in water or a moist potting mix until roots develop, then transfer to larger pots.
By following these methods, you can successfully overwinter your tender plants, ensuring they thrive when the weather warms up again.
The author also pays attention to other aspects of winter gardening, such as clearing deep piles of wet leaves from around the stems of shrubs to prevent rot, and leaving stems and seedpods in place during winter for a certain architecture and to provide a winter home for insects and pollinators.
Overwatering during winter can be harmful to many plants, so it's essential to maintain the right balance. The author also embraces the wildness of the winter garden and finds beauty in the muted colors and crisp, tangled stems.
[1] RHS (2021). Overwintering Pelargoniums. Available at: https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=436 [2] Horticulture Week (2021). Overwintering Pelargoniums. Available at: https://www.hortweek.com/advice/how-to/overwintering-pelargoniums/7033936.article [3] Gardening Express (2021). Overwintering Pelargoniums. Available at: https://www.gardeningexpress.co.uk/blog/overwintering-pelargoniums/ [4] BBC Gardeners' World (2021). Overwintering Petunias. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/howtobase/plants/overwintering_petunias
- With the arrival of winter, not only Pelargoniums but also other tender plants such as Petunias need careful attention in the home-and-garden lifestyle to survive the cold season.
- To ensure the longevity of your plants, consider adopting various overwintering methods for both Pelargoniums and other tender plants, like taking cuttings or bringing potted plants indoors.
- As the weather warms up again, your carefully overwintered plants will bloom, enhancing your home's gardens and adding a touch of nature to your lifestyle.
