Weather Protection Tips
To help you better understand the effects of weather on your garden or property, we have compiled some guidelines against different weather related events.
Winter Prep
As temperatures drop and snow approaches, your garden could use a little extra care to get ready for the winter season. These tips and tricks will help prepare your plants and soil for healthy hibernation.
Clean Up Your Garden
- Remove dead plants and annuals to help remove pests and diseases from overwintering.
- Rake up your leaves off your lawn, and use them in the garden. The leaves can help overwinter pollinators, insulate the soil temperatures against fluctuations and offer a source of nutrients in spring.
Prune your Perennials
- Trim back perennials focussing on those that have finished blooming and are starting to die back.
- Use sharp, clean pruning shears to cut stems back to 1–2 inches above ground level, being careful not to damage the crown.
- Remember some plants can provide winter interest so don't cut back everything!
Mulch
- Spread organic matter over your garden beds to help lock in moisture and regulate temperature.
Protect your Plants
- Wrap more delicate plants with burlap or cover them with frost cloth when temperatures start to drop.
- For potted plants bring them indoors or into a sheltered area (like a garage).
Prepare your Tools
- Clean and sharpen your garden tools before storing them to prevent rust.
- Drain your irrigation system and/or outdoor faucets so water does not freeze in the pipes.
- Store hoses and watering cans indoors to prevent freezing and cracking.
- Pull out snow shovels and/or snow blowers and have them ready for that first snow fall!
- Tip: Don't forget to get your salt ready for your driveway and walkways.
Additional Tips:
- While you're outdoors cleaning your garden, now is a great time to put your Christmas lights up!
- Don't forget to put your winter tires on!
Frost
Plants that have been grown in a greenhouse or in the nursery under cover are often more vulnerable to frost when they are first transitioned outside, as they have become accustomed to the controlled environment of the greenhouse. Here are some strategies to help protect plants that have just been added to your gardens.
Know your last frost dates
In Ontario the last frost dates will vary depending on the specific region. Its always a good idea to monitor local forecasts
- Southern Ontario - 1st - 2nd week in May
- Central Ontario - 2nd to 3rd week in May
- Northern Ontario - 4th week in May - 1st week in June
Move your plants indoors
- Best way to protect them is too move them inside. This of course is only possible if you haven't already planted them. Those that are still portable like hanging baskets, urns and patio planters should be moved to your garage or shed on evenings that threaten frost.
Cover your plants
- Use frost blankets like old bedsheets, burlap or any light fabrics to cover vulnerable plants before the sun goes down. Make sure the covering extends all the way to the ground and is secure, this will trap the heat and provide excellent protection on frosty mornings.
- Another clever way to cover your plants can be using your empty plant containers left over from plantings. Larger ones like 10 and 15gallon pots flipped over would make excellent temporary greenhouses for smaller perennials and shrubs.
- No matter what your strategy is you want to be sure to uncover your plants during the day to allow sunlight and air circulation.
Wait until the threat of frost has passed
- Waiting until your last frost date has passed to plant may be the best way to be safe although getting a head start on your garden has it's advantages too.
- Most of the plants from our growers will be hardened off and will be climatized. Tender annuals, tropical plants and smaller seedlings with fresh new growth are more susceptible to frost damage. Hardy perennials, shrubs and trees may be more resilient to light frosts.
Heat
It’s never too late to think about adding new plants to your garden. While planting in hot weather may not be ideal, it doesn’t mean you can’t! Plants will do better planted in the ground vs in their pots waiting for better weather. With a little extra care you can plant all summer long.
What temperature is a heat wave?
According to the Government of Canada, in Ontario there are multiple zones when heat warnings are issued for daytime maximum temperature:
- Southern Ontario - 31° (40° with humidity)
- Northern Ontario - 29° (36° humidity)
Best times to plant
During heat waves you can opt to wait for the worst of the hot days to pass (making sure to continue to water the pots) or you can do the following:
- Plant when it is overcast: having some cloud cover will reduce the amount of direct sunlight.
- Plant early morning or at night: the air tends to be cooler and less intense. You want to avoid the peak heat at midday.
- Wait for just after or during the rain: this will help cool the plant and keep the soil hydrated.
Hydrate thoroughly
Water your plants thoroughly before planting to ensure they are well-hydrated. Soak the soil once planted to reduce transplant shock and provide ample moisture for new roots to establish.
Amend the soil
Add organic matter to the soil to help improve its water retention.
Add shade
Use temporary shade cloth or an umbrella to help protect new plants from direct sunlight for the first few days.
Mulch generously
Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of plants. Mulch helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weed competition.
Monitor and adjust
Water newly planted areas deeply and consistently making sure to water the soil and not the foliage. Keep an eye on your plants for signs of stress such as wilting or yellowing leaves. Adjust watering schedules and provide additional shade if necessary.