During the winter period, even the most hardy plants find it difficult to endure frost, especially in these recent years, when the climate has changed a lot and the weather has become quite unpredictable. Every year it becomes more and more difficult to find the most suitable protection for plants from winter frosts and other disasters.
This article suggests some ways to shelter plants for your favorite green pets. One of the best covering materials is spruce branches. What it is? Find out about this and more here.
Protection of garden plants in winter: results, consequences
Most of the plants (perennials) in the garden are able to overwinter without additional shelters because they are already well adapted to the climate of the region.
But there are species that are not very resistant to various vagaries of the weather, the care of which is necessary: all types of roses (except for park roses), clematis (bloom on old shoots), lilies, phloxes, peonies, etc.
It should be remembered that excessive care can also lead to the death of the plant. It has been noticed that the bulk of roses die just not from frost, but from dampness. Spruce branches for sheltering roses are the best way to preserve them in frosty winters. Unpleasant consequences occur when plants cover too early in the fall, and, on the contrary, open late in the spring.
Also, the plant may die from a sudden change in temperature.
It is the unpredictable unstable weather (sudden temperature changes), which is typical for most of Russia, that contributes to excessive freezing or waterlogging of the soil. In such cases, the root system rots and rots. And this leads to the death of the plant.
Methods of hiding
Before we talk in more detail about such a wonderful material as spruce branches for shelter, we will briefly consider the main ways to protect plants from frost.
1. One of the methods is hilling. This is the creation of a soil mound above the roots and carved remains of plant stems. Thanks to this method, plants are not so much protected from frost as such a soil relief is created around them, thanks to which melt waters go better in the spring season, and the plant itself is protected from wetting. Of course, it is best to pile up with humus, which has the greatest thermal insulation (low thermal conductivity) and does not cake due to its friability. And fertilizer is good for the plant.
2. Coniferous spruce branches (spruce and pine) are one of the best covering materials for any plants. He protects them not only fromsevere frosts, but also from numerous rodents constantly striving to feast on plants.
3. Fallen leaves are also an excellent covering material. It protects the soil well from the very first cold weather, and is also an excellent food for earthworms that increase soil fertility.
4. Covers made of non-woven materials serve as protection for coniferous plants, but only in countries with little snowy winters. In Russia, with large temperature fluctuations and numerous snowfalls and even rains, such covers must be used very carefully.
Snow, expanded clay, peat are also good materials that protect against frost.
Lapnik: what is it, features, types
In fact, spruce branches are not very good at keeping heat in. The passage of air through its branches is free and in the most frosty weather they protect the plant mainly from strong winds.
One of the advantages of spruce branches as a covering material is the prevention of contact with ice crust and wet snow. It also guarantees protection from the effects of the sun's rays, creates excellent ventilation and air access to the roots of the plant.
The main feature of spruce branches is that it does not rot, and does not contribute to the reproduction of harmful microorganisms and fungi.
It should be remembered that coniferous branches should be harvested in autumn, when cold weather sets in and the first snows fall. Usually spruce branches are used to shelter the most valuable and capricious plants.
Pine and spruce branches serve not only to cover the plant. Decorative spruce is used for some original design solutions. This species is selected with special requirements: its length is greater; it should not crumble much; made from pine and spruce branches. They often make beautiful LED garlands for various holidays.
Shelter for roses
Mainly spruce branches are used to cover roses. What it is, almost all gardeners and flower growers know.
But, it is important to note that the most reliable options for protecting roses in winter are fundamental shelters (wooden or metal frames are used, sheathed with thick cardboard, mineral wool, plywood, slate or board and covered with foil). You just need to leave a place that can be easily opened for ventilation during the thaw period.
Spruce for roses
The easiest way to cover roses for the winter is spruce branches. What it is? How to do it right?
Climbing roses must first be carefully removed from the support without damaging the lashes (in warm climates, you can leave it on). You can cut off old, damaged and diseased branches (if there are more than 10). Climbing branches are laid on spruce branches and covered with it. In the case when the branches are not removed from the support, the plant is covered directly on it with spruce branches, with the branches fixed with a cord and wrapped over them with agrofibre.
Standard roses carefully bend over and pin down. Also, the base is spudded, and the crown and the grafting site are sprinkled with earth, and also completelythe plant is covered with spruce branches.
In closing
Many people know about spruce branches, which is the most common (due to availability) means of protection for sheltering many perennials from adverse winter weather conditions. However, it is important to remember that such material should be collected only from he althy coniferous plants and only where it can be done.
