Autumn and winter: caring for plants through the cold season

Which plants stay outside?

Separate hardy garden plants from tender container plants. Species, age and exposure all influence the decision. A sheltered courtyard differs from a windy balcony. Decide where each pot will spend winter before the first frost is forecast. Evergreen, deciduous and tropical plants have different starting requirements for light and temperature; one spare room will not necessarily suit them all.

Prepare containers and garden plants

Check that containers drain and stand securely. Roots deserve particular attention in pots left outside because the root ball is more exposed to cold than roots in garden soil. Suitable insulation and a sheltered position can help. Do not seal plants in airtight wrapping. Remove diseased material selectively and retain suitable healthy seedheads where you want winter structure.

Keep checking the winter quarters

Before moving plants indoors, inspect leaf undersides, shoots and pot rims for pests. Keep suspicious plants apart while you identify the problem. Continue checking light, temperature and root-ball moisture in the winter quarters. Water according to need rather than following a summer schedule. Evergreen plants still lose water; a cool position does not make them drought-proof.

Match feeding to actual growth

Potassium feeding cannot replace a suitable winter position or make tender plants frost-hardy. Feed only when the crop, season and product instructions fit. Resting plants have different needs from plants that continue growing under adequate light. If a plant looks weak, check its roots, watering and light before deciding that it needs more nutrients.

Return outdoors gradually

Care requirements often increase as days lengthen. Reintroduce overwintered plants gradually to direct sun and wind, as new foliage is vulnerable. Keep suitable protection available for cold spells. Decide when to prune or repot from the species and the plant's condition rather than relying on a calendar date alone.

Frequently asked questions