As winter begins, people start feeling the need for warm clothes and blankets, but plants kept on the home balcony also require special care. Especially the cold night winds and morning frost can damage plant leaves. This results in wilting plants, slowed growth, and sometimes negative effects on the roots.
If you have decorated your balcony with lush green plants, you should not leave them alone in winter. The good news is that you do not need to buy expensive covers or special gardening products to protect plants from the cold. Here are five easy ways to protect balcony plants from the cold while also reducing expenses.
Strong cold winds at night can be harmful to plants kept on the balcony, so it is essential to protect the plants from this cold air. To shield plants from direct blasts of cold air, place the pots near the wall of the balcony where the airflow is less direct. Choosing a spot that receives sunlight during the day will be more suitable, although it is important to ensure that the plants receive adequate light as needed.
It is better to keep the pots grouped together rather than keeping them separate. Grouping plants together can provide them with some protection from the cold wind. Doing this, especially at night, creates a safe area around the plants. It is important to note that the pots should not be placed so close that the air circulation is completely stopped.
The tile or cement floor can be quite cold in winter. In this situation, the pots can be placed on wooden pallets, pot stands, or any high and sturdy surface. Doing this reduces the direct contact of the pot with the floor. Ensure that water does not accumulate under the pot.
Often, the roots of the plants are more susceptible to sudden cold than their leaves. To deal with this problem, jute sacks or old cloth can be wrapped around the outer part of the pot. This can help control rapid changes in soil temperature. If bubble wrap is used, it should only be placed outside the pot. Also, remember that the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot should not be blocked and water should not accumulate in the soil.
The process of laying a light layer of dry leaves, straw, or coconut husks over the soil of the plants is called mulching. This helps retain moisture in the soil and reduce sudden changes in temperature. A layer about 1 to 2 inches thick can be spread over the pot's soil. It is important to note that the mulch should not be placed directly against the plant stem and should not allow the soil to become excessively wet.