Flower plants prepare for the winter by wilting and losing leaves; others dry out and grow again when spring comes. However, some flowers do well in the winter and require special care. Here are some tips to follow when handling flowers that bloom during winter.
Mulch the plants
When the snow falls, it compresses the soil, affecting flowers that bloom during winter. It leaves the roots that are not deep in the ground bare. To prevent the roots from getting exposed, mulch around your plants with dried leaves and straw.
Ensure that you have a thick layer of mulch around the plant. The leaves, straws, and sticks will also regulate the temperature on the ground. It will also preserve the moisture in the soil and ensure the roots are protected from the heavy snow.
Add fresh manure
The roots grow slower during winter because of the chilling conditions that cause the soil to harden and crack. For the plants to grow, you need to ensure that the earth is soft so the roots can grow.
Add manure from a nursery or find compost from animal waste with living organisms to aerate the soil. Decomposed animal waste or manure has earthworms that ensure the soil is porous and soft so roots can quickly grow.
Add manure after two weeks and check the soil weekly to ensure it is not dry. You can add fertilizer to the manure for better results and faster growth. DAP and NPK fertilizers help plant growth and allow the plant to produce many flowers.
Water the plants
If your flower garden is outside, reduce watering plants. Before you water the flowers, do a test by placing your fingers two inches in the soil. During the winter, water in the soil can damage the plant if you water plants that don’t have proper drainage.
Excess water causes the roots to rot and kill your flowers. Always check if the soil is dry before you water the plants. If you have indoor flowers, ensure to give them enough water after every two days.
Remove extra snow from the plants
Flowers that bloom during winter are accustomed to low temperatures. You can let the snow fall but check on the plants if there is too much snow. Remove the excess snow from the leaves, starting from the leaves at the bottom.
The snow will inhibit the leaves from breathing. Start from the bottom so you don’t break the leaves below with falling snow.
Remove seasonal plants
Seasonal plants that bloom in the spring and summer may not survive winter conditions. Remove them or prune the dried plants before winter comes. It ensures that they don’t get diseases because of the cold temperature.
Check on pests and insects
Look for pests and insects in your garden and use insecticides or pesticides. It will ensure that the flowers bloom without interference.
Take the indoor plants for sunlight
If you have indoor flowers, take them outside for fresh air and sunlight after two days. You can also place them next to a window to receive sunlight. Another tip is to rotate the plant to ensure it gets sunlight is all sides.
Final words
Caring for plants that bloom in the winter is easy as long as you know how to. Use the tips and tricks to ensure your flowers thrive in cold winter. If you want winter flowers, search for florists that can recommend the right flowers to grow in your garden.