From the Ground Up: Still time to help plants weather winter well

Q: Is it too late to protect my plants this winter? What do I do to protect them?

A: Winter hit us hard and fast this year, and it's officially weeks away. But you can still take some measures to protect tender plants this winter. Use any breaks in the weather to get out in your yard.

All plants, including perennials, shrubs, and conifers, should be watered regularly in fall, up until the time the ground freezes. Watering is especially important to evergreens planted in the last two or three years, to prevent winter burn. You can also prevent moisture loss in evergreens by erecting a shield or screen to deflect drying winds or shade plants in winter. A simple screen can be constructed with wooden posts and burlap.

Tender plants can also be covered, with mulch or soil, to keep them warm. For example, you can apply mulch to strawberry beds or garden chrysanthemums to protect them through the winter.

Prepare roses for winter when plants are dormant after exposure to two or three hard frosts. Most roses grown in Iowa need protection. For bush roses, start by removing leaves and other debris from around the plant. Then loosely tie the canes together with twine and cut tall canes back to 2 ½ to 3 feet. Then mound soil 10-12 inches high around the canes. Place additional material, such as straw or leaves, over the snow mound after the ground freezes, holding them in place with additional soil.

Barriers keep rabbits from your plants in winter. Chicken wire fencing or hardware cloth is the most effective way to prevent rabbit damage. The barrier needs to be high enough (24 to 36 inches) so the rabbits won't be able to climb over it after a heavy snow. Bury the bottom 2 to 3 inches below the ground or anchor it so the rabbits can't get underneath.

The weight of heavy, wet snow can cause considerable damage to small trees and shrubs. When heavy, wet snow accumulates on small trees and shrubs, gently shake the snow from their branches or carefully brush off the snow with a broom.

Finally, don't forget damage from de-icing salts. Use these salts prudently. Wait until the precipitation has ended and remove as much of the ice and snow as possible. Mix salt with abrasive materials, such as sand or Kitty Litter. Fifty pounds of sand mixed with one pound of salt works effectively.

A little care now is key to ensuring a better-looking garden in the spring. For winter gardening care call the Linn County Master Gardener Hortline at 319-447-0647.

' Jean Murray is a Linn County Master Gardener.