Preparing Your Vertical Garden For Winter
It’s no secret that Winter can present some challenges for vertical gardens and those maintaining them for obvious reasons, but with the right strategies, is for sure possible. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you maintain your vertical garden during the cold winter months:
Choose Cold-Hardy Plants: Opt for plants that can withstand colder temperatures. Some options include kale, spinach, certain varieties of lettuce, Swiss chard, and winter herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage thrive in cold environments.
Protect from Frost: If your area experiences frost, consider covering your vertical garden with a frost cloth or fabric during the night to shield plants from the cold.
Consider Indoor Options: Depending on the severity of your winter, you might want to bring some of your PLANTPOCKETS™ grow bag and other potted plants indoors. You can create an indoor vertical garden near a sunny window to provide enough light.
Mulch and Insulate: Mulching the soil in your vertical garden can help regulate soil temperature and protect plant roots. You can use materials like straw, shredded leaves, or wood chips. Additionally, insulate the back of the vertical garden against cold walls to minimize temperature fluctuations.
Adjust Watering: Plants typically need less water during winter because of reduced evaporation rates. Check the moisture level in the soil before watering to avoid overwatering, which can be detrimental to plants in colder temperatures.
Supplemental Lighting: If your outdoor vertical garden doesn’t get enough sunlight, consider adding supplemental grow lights to provide sufficient light for plant growth.
Monitor and Maintain: Regularly check your plants for signs of stress, such as wilting or discoloration. Prune dead or damaged parts of the plants to promote healthy growth.
Wind Protection: If your vertical garden is exposed to strong winds, consider installing a windbreak to shield plants from harsh winter winds.
Rotate Plants: If certain plants seem to struggle in a particular location, try moving them to a different spot in the vertical garden to see if they fare better.
Remember, the specific needs of your vertical garden will depend on your location’s climate and the types of plants you’re growing. Adjustments and adaptations might be necessary as you observe how your garden responds to winter conditions.
