How To Make DIY Plant Covers for Winter

When winter approaches, protecting your cherished plants from frost and snow helps them survive until the spring. DIY plant covers offer an effective and affordable solution to shield your garden during harsh weather. This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook shows various methods to create protective covers for different types of plants, ensuring they thrive through the cold months.

*Unless otherwise noted, costs in this article reflect an average of prices that our team found from hardware stores like Lowes and Home Depot, and on Amazon.com.

Understanding the Importance of Winter Plant Protection

Harsh winter conditions can severely damage or kill sensitive plants. Frost, snow, and cold winds can cause leaf burn, stem dieback, and even root damage. By using protective covers, you can maintain consistent temperatures around your plants, shield them from heavy snow and ice accumulation, and reduce moisture loss due to winter winds. 

Properly protected plants have a better chance of surviving the winter and thriving in the spring.

Materials for DIY Plant Covers

Before you begin creating your plant covers, gather the necessary materials. The type of cover you choose will depend on the size and variety of your plants. Some common materials include:

• Burlap fabric
• Carriage bolts
• Dried tree leaves
• Jute twine
• Metal-framed fabric plant tents
• Plastic tent stakes
• Plywood
• 2×4 lumber
• Decking screws

Types of DIY Plant Covers

You can shield your plants during the winter with these DIY solutions: 

A-Frame Plant Protector

The A-frame plant protector is an excellent option for medium-sized shrubs and plants. This design prevents snow and ice buildup on top of the plant.

To build an A-frame protector:

1. Cut plywood panels and 2×4 legs to size.
2. Connect the 2×4 legs at the top with carriage bolts.
3. Attach plywood panels to the legs using 1 1/4-inch decking screws.
4. Position the A-frame over the plant.
5. Secure the structure by driving 12-inch-long 2×4 stakes beside each frame leg.
6. Fasten the stakes to the legs with 3-inch decking screws.

This method prevents heavy snow from damaging your plants by providing a strong barrier.

Fabric Plant Tent

For larger shrubs like rhododendrons, a fabric plant tent offers a less obtrusive solution. These tents are commercially available and easy to set up.

To set it up, open the tent to reveal its steel rod frame. Place the tent over the shrub and make sure it’s centered. Secure the tent to the ground using plastic stakes. The mesh material of these tents allows air and moisture to circulate, preventing the plant from drying out during winter while still protecting it from harsh conditions.

Burlap Wrap for Roses

Rose bushes require special protection due to their delicate nature. Here’s how to create a burlap wrap:

Steps for creating a burlap wrap:

1. Tie up the rose bush with jute twine to compact its shape.
2. Drive 1-inch-square wooden stakes into the ground around the bush.
3. Staple burlap fabric to the stakes, creating a protective barrier.
4. Fill the enclosure with a thick layer of dried tree leaves for insulation.
5. Complete the wrap by stapling the final section of burlap.

This method protects the entire plant, including the important graft union at the base, from winter damage.

Quick Tips for Evergreen Protection

Evergreens often can withstand harsh conditions but may benefit from additional protection in especially windy areas. For smaller evergreens, burlap wraps can provide the extra protection you need without much hassle.

To protect evergreens, wrap them loosely with burlap fabric. Then, secure the burlap with twine, but don’t bind the plant too tightly. Monitor the plant throughout the winter to adjust the wrap as necessary.

Tips for Effective Plant Protection

To maximize the effectiveness of your DIY plant covers, keep the following tips in mind:

• Install covers before the first frost.
• Check that all covers are securely fastened to withstand winter winds.
• Leave some space between the cover and the plant to allow air circulation.
• Remove covers on warmer days to prevent overheating.
• Check plants periodically for signs of damage or disease.

Considerations for Different Plant Types

Not all plants require the same level of protection. Consider the following when planning your winter garden care:

• Container plants: Move to a sheltered area or wrap the entire container.
• Evergreens: Often hardy, but may benefit from burlap wraps in windy areas.
• Newly planted shrubs and trees: Provide extra protection during their first winter.
• Perennials: Many can be protected with a thick layer of mulch.

Tailor your protection methods to the specific needs of each plant in your garden, ensuring they all receive the care they need.

Additional Tips for Winterizing Your Garden

Winterizing your garden involves more than just protecting the plants themselves. Consider these additional tasks:

• Mulching: Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of plants to insulate roots and retain moisture.
• Watering: Water plants well before the ground freezes to ensure they have enough moisture throughout winter.
• Pruning: Prune dead or diseased branches to prevent breakage from snow and ice.
• Fencing: Erect temporary fencing around vulnerable plants to protect from hungry wildlife.

These steps will help create a more comprehensive winter protection plan for your garden.

Simple Solutions for Large Gardens

If you have a large garden or multiple plants to protect, consider these simple solutions:

• Group plants together: Place pots and containers close together and cover them with a large tarp or frost blanket.
• Use cold frames: Constructing simple cold frames can provide a controlled environment for many plants.
• Invest in quality materials: Using durable materials like heavy-duty fabric and solid stakes increases the effectiveness and lifespan of your plant covers.

These methods can simplify the winterization process, making it manageable even for large gardens.

Monitoring and Adjusting Garden Protections

Winter weather can be unpredictable, so it’s important to regularly check your garden and adjust protections as needed. Keep an eye out for:

• Snow accumulation: Clear snow from covers to prevent them from collapsing.
• Temperature fluctuations: Remove or adjust covers on unusually warm days to prevent overheating.
• Signs of pests: Check for any evidence of rodents or insects seeking shelter in your plant covers.

Being proactive throughout the winter ensures that your protections remain effective.

Our Conclusion

DIY plant covers are an effective and economical way to protect your garden from winter damage. By using the right method for each plant type and following proper installation techniques, you can help your garden survive the cold months and thrive when spring arrives. With these protective measures in place, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy a beautiful, healthy garden year after year.

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