Before First Frosts: How to Protect Plants in Pots (incl Begonia, Salvia, Dahlia), by Rosy Hardy Gardening on YouTube. 28 min 51 s.
- Video length
- 28 min 51 s
- Time to do it
- 1 hour
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 7
What you need
Steps
Sort your pots into two groups: hardy plants that can stay outside and half-hardy ones like pelargoniums, begonias, dahlias, succulents and salvias that need protection.
Move tender pots to a frost-free, well-lit spot such as a greenhouse, porch or cool garage. Keep them away from radiators and dark corners.
For pots staying outside, take off the saucers so water can drain freely. Raise each pot on feet or bricks so it does not sit in a puddle.
Cut back the top growth of tender plants you are storing. Leave a short stem on dahlias and salvias so you can see where the crown is.
Wrap the pots of sensitive plants in bubble wrap or fleece, covering the sides but leaving the top open for airflow.
Check stored plants every few weeks. Water sparingly only if the compost is dry, and remove any rotting leaves or tubers.
Keep dahlia tubers in barely damp compost in a cool, frost-free place. Label each pot so you know what to expect in spring.
Tips and common mistakes
Good ventilation matters as much as warmth, so never seal pots in plastic or bags.
Wet compost kills more container plants in winter than cold does, so always improve drainage first.
Do not cut dahlias right to the ground before storing, as the hollow stem can let water into the crown.
Check stored tubers monthly and cut away any soft or mouldy patches straight away.
Questions
Can I leave dahlias in pots outside over winter?
Only in mild areas. In most places the tubers will rot or freeze, so lift them or move the pots into a frost-free shed or garage.
How often should I water plants in winter?
Very little. Water only when the compost feels dry, roughly every few weeks, and never let pots stand in water.
Do I need to cut back begonias and pelargoniums?
Yes, trim the top growth before storing so the plant rests. Leave a few centimetres of stem and keep the compost on the dry side.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
