Overwintering Shrubs In Pots

 

With cooler temps just around the corner, I thought I'd mention a word about growing and overwintering in pots. (This is my and my grandson's snowman silkie from a couple of winters ago 😄)
If you want to keep things like boxwood, smalller hydrangeas and roses in pots year round, a rule of thumb is that only those plants which are hardy to two zones below your growing zone, are safe in pots. If not, the roots could be damaged during extremely cold periods. When plants are in the ground,  the roots are protected, instead of having that cold air all the way around the root system. So for our zone 6b, zone 4 and lower varieties should be totally fine. Make sure that your potted plants are getting enough moisture during dry periods. Even with rain, potted plants don't get the same amount of water as those in the ground. Especially with evergreens like boxwood, if a super cold blast is due to come in, make sure the roots have moisture so the leaves are hydrated. Cold wind is desicating to the leaves. It dries the moisture out, and those leaves die from "cold burn." There's a product called Wilt Proof, that some people and nurseries use to protect broad leaf evergreens. I've used it on topiaries. It's a natural product that is a protective coating which helps prevent moisture loss.
Enjoy the cooler temps and relief from that awful heat!

Cheryl

Do Chickens Need Heat?

 

Snow On The Pumpkin

So, we're looking at dipping below freezing already this week..have you all done any winterizing yet? I got my large fowl moved to the farm and they love it, and the white silkies have moved in and are nestled in the "mini barn" now. I've been putting up plastic the last few days to block drafts and rain/snow. Deep bedding and adding just a little heat are almost done in each pen. I'm well aware of the debate about using supplemental heat lol, but my silkies and Satins, especially frizzles, need a little, and I'm hoping to keep their water from freezing. The lights are secured with chain and heavy wire and are out of reach..not hard to do with non flyers!
I'm going to experiment with this little portable greenhouse. I'm hoping to keep it above freezing at least and see if I can't grow some cool weather greens over the winter for the chickens. I've also got mouse poison secured to keep the nasty little varmits at bay. You've all heard me declare my hatred for mice and snakes lol.
Are you all ready to tread mud and watch your chickens from the window? You know, it would be fun to get a super cheap live cam and put in the coops..then we could still stay entertained by the fuzz balls over the winter.