How to protect your orchard and garden from the cold: practical tips for winter preparation

Winter can be a challenge for the garden. Low temperatures, frost and cold winds can damage plants and structures, leaving their mark on your green space. However, with proper preparation, you can keep your garden protected and ready to face this season. In this guide we explain how to care for your plants and what steps to take to prepare your garden for the cold.

Why is it important to protect it from the cold?

Low temperatures not only slow plant growth, but can also cause irreparable damage to roots, leaves and even plant structure. In addition, frost can harden the soil, making it difficult to absorb water and nutrients.

Preparing the garden before the colder temperatures arrive is essential to ensure that your plants survive the winter in the best condition and are ready to sprout strong in the spring.

Steps to protect your orchard and garden from cold weather

1. Use mulch to protect roots.

Mulching is one of the most effective ways to protect plant roots from frost. You can use materials such as straw, dried leaves, tree bark or mulch. These create an insulating layer over the soil, maintaining a more stable temperature and reducing moisture loss.

2. Protect plants with thermal blankets

More delicate plants can benefit from thermal blankets or frost protection covers. These lightweight fabrics allow light and air to pass through, but create a barrier against intense cold. Be sure to secure them securely so they are not blown away by the wind.

3. Cover the pots and group them together.

Potted plants are more vulnerable to cold, as their roots are less protected. A good solution is to group the pots in a corner protected from the wind and cover them with burlap or blankets. If possible, place them on an insulating surface to avoid direct contact with the cold soil.

4. Water sparingly

Although plants need less water in winter, it is important to maintain adequate soil moisture. Water during the warmest hours of the day to prevent water from freezing and damaging the roots.

5. Prune and clean your garden

Winter is a good time to remove dead or damaged branches and fallen leaves. This not only reduces the risk of pests and diseases, but also allows the plants to concentrate their energy on the healthy parts.

6. Protects tree trunks

In areas where frosts are very intense, wrapping the trunks of young trees with burlap or insulating material can prevent cracks and damage to the bark.

Specific advice for each type of plant

• Perennials: Remove dry leaves and protect roots with a thick layer of mulch.
• Bulbs: Plant cold-hardy bulbs at the appropriate depth and cover them with mulch.
• Tropical or cold-sensitive plants: Consider moving them indoors or to a greenhouse.

Recommended tools and products

To prepare your garden effectively, these tools and products can be of great help:

• Thermal blankets: Perfect to protect the most delicate plants.
• Natural mulch: such as straw, dry leaves or pine bark.
• Burlap: Ideal for covering pots and tree trunks.

Information note: Bulk fertilizers for professionals and small farmers

If you are an agricultural professional or a small farmer interested in bulk fertilizers to prepare your garden or orchard for the winter, please contact us at tecnico@cultivers.es . We will be happy to advise you and offer customized solutions.