Having experience our first frost, I decided to take the hint and prepare the fruit trees that are planted in tubs for winter.
In a 'normal' winter maybe the trees would be fine without any additional protection but our climate is nothing if not unpredictable so I prefer to play it safe.
I've wrapped at least two layers of bubblewrap around each of the pots and tied it in place with string.
Let's hope that does the trick and the trees repay me by provided us with some delicious fruits next year!
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I should really do the same with mine. Do you leave them outdoors or move them in to the greenhouse? The information which came with my little peach tree said that it's winter hardy, but it's small enough to move in to the greenhouse so I will do, but the rest of the trees will have to take their chances outdoors.
ReplyDeleteWe leave them outdoors, Jo. The peach tree was out during the really cold winter
DeleteVery sensible forward planning Sue, the last few winters have been very cold.
ReplyDeleteThe problem is you never know when a bad frost is likely, David and I wanted a dry day for the task.
DeleteBetter safe than sorry. Rumour has it, it's going to be a hard winter this year too.
ReplyDeleteIt is Jessica but to be honest I don't think they know what will happen 'til it does. OI think they play it safe so people can't complain that they had no warning
DeleteI have no idea about winter planting. I think it's so interesting
ReplyDeleteIt would be strange to have no winter Endah.
DeleteI think this should work quite well for you. It would not do here as our winter are too severe. If it did not work for you, you could try making a box with foam rigid insulation. It is cheap, easy to cut and one inch thick is the equivalent of a foot of soil.
ReplyDeleteShould be OK Alain as it got the peach tree through one of our worst winters
DeleteI usually do this will most of my pots - this year, I'm saving myself the bother (far too many) - I've tucked them up against a sunny wall. That said, a few shrubs have been given the bubble wrap treatment and should be adequate.
ReplyDeleteI too was spurred into action by the first frost.
I only had six to do Angie so it didn't take long at all
DeleteSue, I do the same covering my roses with special cloth. Will you plant your trees in ground in spring or stay them potted?
ReplyDeleteThey are going to stay in pots Nadezda
DeleteIt usually pays to be prepared. No frost here as yet but the temperatures have gone well down this week with 1 lot of hailstones.
ReplyDeleteWe have had a couple of morning mild frosts, Rooko. Can you have a mild frost?
DeleteWe'll be doing the same this weekend Sue. I left many of my potted fruit trees out all last winter because I'd gotten to the point where I didn't care what happened to them - they survived despite not being covered and now this year I actually want to keep them alive so it's guaranteed that if I leave them out they again they won't lol. All the pots of flowers will be coming in too - it's bare garden season :(
ReplyDeleteIt is more if we have a winter like the one before last that they could suffer isn't it Linda? I think it's the constantly freezing temperatures that cause the damage. Maybe last year you were lucky.
DeleteYou're right, you can't count on things surviving. I've lost a peach and an apricot, both in pots, over the winter before now. The bubble wrap looks like it will do the job though. You are very organised I think! Hope you both have a lovely weekend.
ReplyDeleteThank you CJ. WE spent Saturday in the Dales.
DeleteI hope my newly-revived Bay trees will be OK... I have put my little Fig tree in the garage next to the window, but the Bays are too enormous to get the same treatment.
ReplyDeleteThat bubble-wrap stuff has done a lot to make our lives easier. In the old days it would have been layers of hessian.
You can get sort of fleecy pillowcase shaped coverings to pop over plants to protect them, Mark. Would it be worth getting a couple to just pop over the bays if they forecast a harsh frost?
DeleteSmart move Sue, I hope they repay you with an abundance of fruit next year.
ReplyDeleteI really hope so too Janet!
DeleteThis is a good reminder for me to do the same with mine!xxxx
ReplyDeleteGlad to be able to give the prompt, Snowbird
ReplyDelete