When Can I Put My Bedding Plants In The Winter

When Can I Put My Bedding Plants In The Winter?

Bedding plants add a splash of colour to our gardens and balconies in the summer months, but what do we do with them when the cold weather comes? Can we keep them going through the winter, or do we need to start all over again next year? The answer depends on the type of bedding plants you have.

Hardy bedding plants are those that can tolerate frost and cold weather. They can be planted in the fall and will survive the winter, coming back to life the following spring. Some examples of hardy bedding plants include pansies, violas, snapdragons and calendulas.

Half-hardy bedding plants are those that can tolerate light frost, but will need to be protected from the cold. They can be planted in the fall, but will need to be mulched or covered to protect them from the cold. Some examples of half-hardy bedding plants include petunias, geraniums and dahlias.

Tender bedding plants are those that cannot tolerate any frost. They must be brought indoors before the first frost and kept in a warm, sunny place. Some examples of tender bedding plants include impatiens, begonias and coleus.

If you live in a mild climate, you may be able to overwinter your bedding plants outdoors. However, if you live in a colder climate, you will need to bring your plants indoors. Here are some tips for overwintering your bedding plants:

Choose the right plants. Only hardy and half-hardy bedding plants can be overwintered outdoors. Tender bedding plants must be brought indoors.
Plant in the fall. Bedding plants that are planted in the fall will have time to establish themselves before the cold weather comes.
Mulch or cover your plants. This will help to protect them from the cold. Use a thick layer of mulch, such as straw or leaves, or cover your plants with a cloche or cold frame.
Water your plants regularly. Even though your plants are dormant, they will still need to be watered occasionally.
Bring your plants indoors. If you live in a colder climate, you will need to bring your tender bedding plants indoors before the first frost. Place them in a warm, sunny spot and water them regularly.

With a little care, you can overwinter your bedding plants and enjoy them again next year.