In the winter, even the most hardy plants can find it hard to tolerate frosts, especially in these last years, when the climate has changed a lot and the weather has become quite unpredictable. Every year, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find the most suitable protection for plants from winter frosts and other disasters.
This article offers some ways to plant shelter for your favorite green pets. One of the best covering materials is spruce branches. What it is? You can find out more about this and much more here.
Protection of garden plants in winter: results, consequences
Most plants (perennials) in the garden are able to winter without additional shelters because they are already well adapted to the climate of the region.
But there are species that are not very resistant to various weather vagaries, the care of which is necessary: all kinds of roses (except for park roses), clematis (bloom on old shoots), lilies, phloxes, peonies, etc.
It should be remembered that excessively strong care can also lead to the death of the plant. It is noticed that the bulk of roses dies just not from frost, but from aging. A rose hanger for sheltering roses is the best way to preserve them in frosty winters. Unpleasant consequences occur when plants take cover too early in the fall, and in the spring, on the contrary, open late.
Also, the plant may die from a sharp change in temperature.
It is the unpredictable unstable weather (sharp temperature changes), which is characteristic for most of the territory of Russia, that contributes to excessive freezing or overmoistening of the soil. In such cases, rotting of the root system and aging occurs. And this leads to the death of the plant.
Shelter Methods
Before we talk in more detail about such a wonderful material as a lapnik for shelter, we will briefly consider the main ways to protect plants from frost.
1. One of the methods is hilling. This is the creation of the soil mound above the roots and cut remains of the stems of the plants. Thanks to this method, plants are not so much protected from frost as they are created around them such a relief of the soil, thanks to which melt water leaves better in the spring season, and the plant itself is protected from getting wet. Of course, it is best to spud humus, which has the highest thermal insulation (low thermal conductivity) and does not cake due to its friability. And fertilizer is good for the plant.
2. Coniferous spruce branches (spruce and pine) - one of the best covering materials for any plants. He protects them not only from severe frosts, but also from numerous rodents, constantly striving to feast on plants.
3. Fallen autumn foliage is also an excellent covering material. It protects the soil well from the very first cold weather, and is also an excellent food for earthworms that increase soil fertility.
4. Covers made of non-woven materials serve as protection for conifers, but only in countries with little snowy winters. In Russia with large temperature differences and numerous snowfalls and even rains, such covers should be used very carefully.
Snow, expanded clay, peat are also good materials that protect against frost.
Lapnik: what is it, features, types
In fact, spruce branches are not very good at holding heat. Air passage through its branches is free and in the most frosty weather they protect the plant mainly from strong winds.
One of the advantages of spruce branches as a covering material is the prevention of contact with ice and wet snow. It also guarantees protection from exposure to the rays of the sun, creates excellent ventilation and air access to the roots of the plant.
The main feature of spruce branches - it does not lend itself to decay, and does not contribute to the propagation of harmful microorganisms and fungi.
It should be remembered that coniferous branches need to be harvested in the fall, when cold weather sets in and the first snow falls. Usually spruce branches are used to shelter the most valuable and moody plants.
Pine and spruce branches serve not only to cover the plant. Decorative lapnik is used for some original design decisions. This type is selected with special requirements: its length is longer; it should not crumble much; made of pine and spruce branches. Of these, beautiful LED garlands are often made for various holidays.
Shelters for roses
Mainly for the shelter of roses used spruce branches. What is it, almost all gardeners and flower growers know.
But, it is important to note that the most reliable options for protecting roses in winter are fundamental shelters (using wooden or metal frames, sheathed with thick cardboard, min. Wool, plywood, slate or board and covered with a film). Just leave a place that can be easily opened for ventilation during the thaw.
Lapnik for roses
It is easiest to cover roses with spruce branches for the winter. What it is? How to do it right?
First of all, curly roses must be carefully removed from the support without damaging the whip (in a warm climate you can not remove it). You can cut old, damaged and diseased branches (if there are more than 10). The braided branches are laid on the spruce branches and covered with it. In the case when the branches are not removed from the support, the plant takes refuge directly on it with a spruce, with the branches fixed with a cord and wrapped with agrofibre over them.
Stamp roses gently bend and pin. Also, the base spuds, and the crown and the place of grafting are sprinkled with earth, and also the plant is completely covered by spruce branches.
