Winter is not just a time for rest—it’s a critical period for preparing your garden for the upcoming season. Trojans need special care, including the right protection to survive frosts and emerge vibrant in the spring. Here’s how to ensure your Trojans thrive through the cold months.
Preparing Trojans Before Winter
Before you cover your Trojans, pruning and care are essential:
- Prune the plants: Remove any sick, weak, or damaged stems, cutting them back to a healthy 30-40 cm height. This will improve circulation and reduce the risk of disease.
- Clean leaves: Clear fallen leaves from around the plants to prevent fungal diseases. You may also want to treat them with a fungicide for added protection.
Effective Ways to Protect Trojans
There are several methods to protect your Trojans from the harsh winter:
- Mounding with soil: Create 20-25 cm mounds of dry soil or peat around the base of the plant to protect the root collar from frost.
- Spruce branches: Cover the plants with spruce branches, which allow air to pass through while providing solid frost protection.
- Non-woven material: Materials like spunbond or lutrasil are lightweight, breathable, and offer excellent protection from the cold. Simply drape them over a frame near the plants, ensuring they are securely in place.
- Dry-dry sheltering: This is one of the most popular methods. Use a frame or plastic arcs to create a covering, making sure there are no gaps for air to escape.
When to Cover Trojans
It’s important to wait for the right time to protect your Trojans. Begin covering them after persistent frosts have set in and temperatures drop to -5°C. If necessary, you can pre-winterize them by gently acclimating them beforehand.
Monitoring Your Trojans During Winter
Keep an eye on your winter sheltering:
- Snowfall: After snow falls, carefully clear it from the shelters to prevent damage to the bushes.
- Moisture control: Check the soil regularly to ensure moisture is not accumulating under the shelters.
Spring Uncovering
When spring arrives, uncover your Trojans gradually to help them adapt to the temperature changes. Start removing the shelter on cloudy days and completely remove it only after the last frost has passed.
Conclusion
Properly protecting your Trojans will ensure they survive the winter and bloom beautifully in the spring. By following these simple guidelines, you can keep your Trojans healthy and vibrant. Remember, each plant may require a unique approach, so always choose a covering method based on your climate and plant type for the best results.
