Aubaid Ahmad Akhoon
Preserving a kitchen garden with flowers during winter requires serious preparation and sensitive care, but most of all, it needs an understanding of precisely how such plants react to cold. Winter is the time of year that slows down the rate of plant growth and tends to damage plants due to icy temperatures, freezing winds, morning frost, and shortened days. Proper application of appropriate techniques can keep your kitchen garden and flowers in healthy condition up to next spring.
First, one has to know the effects of winter on plants: scanty sunlight restricts photosynthesis, cold soil diminishes the activity of roots, and frost may destroy tender leaves and buds. The knowledge of the above facts helps in taking necessary precautions beforehand. Selection of cold-resistant plants is an important thing for winter gardening. Vegetables that grow well in low temperatures are spinach, methi, cabbage, cauliflower, carrots, beetroots, green peas, and lettuce. Flowers that bloom well in winters include marigold, petunia, pansy, calendula, chrysanthemum, and dahlia.
If you already have tender plants like tomato, chilli, basil, hibiscus, jasmine and bougainvillea, they need protection. One of the easiest ways is to shift potted plants to sheltered locations – sunny windows, verandahs, enclosed balconies or corners protected from strong winds. Keeping pots near walls helps because the walls absorb heat during the day and slowly release it at night. When bringing plants indoors is not possible, group a number of pots together to create a relatively warmer microclimate.
One of the best methods for winter care is mulching. Mulch is defined as a layer of material spread upon the soil for protection of roots from cold. Straw, dry leaves, grass clippings, coconut husk, wood shavings, and compost work well. A thick layer spread around each plant covers the whole surface of the soil. Mulching keeps the soil warm, checks evaporation, discourages weed growth, and shields the roots from freezing—hence giving your plants a very good chance of surviving winter.
Watering also requires special attention in winter. As the rates of evaporation are low, the soil remains wet for longer, and hence plants require less water. Overwatering causes root rot in cold and wet soil. Always check the topsoil with your fingers and water only when it feels dry. Water early in the morning so the plants have their whole day to absorb moisture before night temperatures fall. Never water late in the evening, as cold and wet soil invites fungal infections.
Frost protection is another very important part of winter care. It generally forms when the nighttime temperature has gotten very low, and with that low temperature, it forms ice crystals on leaves which can damage or kill tender plants. Protect the plants with cloth, jute sacks, cotton sheets, or frost cloth every night and uncover them in the morning to allow sunlight and air circulation during the day. Plastic must not be put directly onto leaves, because it will trap moisture and increase deterioration in the worst way. You can also build a temporary greenhouse or tunnel by using transparent plastic sheets in the very cold areas.
Fertilization during winters should be minimal. As the plants grow very slowly during cold weather, they don’t require being heavy-fed. Mild organic fertilizers of compost, vermicompost, or liquid manure at a dilution can be used once every three to four weeks. Strong chemical fertilizers scorch the inactive winter roots. Light pruning is also quite useful. Remove the dried leaves, faded flowers, and weak stems so that the plant may concentrate its energy on keeping healthy. This improves aeration and sunlight penetration, which in turn reduces pest and fungal problems.
Indoor herbs like mint, coriander, oregano, or thyme need special care during winter. Place indoor herbs at spots receiving plenty of sunlight and rotate every once in a while for symmetrical growth. Keep them away from heaters and radiators; this is because dry, hot air may damage the foliage. Provide good air circulation but do not expose the plants to cold drafts from windows and doors. Plant cold-tolerant flowering varieties to keep your garden colorful through winter.
This season, winter-flowering plants like marigold, pansy, and calendula will bloom with colors, attracting important pollinators. Flowers are best planted in well-draining soil combined with organic compost. Another thing to watch out for this winter is pests. The common ones include whiteflies and aphids. Occasionally check the underside of leaves and spray neem oil or light soapy water whenever needed.
Lastly, well in advance of the coming winter, prepare your garden for the season. Clean fallen leaves, remove debris, loosen the soil, and apply compost before extreme cold comes. Properly cared for-like judicious watering, mulching against possible frost, and sun management-your kitchen garden and flowers will survive the winter and thrive. Though winter gardening is very different in many ways, the reward from fresh vegetables and pretty blooms makes every effort well worth it.
(The author is a columnist and motivational speaker. He can be reached at [email protected])
