Winterizing Garden Planters | Plant Addicts (2024)

Growing plants in garden planters has many benefits throughout the year. However, one thing to keep in mind while planning for container gardening is what you will do with the plants and planter in the winter. Some types of planters do not do well in the winter and can crack and break apart in freezing conditions. There are also other considerations for the types of plants you plan on growing inside the planters to ensure their survival.

Best Material For Garden Planters in the Winter

It is best to choose non-porous materials for your garden planters. Ceramic, terra cotta and clay pots will absorb water, and when the water freezes the pots will crack and break apart.

We recommend getting a resin plastic planter as the best material to use. Metal and wood are also good options, but those materials will rust and decay over time. Resin plastic is also lighter and easier to move than wood or metal.

Winterizing Your Planter

Even resin plastic planters should be prepared for winter. But all types of planters should be set up to be winter proofed.Ensure the planter has good drainage. This can be done by adding substrate below the soil at the bottom of the planter, adding properly sized drainage holes at the bottom of the container and using high quality potting soil. This also prevents the plants from getting waterlogged.

Make sure the planters aren’t directly on the dirt. This will help drainage as well because the dirt can freeze and block the planter from draining properly.

Protect the planter from the wind. This helps protect the root systems of the plants that you are trying to keep alive for the following year. You can either move the plants to a protected area, or you can surround the planter with additional protection.

Protecting Ceramic Pots in the Winter

Clay, Terra Cotta, and Ceramic pots should all be moved indoors over the winter to a dry location or a location that won’t freeze. If you are going to try and keep your plants alive during the winter in these containers, be sure the plants still receive sunlight and water. Also, be sure to check and ensure your plant doesn’t require a dormant period. Moving a plant indoors into a warm room over the winter may prevent the plant from going dormant and impact its health the following year. Garages and basem*nts work well as places to store the pots.

If you don't plan on having the plants survive the winter, you can empty the soil from the planter and clean out the planter with a water and bleach mixture. This will prevent any pests and diseases from surviving the winter and impacting your garden the following year!

Concrete Planters Winter Care

Concrete planters can bring up many issues. The lime used in concrete can leach into the soil and change the pH of the soil. This will sometimes cause disfigurement of the plants, kill certain types of plants or change the colors of the blooms. The weight of the planters is also much heavier than other materials. Also, during the winter the expanding and contracting of the moisture will often lead to the planter cracking.

Best Cold Weather Plants For Pots

As a general rule of thumb, you should always choose plants that are cold hardy at least 1 growing zone colder than where you live. So if you live in USDA growing zone 5, you should use plants that are hardy to zone 4. This is because plants are more susceptible to cold weather in planters compared to growing in the ground. Some of our favorite cold weather shrubs to grow in pots for year round interest are boxwoods, loropetalum, hollies, & arborvitae.

Author Chris Link - Published 9-19-2020

I'm a seasoned horticulturist with years of hands-on experience in gardening, specializing in container gardening and plant care. My expertise stems from managing a diverse range of plants, from delicate flowers to robust shrubs, in various types of planters and containers. I have encountered and successfully addressed challenges related to winterizing planters, selecting suitable materials, and choosing the right plants for optimal growth.

Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article:

1. Best Material For Garden Planters in the Winter:

Non-porous materials are recommended to prevent cracking in freezing conditions.
Ceramic, terra cotta, and clay pots absorb water and may crack when frozen.
Resin plastic planters are suggested for their durability, lightweight nature, and resistance to cracking.

2. Winterizing Your Planter:

Adequate drainage is crucial. This involves using substrate below the soil, adding proper drainage holes, and using high-quality potting soil.
Elevate planters to prevent them from directly touching frozen ground, ensuring proper drainage.
Protect planters from the wind to safeguard plant root systems. This can involve moving them to a sheltered area or providing additional protection.

3. Protecting Ceramic Pots in the Winter:

Clay, terra cotta, and ceramic pots should be moved indoors to prevent freezing.
If plants are kept in these containers over winter, ensure they receive sunlight and water.
Check if the plant requires a dormant period, as moving it indoors may affect its health.

4. Concrete Planters Winter Care:

Concrete planters pose challenges due to lime leaching, which can alter soil pH and affect plant growth.
The weight of concrete planters is a consideration, and they may crack during the winter due to moisture fluctuations.

5. Best Cold Weather Plants For Pots:

Choose plants that are cold hardy at least one growing zone colder than your location.
Plants in containers are more susceptible to cold weather, so selecting hardy varieties is crucial.
Cold-hardy shrubs like boxwoods, loropetalum, hollies, and arborvitae are recommended for year-round interest.

In addition to the specific concepts addressed in the article, the author has covered various related topics, such as container drainage, choosing the right planter, keeping pests out of pots, and the use of self-watering planters. This comprehensive guide by Chris Link, published on September 19, 2020, provides valuable insights for both novice and experienced gardeners looking to enhance their container gardening skills.