Cold weather can be beneficial for managing outdoor plants and controlling pests, but it poses a serious challenge for the survival of newly planted seedlings. To ensure their safe wintering, proper care and management are essential. Here are some key practices to consider:
Winter is an ideal time to address pests and diseases that remain active during the colder months. Many plants enter a dormant state, making it a great opportunity to implement preventive measures effectively.
1. After pruning, remove dead leaves and cut off branches that show signs of insect infestation, such as wormholes, eggs, or adult pests. Clearing weeds and foliage helps eliminate overwintering sites for aphids and planthoppers. All removed plant material should be burned to prevent the spread of pests like larvae, cockroaches, scale insects, and leaf-eating bugs.
2. Carefully scrape the bark of trees, especially around cracks and crevices where pests may hide. Use a knife gently to expose the tender inner bark without causing damage. Place plastic sheets under the tree canopy to collect the scraped bark, which can then be treated or burned. Spraying the exposed areas with a 3–5 degree lime sulfur solution can help control scale insects and spider mites.
3. Painting tree trunks with a white wash helps protect them from sunscald and also eliminates pests hiding in the bark. The mixture includes 36–40 parts water, 10–20 parts quicklime, 1–2 parts salt, 2 parts clay, and 2 parts lime sulfur stock solution. Mix thoroughly and apply evenly, ensuring the coating isn't too thin.
4. Manually remove moth larvae that overwinter in pods attached to branches. These larvae often become visible after leaves fall, so collecting and burning them is an effective method of control.
For newly planted seedlings and plants not tolerant to cold, winter protection is crucial. Implementing proper cold-hardening techniques can significantly improve survival rates and promote healthy growth in the following season.
1. Cover low-growing plants like guava or dwarf shrubs with shade nets at night or during frost. This prevents direct contact with freezing temperatures and raises the temperature by 1–2°C. Adding a layer of plastic underneath the net enhances wind protection. Secure the cover with stones or bricks and remove it during the day. For taller plants, use shade nets to create a protective enclosure and lift them on sunny days to allow sunlight.
2. Wrap the trunks and large branches of plants like privet or Huangshan mountain with straw ropes. Wind the rope tightly around the trunk, creating a 10–20 cm wide layer to protect against freezing.
3. Water the soil around seedlings before it freezes. Water has a higher specific heat, absorbing more warmth during the day and helping to raise ground temperature. This reduces the risk of frost damage.
4. Apply organic fertilizers by digging 3–4 holes within the canopy, 50–100 cm deep. Use materials like horse manure or composted grass to generate heat and enrich the soil. Combine this with earth cultivation to form a small mound around the root neck, protecting it from frost.
Pruning should be done carefully during winter. For deciduous plants like roses or crape myrtle, delay pruning until spring when temperatures rise and buds begin to appear. This avoids frost damage. Evergreen plants, such as boxwood or dwarf cypress, can be pruned in winter to enhance appearance and reduce transpiration, improving their cold resistance.
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