How cold can garden plants tolerate once we shift from summer into fall? It all depends on the plant and its location. But for me, gardening in cold weather is not gonna happen.
I’ll Be Container Gardening Inside When It’s Cold
If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times — I’m like Goldilocks when it comes to gardening. I don’t like it too hot or too cold. The temperatures need to be just right for me to work in the garden comfortably. And we all know that’s just a pipedream since none of us can control the weather. Inevitably, we simply take what we get like it or not.
This is probably why spring is my favorite season, and autumn is a close second. Temperatures aren’t normally tilting towards one extreme or another. They’re generally comfortable and ideal for me to work in. Not too hot, not too cold. Goldilocks weather. But once the chill of winter starts showing its teeth with frigid temps, especially unexpectedly, I’m tapping out. That’s it for me folks. See ya later. I’ll be staying warm and snug while container gardening inside with my houseplants.
How cold can garden plants tolerate outside? More cold than me. My plants will be tucked in with leaf mulch and blissfully sleeping through the worst of it. Those not planted in the garden will be taking cover through winter in the greenhouse. The most tender, including all the houseplants that have enjoyed spring and summer outdoors, will be inside with me. It may not be the same as digging in the soil, dirt under my nails, or smelling the fresh air, but container gardening inside will at least give me that much needed fix. The need to tend plants, the need for green around me, the need for growing something”¦ anything.
I’ll be caring for tender plant cuttings, like coleus and basil, through the winter for spring planting. I’ll be starting new plants from scraps as unusual houseplants, like carrots, potatoes or pineapple. Others will find new life as additions to savory meals, such as green onions. There will be less room to move around throughout the forest of houseplants inside, but it will look and feel like the great outdoors. More importantly, it will not be too cold! Some like it hot. Some like it cold. Me? I like it just right.
