GROWING FOR SUCCESS

The failure of plants to mature completely before the heavy frosts of winter is one of the main factors affecting hardiness. Besides selecting suitable plants, there are some cultural practices that may be followed that will help increase the variety of plants that you will be able to grow.

Incorrect fertilizer applications and over watering are two cultural practices that may delay plant maturity. Fertilizer should not be applied to trees and shrubs without first having a soil test done. Over-fertilizing or fertilizing too late in the season will encourage the plant to continue to grow vigorously, and the hardening off process may not take place in time for the new buds to mature before winter. Watering too much in the fall or having a poorly drained soil that allows water to accumulate around the roots will also force late season growth. Our worst experiences with winter damage have been in years when we have had heavy rains in the fall. No water should be applied after July unless it is exceptionally dry.

Fluctuating winter temperatures are very damaging to plants. Anything that you can do to moderate the freezing and thawing cycles a tree may face during the winter months will help that tree survive. Planting your tree or shrub where it is shaded from direct winter sun is one way to offer protection. Watering the trees LATE in fall once the ground has begun to freeze and the trees have entered their dormant period will help to keep the roots cool and keep the tree in a dormant state during warm periods in the winter. Applying a heavy mulch over the frozen soil will also help to moderate temperatures. These practices will help to keep leaf and flower buds from breaking too early in the spring, before danger of heavy frosts has past. These are only a few examples of things that can be done to help plants to thrive in a prairie orchard.

Winter sun that is allowed to shine directly on the south or southwest side of the trunk may cause frost cracks or sunscald. To prevent this from happening, provide some protection on the south and west side by fencing or planting some trees or shrubs. If it is not practical to provide shade then the trunk may be wrapped with burlap or some other material. Do not use plastic for wrapping as it can create a greenhouse effect,

Amanda Chedzoy

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