Victoria, BC, enjoys a milder climate compared to much of Canada, but winter protection for plants is still essential, especially for those more sensitive to cooler temperatures. Here are steps to protect your garden through the winter months:

1. Know Your Plants

Identify which plants in your garden are hardy and which are more sensitive to cold. Tropical plants, annuals, and some perennials might struggle with even mild Victoria winters. Knowing the hardiness of your plants will help you decide which need protection and which can fend for themselves.

2. Mulch Generously

Apply a thick layer of organic mulch, such as straw, leaves, or wood chips, around the base of plants, but not touching the stems directly. Mulch helps regulate soil temperature, protect roots from freezing, and retain moisture during colder months.

3. Wrap Sensitive Trees and Shrubs

Use burlap or tree wrap to protect sensitive trees and shrubs from cold winds and frost. Wrapping is particularly important for evergreens and plants with thin bark, which can suffer from windburn and sunscald.

4. Utilize Cold Frames and Cloches

For vegetable gardens and tender perennials, cold frames or cloches can offer protection from frost and extend the growing season. These structures trap heat from the sun, keeping the plants underneath warmer than the outside air.

5. Bring Potted Plants Indoors

If possible, move potted plants indoors or into a garage or shed where temperatures remain above freezing. Plants in pots are more susceptible to cold because their roots are less insulated than those in the ground.

6. Water Before a Freeze

Water your plants deeply before a forecasted freeze. Wet soil holds heat better than dry soil, providing extra warmth around plant roots. However, avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.

7. Prune Judiciously

While major pruning is best saved for late winter or early spring, removing dead or diseased branches before winter can help prevent damage from snow and ice accumulation. Be cautious not to prune too heavily, as this can stimulate new growth that’s vulnerable to freezing.

8. Cover Plants

For unexpected cold snaps, have burlap, frost cloth, or even old blankets ready to cover vulnerable plants. Remove the covers during the day to allow for sunlight and air circulation, and replace them if temperatures dip again at night.

9. Heel In Bare-Root Plants

If you have bare-root plants that you haven’t gotten in the ground, “heel them in” by burying their roots in a temporary mound of soil or compost to protect them from freezing until you can plant them permanently.

By following these steps, gardeners in Victoria can help ensure that their plants survive and thrive through the winter, ready to grow vigorously once warmer temperatures return in the spring.