Myth:- According to Andrew Halstead, Principal Scientist at the Royal Horticultural Society, there is a common belief among gardeners that a cold winter is good for killing off pests. Unfortunately there is little evidence that this is true. He says it is more likely that cold winters will kill insectivorous birds, so that come the spring, there are fewer predators to eat the insects.
Most native insects are able to survive colder temperatures than those we have had recently. In fact a mild winter can be more harmful as it encourages insects to become active and use up their food reserves too early.
Truth:- Anyone who didn't get around to protecting their borderline hardy plants last fall (i.e. myself) has been caught out this winter and will have lost their plants. There go my figs and clematis armandii.
Truth:- It is imperative to knock snow off evergreen conifers or plants with wide-spreading branches such as Viburnum plicatum 'Mariesii' as soon as possible. This prevents the weight breaking branches. More snow is predicted tomorrow into Thursday. Out I go with my broomstick!
Most native insects are able to survive colder temperatures than those we have had recently. In fact a mild winter can be more harmful as it encourages insects to become active and use up their food reserves too early.
Truth:- Anyone who didn't get around to protecting their borderline hardy plants last fall (i.e. myself) has been caught out this winter and will have lost their plants. There go my figs and clematis armandii.
Truth:- It is imperative to knock snow off evergreen conifers or plants with wide-spreading branches such as Viburnum plicatum 'Mariesii' as soon as possible. This prevents the weight breaking branches. More snow is predicted tomorrow into Thursday. Out I go with my broomstick!
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