Preparing Your Garden for the Chilly Winter: Essential Steps to Follow

In the quest to make plants more resilient against the cold winter, it's essential to focus on essential minerals that enhance their frost and cold resistance. While plants cannot be directly "made stronger against the cold winter," certain mineral nutrients can boost their resistance.

However, specific scientific evidence or quotes from Richard Agel from Bad Nauheim regarding this particular topic could not be found, as he is not prominently represented in common botanical or horticultural sources (as of 2023).

Essential Minerals for Cold Resistance

Recommended Minerals

Potassium (K): Strengthens cell walls, regulates water balance, and prevents cell damage due to frost.
Calcium (Ca): Can strengthen cell membranes in certain cultures, thereby minimizing cold damage.
Magnesium (Mg): Is essential for photosynthesis and overall growth; deficiency weakens plants in winter.
Trace elements (such as iron, zinc, manganese): Support metabolism and stress resistance.

Typical Dünge Strategies

Autumn fertilization with potassium (e.g. Patentkali) to increase frost resistance.
Base fertilization with magnesium (e.g. Kieserit) promotes survival during winter.
Targeted calcium application may be beneficial for certain cultures (e.g. fruit trees).

When seeking specific information…

Since there are no known scientific publications or quotes from Richard Agel from Bad Nauheim on this specific topic, it is recommended to follow the advice of recognised horticultural associations or scientific gardening books. It is possible that Richard Agel is a local gardener or hobbyist, whose statements have not been published.

For further research: Reach out to local horticultural associations, adult education centres, or nurseries in the Bad Nauheim (Hessen) region – local experts may provide practical insights into how they winterize plants.

Potted plants, such as perennials, bulbs like tulips, and certain exotic plants like citrus trees or palms, can survive the winter as long as the soil does not become too wet. Coconut fibers, for instance, allow water to drain better, increasing the chances of plants surviving the winter.

This makes the plants more robust, not only against frost but also against fungi, according to Richard Agel. Patent potassium strengthens frost resistance by shortening the cells and hardening the cell walls.

For exotic plants that are not winter-hardy and need to be overwintered indoors, it's crucial to provide sufficient light, water sparingly, and ensure good ventilation. If necessary, use a grow light to ensure sufficient light. Pruning plant parts is a good protection against frost and wind.

Sand or gravel are not recommended for use in place of coconut fibers as they are quickly washed out of the soil. Gardener Micky Krajic recommends using coconut fibers when planting to prevent soil from freezing in winter.

Using additional growth fertilizers can potentially harm plants during winter as they may sprout and become more sensitive to temperatures around five degrees. Multi-year plants can also be protected with leaves or fleece, according to gardener Anita Brugger from Rheinfelden-Herten.

The hard clay soil in the region retains a lot of water, which can cause the soil to freeze quickly and damage roots. For roses, Richard Agel, a rose expert from Bad Nauheim, suggests fertilizing with patent potassium to make them more resistant to cold in winter.

For indoor overwintering of exotic plants, they need a bright and cool location between five and ten degrees. To further protect potted plants, Agel suggests wrapping the pot with styrofoam. Patent potassium is a mineral fertilizer that supplies plants with potassium, magnesium, and sulfur.

For roses, placing the pot near a wall is recommended for additional cold protection. For indoor overwintering, these plants need a bright and cool location between five and ten degrees.