Nursery Rows: Protecting Your Young Perennials Through the Winter
When it comes to growing perennials, especially in climates with harsh winters, many gardeners face a dilemma: how do you keep these delicate plants alive through the cold season? One technique that has stood the test of time is the use of nursery rows. A nursery row is a dedicated section of your garden where young or vulnerable plants can be temporarily housed while they grow stronger and more resilient. It’s like a safe haven, giving your plants the care they need until they’re ready to face the full brunt of the elements.
In my own garden, I’ve found nursery rows to be invaluable, especially for young perennials or tender plants. Here, I’ll take you through the ins and outs of setting up a nursery row, the benefits it offers, and how it can help you ensure your perennials make it through winter.
What is a Nursery Row?
A nursery row is essentially a “holding area” in your garden. It’s a place where you can temporarily plant young, delicate, or newly transplanted perennials. These rows are specifically designed to shield plants from harsh environmental conditions like wind, frost, or even overly wet soil.
Think of it as a daycare for plants—giving them the care they need while they develop. Once the danger of frost has passed or the plants have become more established, you can then move them to their permanent spot in the garden.
Why You Should Consider a Nursery Row
If you’ve ever lost a plant to frost or been disappointed by a perennial that just didn’t seem to thrive, you’ll appreciate the peace of mind that a nursery row can bring. In my experience, it’s an excellent way to safeguard your investment in your garden. Here are some of the key reasons why a nursery row might be a good idea for you:
- Protection from Elements: Winter can be brutal on young perennials. The shelter a nursery row offers can be the difference between life and death for many plants. If you’re curious about what perennials might be good candidates for your garden, check out this guide on the best perennial vegetables.
- Space Efficiency: You can plant much closer together in a nursery row than in a permanent spot. This allows you to maximize space in your garden while the plants grow stronger.
- Easy Access for Care: Since a nursery row is often a small, dedicated section of your garden, it’s easy to keep an eye on your plants. You can water, fertilize, and prune them regularly without having to traipse through your entire garden.
Setting Up a Nursery Row: A Step-by-Step Guide
The beauty of a nursery row is that it’s flexible. You don’t need to dedicate a large portion of your garden, and you can adjust the setup based on the plants you’re nurturing. Here’s how to create one in your own garden:
1. Choose the Right Location
Location is key for a nursery row. You want to find a spot that offers some natural protection from the elements. Ideally, this should be in an area that receives some sun but is sheltered from strong winds or frost pockets. If your garden has a southern exposure or a spot near a wall or fence, these can provide an excellent microclimate for your nursery row.
In my garden, I’ve placed the nursery row near the garage where it gets some morning sun but is shielded from the harsh afternoon wind. This little bit of protection has made a world of difference in keeping my young plants alive through the winter months.
2. Prepare the Soil
Next, you’ll want to prepare the soil in your nursery row. Since this area is going to be a temporary home for your plants, you want the soil to be as nutrient-rich and well-draining as possible. You don’t want water to pool around the roots, especially in cold weather.
I add compost and well-rotted manure to enrich the soil. This gives young plants a boost of nutrients to help them grow strong while they’re in the nursery row. If your soil tends to be heavy, consider adding some sand to improve drainage.
3. Plan for Close Planting
Unlike in their permanent homes, plants in a nursery row can be placed much closer together. This is one of the biggest advantages of using this technique. By planting them close, you maximize your garden space, and the plants can actually help protect each other from the wind by creating a sort of mini windbreak.
However, leave enough space for airflow to prevent disease. I typically space my plants about 6-8 inches apart, which works well for most perennials in their young stages.
4. Provide Temporary Protection
Even in a sheltered location, your young plants may need some extra protection during the coldest months. This can be as simple as using mulch to insulate the roots or as involved as setting up a low tunnel or cloche over the row to keep the frost off the foliage.
In my garden, I cover the nursery row with straw mulch when temperatures drop. If a particularly harsh frost is forecast, I’ll also throw a row cover or frost blanket over the top. This double layer of protection has kept my plants safe through many winters.
Caring for Plants in the Nursery Row
Once your nursery row is set up and your young plants are in place, the real work begins: keeping an eye on them and giving them the care they need. Here are a few tips for making sure your plants thrive in their temporary home:
1. Watering
Even though the weather is cooler, your plants will still need water. However, avoid overwatering, especially in cold months. Waterlogged soil can lead to root rot, which is a common killer of perennials.
I usually water my nursery row once a week, depending on the weather. If it’s particularly rainy, I’ll skip a week. Keep the soil slightly moist, not soggy.
2. Feeding
Your plants are still growing, even in the colder months, so don’t neglect feeding them. However, they won’t need as much fertilizer as they would in the spring or summer.
A light feeding with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the start of the winter season is usually enough to keep them going until it’s time to move them to their permanent spot in the garden.
3. Checking for Pests
Even in winter, pests can still pose a threat to your plants. Watch out for slugs, snails, and rodents.
Keep an eye out for any damage to your plants and take action as needed. I usually set out slug traps and keep the area around the nursery row free of debris to discourage pests from settling in.
When to Move Plants Out of the Nursery Row
The timing for moving your plants out of the nursery row depends on the weather and the growth stage of your plants. Typically, you’ll want to wait until the danger of frost has passed and your perennials have grown strong enough to withstand the elements on their own.
For me, this usually happens in early spring. By this time, the plants have grown a good root system and are ready to be transplanted into their permanent spots in the garden. I find that moving them early in the morning or late in the day, when the sun isn’t as strong, helps reduce transplant shock.
Final Thoughts: Why a Nursery Row is Worth the Effort
In my years of gardening, nursery rows have saved many plants from winter. While it might seem like extra work, the rewards are more than worth it. Instead of losing your young or delicate perennials to frost, you’re giving them a fighting chance to thrive and grow into strong, resilient plants.
For more detailed guidance on perennial care, you can check out this helpful perennial growing guide from the Royal Horticultural Society. It provides an in-depth look at how to nurture and protect your perennials year-round.
Setting up a nursery row doesn’t require a lot of space or fancy equipment, just some careful planning and attention to detail. The payoff is a garden full of healthy, mature perennials that are ready to bloom come spring.
So, if you’re looking for a way to protect your plants and ensure they make it through the winter, give the nursery row technique a try. It’s one of the best ways to safeguard your perennials and keep your garden growing for years to come.
