Sophie Bennett
Hens and chicks, or Sempervivum, are a succulent-like plant that is winter hardy in growing zones 3 to 8. They are known for their hardiness and ability to grow in poor conditions, making them a popular choice for gardens and landscapes. While these plants can typically survive the winter, one of the main concerns for gardeners is protecting the planter, especially if it is made of clay or ceramic. Clay pots can weaken and crack in freezing temperatures, so it is recommended to keep them dry or store them in a shed during the winter months. For those who want to focus on keeping their plants alive, there are a few options to consider.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Survivability in winter | Hens and chicks are hardy perennials and can survive winter weather. |
| Location | If the temperature falls below freezing, bring the planter into a shelter like an unheated garage. |
| Watering | Keep the planter barely moist. |
| Light | Provide some light, even weak light. |
| Soil | Mix a large quantity of extra pine fines, coarse sand, and/or perlite into the soil for faster drainage. |
| Pot material | Use frost-resistant ceramic, plastic, or clay pots. |
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What You'll Learn
- Hens and chicks are hardy perennials that can survive winter
- Protect the planter from cracking in freezing temperatures
- Bring the planter inside, but be mindful of the plant's growth
- Keep the planter outside, but ensure it doesn't freeze and thaw
- Plant hens and chicks in the ground for better protection
Hens and chicks are hardy perennials that can survive winter
Hens and chicks can survive in growing zones 3 to 8. They can be left outside in winter and do not need to be covered. However, a blanket of snow will not harm them. If you are concerned about the pots cracking in freezing temperatures, you can bring the plants inside to a garage or shed. Keep the plants barely moist and give them some light if possible. Alternatively, you can remove the plants from the strawberry planter and heel them into the garden for the winter.
If you bring your hens and chicks indoors, they will not go dormant. They will slow down in growth and will need up to six hours of sunlight per day. You can also bring them inside for a few weeks at a time, but do not do this if the temperatures fluctuate drastically between the inside and outside, as this can stress and kill the plant.
Some varieties of hens and chicks are more sensitive to the cold. If you have an Echeveria, for example, it will need to be brought inside during winter. If you are unsure of the variety, it is best to take precautions to protect your plants from freezing temperatures.
Hens and chicks are easy to care for and can be left outside during winter in most cases. They are resilient plants that can withstand harsh weather, making them a great addition to any garden or landscape.
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Protect the planter from cracking in freezing temperatures
The first step to protecting your planter from cracking in freezing temperatures is to understand the hardiness of your plants. Some plants can withstand freezing temperatures and do not need to be brought inside. For example, hens and chicks, or sempervivum, are hardy plants that can survive winter in growing zones 3 to 8. They can be left outside in a strawberry planter, and a blanket of snow will not hurt them.
However, if you are unsure about the hardiness of your plants, it is better to protect them from the cold. Here are some ways to do this:
- Bring your planter inside: If the temperatures are expected to drop below freezing, the easiest way to protect your planter is to bring it inside. This will allow you to give your plants the same care you did in the spring and summer. However, do not place the planter in direct sunlight, as this may cause the soil to dry out and crack. Keep the planter in a well-lit room, such as near a south-facing window, or under a grow light.
- Store in a garage or shed: If bringing the planter indoors is not an option, you can store it in a garage or shed that is protected from the elements.
- Cover the planter: If your planter cannot be moved, you can cover it with a frost cloth, milk jugs, buckets, sheets, blankets, or towels. These coverings help trap the heat radiating from the soil, providing extra protection from the cold.
- Mulch the planter: You can also try mulching your planter with straw, pine needles, or wood chips. This will help preserve heat and moisture, and prevent frost from forming.
- Water the planter: Moist soil retains more heat than dry soil. Water your plants in the evening before frost is expected, but be careful not to overwater, as this can damage the roots.
Remember, protecting your planter from freezing temperatures will help prevent the soil from drying out and cracking. By following these steps, you can keep your plants healthy and happy during the winter months.
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Bring the planter inside, but be mindful of the plant's growth
If you want to bring your strawberry planter inside during winter, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to note that hens and chicks are typically hardy perennials that can survive winter outdoors, and even withstand freezing temperatures. However, if you live in an area with freezing temperatures, bringing the planter inside can help protect it from cracking due to freezing and thawing. If you do decide to bring the planter inside, place it in a cool, unheated space such as a garage or shed, where temperatures remain above freezing. Avoid keeping the planter in a dark location as this can cause the rosettes to elongate and die. Instead, provide some light, even weak light, to help the plants grow. Keep the plants barely moist, and avoid overwatering.
Bringing the planter inside will impact the growth of your hens and chicks. While the plants will not go dormant indoors, their growth will slow down. During this time, avoid fertilizing the plants. If you decide to bring the planter inside, a south-facing window that provides up to six hours of sunlight per day is ideal. Alternatively, you can use a grow light to provide the necessary light. If you choose to bring the planter inside, it is recommended to gradually transition the plants by bringing them indoors for a few weeks at a time. However, avoid doing this if the temperature difference between the inside and outside is drastic, as it can stress and potentially kill the plants.
If you decide to keep your strawberry planter outdoors during winter, there are a few things you can do to protect your hens and chicks. First, ensure the planter has good drainage, especially if it's made of clay or terracotta, as these materials absorb water, and freezing water can cause the pot to crack. You can also place the planter in a sheltered location, such as against a wall, to provide additional protection from the elements. Additionally, consider covering the planter with a winter-weight fabric to provide extra insulation and protection from freezing temperatures.
It's important to note that if you live in a region with particularly cold winters, bringing your strawberry planter inside may be the best option to ensure the survival of your hens and chicks. In such cases, follow the care instructions provided above for indoor planters. However, if you choose to keep the planter outdoors, the plants will likely go dormant during winter and put on new growth in the spring. This natural cycle can be beneficial for the plants' performance in the following spring and summer.
Overall, whether you bring your strawberry planter inside or leave it outside during winter depends on various factors, including your climate, the material of the planter, and your personal preferences. By following the care instructions provided, you can ensure the survival of your hens and chicks and enjoy their growth in the warmer months.
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Keep the planter outside, but ensure it doesn't freeze and thaw
If you want to keep your strawberry planter outside during winter, there are a few things you should do to ensure your hens and chicks survive and your planter doesn't freeze and thaw. Firstly, determine the type of planter you have. Clay and ceramic planters are porous and absorb water, which can be an issue as the water expands when it freezes, causing the planter to weaken and possibly crack. If you have a clay planter, it is recommended to keep it quite dry during freezing weather. You can also store it in a sunny shed to protect it from the cold. Alternatively, you could use plastic strawberry pots, or ceramic pots labelled "frost resistant", which are less likely to crack in freezing temperatures.
If you have a porous planter, ensure good drainage by mixing a large quantity of extra pine fines, coarse sand, and/or perlite into the soil. This will help to prevent water from pooling in the pot and freezing. You should also avoid overwatering your plants during winter, as this can increase the risk of freezing and thawing. Keep the planter barely moist, and if you live in an area with particularly cold winters, consider moving your planter to a sheltered location, such as an unheated garage, to protect it from the extreme cold.
If you choose to keep your planter outside, be aware that your plants may go dormant during winter due to the cooler temperatures. This is normal and helps them grow better in the spring and summer. You can also cover your planter with a winter-weight fabric to provide extra protection from the cold. Additionally, if you have some space in your garden, consider planting a few chicks in the ground as backup in case your original planter doesn't survive the winter.
By following these steps, you can keep your strawberry planter outside during winter while minimising the risk of freezing and thawing. Remember that hens and chicks are generally hardy plants that can withstand tough weather conditions, so with the proper precautions, your planter should survive the winter months.
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Plant hens and chicks in the ground for better protection
Hens and chicks, or Sempervivum, are a succulent-like plant that is hardy in growing zones 3 to 8. They are known for their ability to grow in poor conditions and can survive through the winter. However, they do not favour wet winter conditions, so it is important to keep them dry and ensure good drainage. If you are growing hens and chicks in a strawberry planter, you may be wondering how to best protect them during the cold months. While some people choose to bring their plants indoors or place them in a garage over the winter, this can be challenging due to the need for strong supplemental light.
One option to ensure the survival of your hens and chicks is to plant them in the ground for better protection. Here are some tips to help you successfully plant and care for your hens and chicks in the ground:
Choose the Right Location:
Select an area in your garden that receives full sun to light shade. Hens and chicks thrive in warm, dry climates and prefer sandy, gravelly, well-drained soil. Avoid overly moist conditions as this can introduce rot. If you live in a very hot, dry climate, provide partial shade for the plants.
Prepare the Soil:
Hens and chicks are drought-tolerant perennials that can withstand weeks without watering. They can thrive in poor soils and do not require fertiliser. However, if you wish to improve the soil, use a slow-release fertiliser designed for succulents or cacti that is low in nitrogen and includes beneficial soil microbes. Ensure the soil is dry before watering and be careful not to overwater the plants.
Planting and Care:
When planting, space the plants according to their expected mature size, allowing for adequate airflow and drainage. You can gently pull off the "chicks" from the "hen" and install them in a new location. These plants require very little soil and can even grow in rock crevices. To encourage growth, provide sufficient water to newly transplanted plants, but reduce watering once they are established.
Winter Care:
Hens and chicks are hardy plants and can withstand cold temperatures. During winter, they may stop growing and enter a semi-dormant state. You don't need to cover the plants, and a blanket of snow will not harm them. Remove any dry or dead leaves from the outer portion of the rosettes in the spring to promote new growth.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can. Hens and chicks are hardy perennials that can survive winter weather. However, if you live in a place with freezing temperatures, you should bring the strawberry planter into a shelter to prevent it from cracking.
If you are keeping your strawberry planter outside during winter, there is no need to cover the plants. They can withstand tough weather conditions, and a blanket of snow will not hurt them. If you are keeping the planter in a shelter, keep the plants barely moist, and give them some light if possible.
It is not recommended to bring your hens and chicks inside during winter. If you do, the plant will not go dormant, and the rosettes may elongate and die. If you choose to bring them inside, they will need up to 6 hours of sunlight per day, so place them in a south-facing window or under a grow light.
