Overwintering your plants in the cold

Did know you can overwinter your perennial plants? This is not only to protect them from the cold but to also get a jump start on next year's harvest.

Jalapeno plant

A common edible vegetable plant to overwinter is a pepper plant. Like it's cousins the tomato and eggplant, pepper plants are tender perennials. Once a pepper plant has matured and provided the fruit it has for the season, you signal for it to hibernate by bringing it in over the winter.

Step 1: Remove all the leaves. While the plant is not active, it does not need any leaves that will signal it to try to grow fruit. Without sufficient light inside, the plant will not be able to produce.

Step 2: Remove the existing dirt from the roots. While the plant might seem clear of pests you will be surprised what is lurking in the soil, even in cold weather. The easiest way to do this is get a large bowl or bucket and fill with lukewarm water. Gently push the pot to loosen the soil and shake the plant slightly to get off larger chunks of dirt. Then begin dunking the plant in the water and use your fingers to loosen the dirt. Be sure to keep as many roots as possible and not tear any. You may need to refresh the water if there is alot of dirt on the plant. Be sure to save your water to use to water other plants that may be dry.

Repotting plant in new soil

Step 3: Use a fresh pot and dirt. If you do not have a fresh pot then rinse out the existing one will do. If you do not have fresh dirt you can sterilize the dirt you have by placing it in a plastic bag and microwaving for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes. Keep the plant in water while you are completing these steps. Be sure to cool the dirt before reusing. Do not place compost or fertilizer in with the plant.

Step 4: Replant and find a cool spot for the plant to stay that is out of the way but within your sight to remember to check on it. Water sparingly, enough to keep the roots alive, not rot them out and keep fungus gnats away. Be sure to pinch off any leaves that form while it is inside.

When spring returns and the potential for frost has passed for your zone, repot the plant with compost and nitrogen heavier fertilizer to jump start its growth.

By saving your plants year after year you can produce a large harvest with less time and money.