The short answer: It depends on the plant and the container.
American Meadows Tabar Gifford says what to do with your containers and when depends on what youve planted.
Will Freezing Temperatures Damage Planters?
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Gifford says that in some cases, freezing temperatures can damage your planters.
If your planters are outdoors and unprotected, they are the most susceptible to damage from freezing temperatures.
In short, yes, freezing temperatures can damage some types of planters, she says.
Terracotta and Ceramic Pots
Terracotta and ceramic pots can crack due to water absorption.
When the wet soil or snow freezes it can expand and cause containers to crack or break apart.
This can shorten their lifespan and cause them to degrade more quickly, Gifford says.
However, even these types of containers can experience surface damage over time, Gifford says.
Do Planters Need To Be Brought Inside During Freezing Temperatures?
For this reason, its important to give your plants some supplemental water over the winter months.
Gifford says its important not to fertilize your plants.
Another common approach is to gather your containers into an area grouped together.
This helps to insulate them more when they are huddled together and protect them from the elements.
This will help protect the containers from the freezing temperatures.
Another method some gardeners use is to dig a hole and sink the container into the ground.
What Kind Of Plants Can Be Kept Outside In Pots In Freezing Temperatures?
Gifford says that in general, hardy perennials can be kept outdoors in containers during freezing temperatures.
Evergreens, perennials and herbs are the best options to overwinter in containers with the above guidelines.
What Temperature Is Too Cold For Potted Plants?
The low temperature a plant can withstand depends on what youve planted, and its lifecycle.
Youve probably seen signs that say bridges freeze before roadsits the same principle.
The more exposed an area is to the freezing air temperatures, the more quickly it will freeze.
In the case of plants in containers this means they are less protected than in ground plants.
