Potchefstroom has cold, dry winters with frequent frost. Container roots are more exposed than roots deep in the ground, but pots have one major advantage: they can be moved. Use the complete VLU container-garden guide together with a simple frost plan.
Do this before sunset
- Move smaller containers against a north- or east-facing wall, beneath a veranda or into another sheltered place.
- Group pots closely and raise them on pot feet or wooden slats for drainage.
- Cover foliage loosely with frost cloth or an old sheet and secure it underneath.
- Remove the covering in the morning as temperatures rise so light and air reach the plants again.
Your frost basket
- Frost cloth or clean old sheets.
- Pegs, string or soft ties.
- Pot feet, bricks or wooden slats.
- A trolley for heavy containers.
- A fixed place where covers can dry in the morning.
Water carefully in winter
Keep winter containers slightly drier and water on a warmer morning when the growing mix feels dry. The NWU local frost guide recommends winter watering on warmer mornings and warns that plastic is not a suitable plant cover. Use breathable frost cloth or an old sheet and avoid waterlogged mix around cold roots.
Frequently asked questions
Can lettuce and chard remain outside?
They tolerate cool weather better than tomatoes, but young or soft leaves can still burn. Cover them when a severe frost night is expected.
When can summer vegetables be planted outside again?
Wait until the severe frost has passed and harden seedlings off gradually. Keep a cover ready for an unexpectedly cold night.
