| Is there an effective and practical way to keep non-hardy sword ferns and Kimberly Queen large ferns over the winter in my Zone 5 to 6 area, without bringing them inside to shed everywhere? I've never had any luck with this, but they are so beautiful in the summer garden. Any ideas? |
| Ferns are tropical in nature so they won?t winter over without some form of protection in your garden. If you don?t want to take the plants indoors, you might try building a mini-greenhouse over each one so they?re protected from winter?s cold. They still need the light so don?t just place a box over them ? instead, build a portable cold frame from PVC pipe and clear plastic. You?ll need to prop up the corners when the sun shine during the winter or the plants will cook. Aside from this, taking the plants indoors is your only other alternative. Best wishes with your ferns! |
