North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

["M Stanton" <6ducks@comcast.net>]

Title: Message

Randall,

Roots are much less tolerant of temperature extremes than are the shoots.  In an orchard situation tree roots would be insulated by soil, but in a pot there is limited insulation.  The larger the pot, the more cold they might withstand.  A good rule of thumb is to protect roots from sudden changes in temperature, and in general plants in pots need to be kept in ‘winter’ temperatures that are 1-2 hardiness zones warmer than they would be outdoors. If your apples would be ordinarily hardy to zone 6, keep potted apples in the equivalent of a zone 7 to 8.  I would recommend a spot in an unheated garage, or if your soil is not frozen, dig holes in the ground in a protected area near the house and bury your pots; top the surface area with 1-2” of mulch (but not immediately up against the trunks) for additional insulation.

Michele Stanton

 

---

From: Randall Burd [mailto:burdrs@comcast.net]
Sent: Thursday, December 28, 2006 6:18 PM
To: nafex@lists.ibiblio.org
Subject: [NAFEX] Protect potted apples trees from freezing?

 

I live in zone 6. I have several potted apple trees. Do I need to protect the pots from freezing in the winter? I don't have much room in my garage right now but would gladly leave my car outside to protect the trees if needed. Any advice?