How to Make DIY Plant Covers for Winter

In this video, This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook shares tips and techniques for protecting plants and shrubs. Learn how to make DIY plant covers and see step-by-step instructions below.

How to Make DIY Plant Covers:

1. Use a small-diameter rope to truss-up the plant and reduce its overall size.
2. Cut the plywood panels and 2×4 legs to size.
3. Connect the 2x4s legs at the top with carriage bolts.
4. Attach the plywood panels to the legs with 1¼-inch decking screws.
5. Stand the A-frame over the plant, then pound it a 12-inch-long 2×4 stake beside each frame leg.
6. Fasten the stakes to the legs with 3-inch decking screws.
7. Spread open the legs of a metal-framed fabric plant tent, and set it over the shrub.
8. Secure the tent to the ground with plastic tent stakes.
9. Protect roses by first trussing them with a thin cord.
10. Pound 1-inch-square wooden stakes in the ground all around the rose bushes.
11. Staple burlap fabric to the wooden stakes partway around the bushes.
12. Cover the base of the rose bushes with a thick layer of dried tree leaves.
13. Staple up the last section of the burlap to fully encircle the rose bushes.

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