Burlap, a coarse woven fabric often made from jute, serves multiple purposes when managing potted plants. Gardeners frequently employ this material to provide insulation against cold temperatures, protecting root systems from freeze damage. It is also an excellent material for stabilizing a container during relocation or providing a rustic aesthetic to the planter. This guide details how to measure, cut, and secure burlap around your containerized plants, ensuring the roots and pot are fully enclosed.
Gathering Supplies and Prepping the Plant
Before beginning the wrapping process, assemble the necessary materials for a smooth application. Select a heavy-duty, natural fiber burlap, typically a 10-ounce jute fabric, which provides superior thermal resistance compared to lighter weaves. Strong, non-stretching natural twine or thin rope is necessary for the final securing, alongside sharp scissors and a flexible measuring tape for accurate cuts.
Plant preparation immediately precedes wrapping to maximize the material’s protective benefits. Inspect the container for any existing cracks that could worsen during handling or expose roots to cold air. If the plant needs to fit snugly against the burlap, perform a light pruning of any unwieldy branches. Ensure the soil is adequately watered a day or two prior to wrapping, as moist soil retains heat better and prevents the root ball from drying out during winter storage.
Step-by-Step Burlap Application
The initial step involves precise measurement to ensure the burlap fully encapsulates the container. Lay the burlap flat and use the measuring tape to determine the required length. This length should equal the pot’s circumference plus an additional 10 to 15 inches for overlap and seam allowance. This overlap creates a continuous, insulated layer without gaps.
Next, calculate the vertical height needed for the fabric, measuring from the pot’s base, up the side, and allowing extra material to gather underneath the container and above the soil line. For most standard pots, adding approximately 8 to 12 inches to the pot’s actual height provides sufficient material for secure folding and gathering. Once the dimensions are marked, use sharp shears to cut the rectangular piece of burlap for a neat finish.
Position the cut burlap piece on a flat work surface and center the potted plant directly onto the fabric. Ensure an even amount of excess material extends beyond the pot’s base on all sides. Begin the wrapping process by bringing the longest sides of the burlap piece up and around the container, keeping the fabric taut against the pot’s exterior.
As the two vertical ends meet, fold the excess material to create a clean, overlapping seam, mimicking a double-layer for enhanced insulation. At the base, where the fabric extends past the bottom of the pot, carefully fold the material inward, pressing it flat against the container’s bottom. This technique eliminates bulky folds and creates a smooth, stable surface for the pot to rest upon.
Finally, focus on the top perimeter of the pot, where the remaining burlap extends above the soil line. Gently gather this excess material, folding it inward and creasing it tightly against the pot’s rim. This gathering creates a collar that prevents cold air from entering the soil and stabilizes the vertical wrap before securing.
Securing the Wrap and Post-Wrapping Care
Once the burlap is positioned and gathered, the final step involves securing the material. Use the strong twine or rope to tightly wrap around the upper rim of the pot, just below the gathered collar of fabric, making several passes to ensure the burlap cannot slip down. Tie a robust knot where the overlapping seam was created, which helps lock that vertical seam in place.
For larger or irregularly shaped containers, securing the wrap with a second line of twine near the base provides added stability and prevents wind from catching the material. Alternatively, heavy-duty upholstery staples or T-pins can be used along the seam to create a more rigid, long-lasting structure, especially for plants wrapped for extended winter dormancy.
Following the secure wrapping, placement and monitoring are important for the plant’s health. If the purpose was winterization, place the wrapped pot in a sheltered location, away from direct winter sun and harsh winds, as these conditions increase moisture loss. Periodically check the soil moisture levels by slightly lifting the burlap from the top, ensuring the root ball does not become desiccated during the dormant period.