Horseradish outdoors all winter: what matters in an exposed spot
Your horseradish is growing strongly in the ground and looks established. In Norrmalm, the question is less the cold itself than protecting the root where the position is open to frost and wind.
This is horseradish, which normally overwinters in the ground in Sweden without difficulty. As yours is planted outdoors in an exposed position, the main aim is to moderate soil temperatures rather than keep the plant warm above ground.
What to do this autumn
- Leave the plant where it is.
- Wait until the foliage yellows or is killed by frost, then remove the dead growth.
- Put a layer about five to ten centimetres deep of leaves, slightly dried grass clippings, straw or another airy material over the root zone.
- In a very windy position, hold the covering in place with a few twigs or spruce branches.
In an exposed position, the main concern is protecting roots from frost without snow cover and from wind. Mulch helps the ground freeze more evenly and reduces frost heave. Avoid dense, wet layers that pack down, especially if you are unsure how well the site drains.
Do not give extra water late in autumn just in case. Horseradish copes better with winter cold than with waterlogged soil. Once the ground thaws in spring, remove most of the covering so that new leaves can emerge.
Sources and images 1
- Original reader contribution ↗Reader question