Making Potted Plants Windproof

"Especially those of us gardeners who like to try their hand at exotics such as oleander, passion flower, bougainvillea, and trumpet trees should think about how to secure their potted plants and pots against wind and storms. Because even if we hardly feel anything of the much-cited global warming, the fact that our climate has changed is attested to by annually severe storms and destructive thunderstorms.

Therefore, it is important that you ensure on your terrace and balcony that pots and containers cannot fall down and cause damage. But also in the garden, your plants should stand securely so that they can withstand even a larger bad weather front unscathed."

"Plants that are large and heavy in relation to their pot are particularly at risk. They offer a particularly large surface area for the wind to attack, and the relatively low weight of the pot can hardly counteract the pressure. For example, oleander and trumpet trees should be placed in as large a pot as possible and ideally in a wind-protected location. The west side of the house is likely to experience particularly strong winds. A better location would be, for example, a south-facing spot.

Of course, the safest option is to bring sensitive plants indoors before an impending thunderstorm, but that's not always possible. Small pots that don't have a large base can be placed inside larger ones. If you fill the space in between with sand or pebbles, the weight increases, and the entire structure gains additional stability."

"Especially for balconies, however, there are also systems with which you can securely fix the pots and containers. Wire slings, pot rings, and special pot stands create a high degree of security. But you can also artificially enlarge the base of your pot by drilling several holes in the bottom and threading wire through them. You then attach a large, square wooden plate to this.

With wire and rods, planters can also find support if they are securely screwed to balcony railings or house walls. It is best to ensure that the pots do not have the possibility to wobble, so the stress on the material is as low as possible.

However, particularly tall-growing plants such as some conifers usually need to be additionally tied down. For this, it is important that you protect the plant as best as possible from injury. So only use wide tie-down tape that is additionally padded with foam or rubber."