Wintering Plants in Cold Climates

[Pseudoreality]

I'm just wondering if perennials can survive in an outdoor growbed in cold climate over winter? Has anyone successful done with with berries or another perennial? I'm concerned that the root temperature would get too cold being in a granular media versus being in the ground. I know if we get cold weather before a lot of snow gets a chance to insulate the ground some perennials die out or at the very least take forever to come back in the summer. I guess another option is to bring them into my basement and hope this just go dormant for the winter.

[GaryD]

Hi PR,

What you can grow.....and where.....depends entirely on your ability to cost effectively mimic the plant's optimal environment. There are a variety of greenhouse designs (including pit and sun-facing greenhouses) that can help you to do that.

Gary

[Pseudoreality]

Gary,

I'm not talking about growing the plants in the winter. In my case the only way I can grow plants in the winter is in an insulated, heated environment with artificial light. I'm asking about "wintering" plants, i.e. having them go into a dormant state without dying. In my experience really cold winters with little snow often kill plants over the winter. My theory is the roots are more sensitive than the rest of the plant and are normally protected in the ground which only goes a few degrees below freezing as oppose to the -40 you see on the surface. My concern is an above ground aquaponic grow bed would not protect the roots like the earth does.

[ande]

Well I know what you mean.
I have -5 to -15 steady for 2 to 4 months ewery winter.
I don't think its a problem as long as the gravel(media) is drained.
I can confirm from exsperience with stawberries and lavender.
But the snow/ice over ground can be pretty hard for the plants, if not coverd vith som cloth or simmilare.