The time has come for the changing of the seasons, and with it comes colder temperatures and frosts. If you have an indoor hydroponic tower, you won’t have to worry as much about colder temperatures. However, for our outdoor hydroponic tower growers, changing temperatures can create difficult growing environments for your plants. Here are some of the best ways to care for your outdoor tower during colder seasons.

1. Move Your Tower Indoors

If the weather is significantly or consistently below 55 degrees Fahrenheit, we recommend moving your outdoor tower indoors temporarily as colder temperatures can damage your hydroponic system. In some climates, weather can be unpredictable in the fall and winter (and even spring). At Leaf’d Box, we do our best to provide the best plants for your climate and season, but Mother Nature can sometimes have a mind of her own. Gardening is not an exact science, so plants may need a little extra support in some seasons more than others.

If your weather is especially cold this season or you are dealing with unexpected frost, the best course of action would be to move your tower indoors, if possible. If you can’t move your tower indoors, moving your tower to a garage or shed that has a window can help protect your plants from the cold, wind, and frost.

2. Cover Your Plants

If you are not able to move your tower indoors, you can begin by covering your plants with a blanket. Covering your plants can help in two ways: it insulates your plants and helps keep their warmth in and it also helps reduce airflow that could make your plants colder.

Covering your plants is especially helpful at night due to the significant drop in temperature once the sun goes down. You can use any blankets you have around your house, but we recommend this one for the best results. It is also important to note that you’ll want the frost covers to be made of something that insulates well, like fabric or an emergency blanket, instead of materials like plastic tarps or trash bags that don’t retain heat.

3. Insulate the Water Tank

Along with covering your plants, you can also keep your water tank itself warm. Since your hydroponic tower relies on water to provide your plants with hydration and nutrients, it is very important to make sure your water remains healthy and stable in harsh conditions. To do this, first, make sure your water tank is full. Less water freezes faster, so having more water in the tank means retaining more heat.  However, if the weather is below 55 degrees Fahrenheit, leaving water in your tank or continuing to operate your hydroponic system outdoors can cause damage to the tank. We recommend only continuing to use the system outdoors if the temperature is above 55 degrees.

Second, insulate the water tank by wrapping it in a blanket or bubble wrap. You can also use a thermal box to place your tower base in to keep the tank insulated.

4. Place Your Tower in a Sunny Location or Consider Using Grow Lights

If possible, place your tower in a location that gets maximum sunshine. Plants need extra light and heat during colder seasons, so moving your tower to a place where they can get the most sun will help them grow despite the cold. You can also consider using grow lights on your tower while the weather is cold. Grow lights can provide your plants with a more concentrated amount of light and heat to give them a boost through the winter. We recommend using these grow lights.

If you’re worried about your plants in a prolonged season of cold and frost, you can also use our hydroponic tower conversion kit, which includes grow lights, to transition your tower to indoor growing.

5. Continue Cleaning Your Tower

When the temperatures shift dramatically, plants can be much more sensitive than usual. It is important at this time to pay extra attention to the signs your plants are giving you and the care they need.

Keep your tower extra clean and wipe down any algae or mineral build up you see. Try not to give your plants too much of the nutrients when it’s cold, as plants absorb less water in colder temperatures and might have a hard time processing nutrients. Keep your tower and plants clean and tidy so they have their best chances of thriving in spite of colder temperatures.