Are you Upstate NY? What zone?

6b/7a

New jersey

I doubt you need those bags there. You are in a good zone. Could you compost the leaves elsewhere. I worry the bags would roll over "the babies" what with wind etc.

Are the leaves mulched? I used to just dump the leaves over the plants and loosely pack them around for winter protection of the canes. I don't think I like the idea of those plastic bags sitting so close to the plants. You should never use any kind of plastic on plants as it causes more freezer burn than it prevents. Anywhere those bags touch the plant it will probably die back.

You don't want *anything* touching the plants during the winter. Otherwise, you risk canker issues. Your winters are too wet and too warm for winter protection to be a good idea.

Thanks everyone for the great advice. Glad I asked. I will take those bags away tomorrow!

it does get pretty cold here though And I’m nervous about the plants first year surviving.

@seil zone 6b MI

is that a general bad idea to have plastic near plants? I ask because I saw someone do this for bamboo and I copied that idea.

You can shred up the leaves and use them for mulch though!

Yes, plastic is a very bad cover for anything in the garden. It transmits cold rapidly through onto the plant so is useless as a frost covering. It also does not allow for air and moisture to move freely through it. In humid climates that can cause fungal and rot problems. In dry climates it can cause severe leaf burn. And it will collect rain and snow on top which can get very heavy and break the plants below it. If you want to protect plants use breathable materials and just wrap around the plant but leave the top open.

Ok thank you very much for sharing you knowledge!!