The Guide to Plant Frost Protection from Autumn to Winter

As winter draws closer, outdoor spaces and gardens are going to face a range of new, largely temperature-based challenges. Winds, rain, sleet and snow are all parts that contribute to the need for good plant frost protection measures. While there are a range of autumn to winter flowers out there, many of your garden’s residents won’t survive the coldest months without sufficient protection. 

This piece will explore how to protect plants from frost, highlighting key techniques and principles to ensure that your garden is primed and ready for a lush, healthy spring. 

Why frost protection for plants is so important

It’s important to understand why plant frost protection is so essential – it will inform the necessary care and consideration taken when you complete the physical tasks. 

Freezing temperatures are terrible for plants

The UK experienced around 45 air frost days last year, meaning the air reached temperatures below freezing. These days are the enemy of many plants, damaging the cells and roots, causing frostbite or even death in many species, such as: 

• Tender annuals
• Summer annuals
• Summer vegetables
• Early-blooming flowers
• Tropical & subtropical plants
• Younger plants in general

It’s worth noting that ground frost is even worse for plants than air frost, making the soil where the plants are rooted inhospitable to them. Repeated freezing and thawing can also cause soil to heave and shift, sometimes exposing and directly damaging roots.  

Plant frost protection techniques

When it comes to plant protection from frost, there are a number of different techniques that gardeners need to have in their back pockets – some of which are only applicable to certain plants and situations. 

Insulating soil

One of the primary approaches to plant frost protection is insulating the soil, keeping the roots safer – insulation with mulch is one of the most common ways to do this. Mulching exposed soil is a great way to maintain its internal temperature and prevent the dangerous freeze-thaw cycle. This technique also helps to reduce the risk of soil dehydration.

Physically guarding plants

Wondering what to do when chilly winds start to pick up? Physically covering your plants overnight is an effective way to look after them. Using an old sheet, a purpose-made cover or some unused blankets is a great way to guard plants from dangerous frosts and gusts. Remember, this technique is only suitable overnight when plants aren’t getting any sun. 

Insulating and guarding potted plants

Potted plant and their homes can be very vulnerable in the winter, with the plants potentially dying and ceramic pots cracking due to temperature changes. This can be avoided by wrapping the pots in bubble wrap and moving them into sheltered areas (greenhouses or conservatories ideally).

Protecting evergreens 

While evergreens might sound impervious to winter damage, this is sadly not the case. Evergreens can dry out in the winter, which is why they should be protected with anti-dessicant sprays and wind barriers, such as mesh guards. These will keep them safer from dehydrating winds.

These are a few of the most essential plant frost protection techniques to remember from autumn to winter as the weather starts to cool down. Don’t let the cold freeze out your green thumb this december – make sure to take all the steps you can to keep your garden looking and feeling as fresh as possible when spring comes around.