With plummeting temperatures forecast across the UK, homeowners are being given advice on how to protect their gardens from the icy conditions and frost.
The garden experts at GardeningExpress.co.uk have put together their tips for keeping plants protected during the chilly snap.
As the temperatures continue to drop, making sure you’re prepared for the freezing winter weather is essential to keeping a garden healthy.
Among the suggestions are bringing delicate plants inside and using a thin bed sheet to keep outdoor plants covered.
Other tips include using bubble wrap and covering vulnerable plants with buckets.
Chris Bonnett from GardeningExpress.co.uk said: “Frosty conditions can be a gardener’s nightmare if they’re unprepared, but keeping an eye on the forecast and putting some simple measures in place can make all the difference.
“We’ve put together nine easy ways to prevent frost from ruining your plants – including some unusual tips which you may be unaware of.
“Using a simple warm water bottle to place around the plants can help to keep the frost at bay as can covering them with a thin sheet.”
Here are GardeningExpress.co.uk’s nine tips to protect plants from frost:
- Plant fleece
Plant fleece is a lightweight fabric designed for protecting plants in harsh weather. Typically they should be used for a short period of time rather than for the whole day. If you’re looking for an inexpensive option thin bed sheets will work too.
- Mulch
Keep on top of regular mulching to keep plants warm during winter. Scattering thick organic material around the plants will keep the moisture in the ground.
- Warm water bottles
Placing two or three water bottles filled with warm water around plants can help quickly melt the frost off the top. Repeat this step morning and night to help your plants survive the frosty weather.
- Clear plastic bags
Covering plants in zip-up plastic bags keeps the frost from having any close contact and helps retain a healthy amount of moisture. Make sure to go for clear plastic bags so you can keep an eye on their condition. Don’t leave them on constantly.
- Regularly wipe off frost
If you keep noticing frost resting on your plants each morning, grab a microfibre cloth and gently wipe it off to prevent it from sinking in and damaging the plant cells.
- Bring the plants inside
Some plants benefit from growing indoors and it’s vital to look after the vulnerable types which can be harmed by winter frost. Plants such as Sansevieria and Dahlia thrive indoors; you can even place them on windowsills so they can still catch some natural sunlight.
- Using buckets
Turning buckets upside down to cover plants prevents frost from taking over. Don’t leave them on for more than a day, as the trapped water underneath can cause fungal diseases in the plants. Make sure to do this during the particularly frostier nights.
- Bubble wrap
Use bubble wrap to help insulate plants. Bubble wrap is an inexpensive way to protect your plants and they offer a good level of insulation. Also try plant fleece.
- Don’t bin any infected plants
Regrowth tends to happen once the plants are back in warmer temperatures, so if you notice frost is causing damage – take them inside until they’re looking healthier.
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