Protecting plants from storms

Gardeners are being given advice on how to protect their plants as Storm Lilian approaches.

The gardening experts at GardeningExpress.co.uk have shared six ways to help ensure plants survive the harsh weather conditions.

Tips include insulating plant pots with bubble wrap, making mulch and recycling old bottles to save the plants and some pennies.

Preventative measures, like sheltering plants, clearing up spaces and insulating soils work great, but sometimes extra steps need to be taken to keep plants healthy.

Chris Bonnett from GardeningExpress.co.uk said: “Storm Lilian is set to bring disruption across UK this weekend and gardeners will also be thinking about their plants and crops.

“It’s important to take preventative measures such as bringing plants inside and wrapping them in bubble wrap to protect them from the harsh conditions.

“Protecting your plants before the storm hits means that they have the best chance of surviving once it’s over.”

GardeningExpress.co.uk’s tips to protecting plants:

1. Bubble wrap

Gently covering delicate plants with bubble wrap can insulate the plant and keep it protected against some harsher weather. Covering the top of the soil with a wrap is a good idea too, as it will protect it from going through frequent periods of freezing and thawing.

2.  Remove damaged shoots and limbs

Before any turbulent weather, it is a good idea to streamline plants by removing any dead shoots. This will also reduce the risk of any long limbs or branches snapping and tangling.

3. Come inside

When ice or frost is forecast, take the more sensitive plants and offer them some shelter. Somewhere unheated is best. Plants will hate being brought inside the home, as it will be too hot, but consider clearing out space in the shed or garage for them to live.

4. Recycled plastic bottles

Individual plants can also be protected using homemade “mini cloches” made from plastic drinks bottles. To create this type of cloche, simply cut the top and bottom off before placing it around the plant.

This method should protect delicate leaves on young plants from chilly temperatures. You should try to remove these cloches each morning to ensure the air inside does not overheat and damage the plant.

5. Mulch

Mulch can be made using organic matter like decaying leaves, bark, straw, or compost. Placing it around the roots of plants will help insulate and protect them from the wind, however, it only tends to work with hardier plants.

6. Cutting

Storms throws lots of challenges at gardeners and no matter how well looked after your plants are, there is still a small risk of them dying. It’s a great idea to keep the plant tags that comes with non-perennial plants or take a cutting from perennials that are a worry.