As the cold weather sets in, it’s crucial to know how to protect plants from frost. There is nothing more devastating than seeing your nurtured plants being destroyed by the cold seasons. Find out more about protecting plants from frost as the year enters its coldest phase.
Bring Potted Plants Indoors
Potted plants are more susceptible to frost damage as they lack the insulating benefits compared to those planted in the ground. You could use a conservatory, garden room, garage, porch or frost-free greenhouse for potted plants.
Add Mulch to Garden Beds
Applying dry mulch, such as chipped bark or straw around borderline-hardy plants protects the crown. You can use piles of leaves to add extra protection for your garden beds, providing a barrier against the cold.
Cover Your Plants with Fleece
Cover larger garden plants and shrubs with horticultural fleece, blankets or bubble wrap, too, to create a protective cover. Placing stakes around your plants and covering them with your chosen material creates a tent-like structure. You can weigh down the corners to prevent the coverings from blowing away at nighttime.
Place Tender Plants in a Sheltered Spot
Plant half-hardy and frost-tender plants in a sheltered position to absorb heat during the day and radiate it at night. Eliminating wind chill can reduce the amount of frost damage incurred. You can use other sheltered positions such as fences, large trees, or patio or courtyard areas.
Lift and Store Tender Perennials
Bloomed and died down tender perennials can be lifted to protect them from frost. Store roots, bulbs, tubers and corms in a cool (frost-free) environment, such as a potting shed or greenhouse. There are lots of mini greenhouses to shop at.
Protect Tender Plants with a Cloche
Cloches are bell-shaped covers made from glass or plastic that can be placed over plants. You can buy cloches or make your own out of recycled objects. Make sure to remove them during the day to allow the plants some warmth and energy from the sun.
Move Plants into a Cold Frame
Place plants in the shelter of a cold frame over winter. You could make a cold frame if you don’t already have one.
Water Plants in the Morning
Watering your plants in the morning during winter is best because wet soil absorbs heat during the day, providing an insulating effect.
Wrap Containers
To prevent container plants from freezing, wrap them with bubble wrap or straw. Or to benefit from the insulating properties of the ground, you could bury the pots in the ground with just the rim showing. Raise containers to allow water to drain away easily and prevent your plants from sitting in icy water.
Choose the Right Plants for your Backyard
Choose plants that are reliably hardy in the zone where you live. This prevents any disappointment of losing plants. Plants will have a hardiness rating ranging from fully hardy. While this might limit the plants or crops you can include in your garden, there will be plenty of options suitable to your hardiness zone.
If you need a helping hand with your winter garden, please do get in touch with our team by calling 07393 821797 or filling out the form here.
