Touches of frost

As the temperature begins to drop and the frost sets in, it’s important to think about which plants in your garden are going to need protection. It’s always better to be safe than sorry so we have outlined our top tips for protecting your plants this winter.

Which plants need protecting?

Firstly, you will need to check whether the plant is in the “hardy” or “tender” category.

Hardy plants are given their name as a result of their ability to survive short spells of freezing temperatures. Some popular hardy plants include clematis, euphorbia, hydrangeas, honeysuckle, rhododendrons and a selection of rose varieties.

Tender or “semi-hardy” / “half-hardy” plants, however, are unable to cope with hard frosts and therefore need protection. Popular tender plants include canna lilies, begonias, dahlias, tree ferns, fuchsia and a variety of succulents.

Check the care label on your plant or do a quick Google search to establish which category it falls under. If you are still unsure, it is better to be safe than sorry and give it some protection anyway.

Another thing to remember: any plant that isn’t fully established yet will be particularly susceptible to frost damage. This also includes any new growth on plants.

Move your plants indoors

The simplest way to protect your tender plants is to move them to a more sheltered area.

This may mean you need to lift smaller tender plants from the ground into pots. This is a great option for plants that die back, like begonias, as they don’t take up too much space.

Move your tender potted plants to an enclosed porch, an unheated conservatory or green house. Cold frames are another great option; we stock a variety of styles and sizes in-store.

Most succulents can come indoors, as long as they have enough access to light.

Care for potted plants

The cycle of the soil in your pots freezing and thawing is not only bad for your plant and it’s roots, but may also mean you will have to fork out for a new pot!

A simple diy solution to prevent this is to insulate your pots by wrapping them in bubble wrap before the frost arrives. It is also a good idea to lift your pots off the ground on pot feet so that water can escape more freely; meaning your pot won’t be sitting in a puddle of ice.

Ask in-store if you are interested in pot feet.

Avoid cutting back

Cutting back the seasons growth can leave your plants more exposed to the elements. Simply avoiding the use of your secateurs will give your plants extra cover; it’s also the best thing for the wildlife in your garden. You can find out more about protecting the wildlife in your garden throughout the winter months here.

Cover your plants

There are many things you can use to shield your plants from the elements.

Mulch

Mulch is perfect for insulating garden beds. Simply add compost, manure, bark or decomposing leaves to the base of your plants to protect the roots from freezing.

Fleece

Another inexpensive option is to use horticultural fleece. With this method, use the fleece like a blanket, wrapping up your plants and then securing with string.

You could also use straw and hessian.

Make sure to remove the covers during the day to allow your plants access to light.

Cloches

Cloches are another great option for keeping the cold off your plants. Simply place the glass / plastic shield over the top of your plant in the evening and, just like with fleece, remember to remove during the day to allow ventilation. You can get many sizes of cloches but they are most commonly used for singular plants.

We have cloches available to purchase in-store.

Avoid disappointment

The most important thing to remember is that it only takes one bad frost to kill a plant. The best way to protect your plants during the cold spell, and to ensure they will live on in your garden, is to take cuttings.

Therefore, if the frost does take a hold, you will always have a back-up plan!