The harsh conditions of Scottish winter can do damage to our beloved shrubs and flowers.
Plants can suffer from frost and snow in winter(Image: Getty Images)
With cold conditions setting in and snow even expected across some areas of the Highlands this weekend, it’s about time we started thinking about protecting our garden plants. Frost, snow, wind and rain can all do some serious damage to our gardens in the winter period, so it’s important to take the appropriate measures to ensure the safety of our beloved shrubs.
But while native plants and trees like silver birch, holly or hawthorn have evolved to survive the bleak Scottish winter, other more fragile plants such as tender herbs like basil, parsley and coriander, as well as tropical plants and flowers, are less likely to survive.
Luckily though, experts at Woodland Trust have shared three top tips for ensuring all your shrubs live well into next spring.
Citizen Science Manager Kate Lewthwaite says on the Woodland Trust website that late October and early November is “the time to put your garden to bed”, as gardeners say when they’re getting ready for winter.
“I find it a satisfying process – it’s a little sad as it signifies the end of the growing season, but pottering round the garden on sunny autumn days is a great time to appreciate the hard work you’ve put in and make plans for next year. Here are my tips on how to protect your plants in winter so the garden can spring back to life in the new year.”
The expert shared three tips for prolonging the life of your favourite plants during the colder months. Here’s everything you need to know.
Three tips to protect your plants from frost this winter
Moving potted plants to a sheltered area or greenhouse can protect them(Image: Richard Newstead via Getty Images)1. Move them
The most simple (and obvious) way to protect your more fragile plants in winter is to move them into a warmer or more sheltered area of the garden, or even into a greenhouse if you have one.
The garden expert explains further: “Some garden plants, like dahlias and gladioli, are root hardy but not shoot hardy. Generally, they will die down to the ground with the first frost, but the roots, tubers or bulbs should survive to send up shoots next year.
“In colder parts of the UK though, you may need to lift them and store them in a shed before planting them out again in spring.”
But some potted plants should survive on their own, as Kate adds: “Pot plants that have gone completely dormant, like begonias or tender fuchsias which have dropped their leaves, will be quite happy in a dark shed over the winter. Other plants that are still green and growing slowly will continue to need light, so a cold greenhouse would be better.”
2. Add mulch
Adding mulch over some of your plants’ roots will help keep them extra cosy over the winter period.
The expert says: “Many tender plants will benefit from mulch over their roots for added protection in winter. Mulch could be garden compost, wood chippings or leaf mould.
“As an added bonus, it will provide soil nutrients as it slowly rots and will also help to retain water, so reduces watering next year.”
And it can be beneficial for your local birds too, as Kate adds: “The blackbirds in my garden love turning over the mulch all winter to look for bugs, so it’s great for them too.”
3. Cover them up
It’s always best to check the forecast to see if any frost is on its way, and the gardening professional explains that covering up exposed plants can help protect them from it.
Kate concludes: “If frost is forecast, you can throw some old newspaper or horticultural fleece over plants and pots temporarily. You might need a few layers for exposed plants if it’s especially cold.”
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