Temperatures have plummeted across the UK and gardeners are being urged to act quickly. The Met Office has issued multiple yellow warnings for snow and ice, as well as an amber warning for snow on Thursday (November 20).
The forecaster is warning of wintry showers and freezing temperatures across the nation, which could impact the plants in our gardens. Experts are urging gardeners to protect their plants from frost as the freezing weather can wilt or even kill them. As temperatures are set to drop below the 4C mark over the coming days, gardeners are being urged to put measures in place.
According to Ideal Home, the “four-degree rule” advises gardeners to protect their plants and flowers when temperatures are predicted to fall to 4C or below. They added that the rule is common practice among gardening experts during the cold winter months.
Huw Richards, a gardening YouTuber and grow-your-own expert, said in collaboration with GARDENA: “Whenever an evening temperature is forecasted to be 4°C or below, make sure all tender annuals are protected. Close the hoop beds, place biodegradable fleece over plantings, and bring peppers indoors.”
Meanwhile, Julia Palphramand, head of plants at British Garden Centres, has warned gardeners that plants “start getting damaged even above freezing”. Therefore, the 4C mark “gives you a safe buffer to avoid any heartbreaking losses”.
She explained: “The four-degree temperature rule is a practical guideline rather than a precise scientific measure, but we do recommend that gardeners start protecting frost-sensitive plants as a precaution when they see a warning of temperatures dropping.”
Julian added: “Some hardy plants like kale or certain shrubs can handle light frost and chillier nights without trouble. But seedlings, young annuals, and tender vegetables such as tomatoes or peppers are much more vulnerable and will benefit from extra protection if that four-degree temperature is reached.”
It’s fairly easy to spot frost damage on plants. For example, if the leaves have started to turn black or soft, then they are likely to have been damaged by the cold weather.
The frost can cause plants to dehydrate as they can’t absorb water through the frozen soil. Meanwhile, cold and dry winds can also cause leaves to dry out.
The most common methods to protect plants from frost include using blankets or cloths to cover them. Gardeners also recommend insulating roots with mulch or moving plants to a sheltered spot.
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