Gardening expert Tom Strowlger recommends protecting cold-sensitive plants with fleece before the harsh winter weather arrives
Millie Bull Deputy Editor, Spare Time and Tom Strowlger
13:48, 21 Dec 2025
Gardening expert Tom Strowlger recommends protecting cold-sensitive plants now(Image: Feifei Cui-Paoluzzo via Getty Images)
With winter now upon us and temperatures plummeting, most gardening activities are drawing to a close. Apart from the occasional pruning and tidying up, gardeners across the nation can take a well-earned break until spring arrives.
However, according to one expert, there’s a particular job that needs to be completed sooner rather than later this December.
Tom Strowlger, a professional gardener who shares advice as @garden_with_tom on Instagram and TikTok, has revealed the essential task that everyone should tackle before next week.
Strowlger explained to Express.co.uk: “It’s that time of year to protect our cold-sensitive plants.”
He recommended wrapping fig trees, agapanthus, canna, cordyline, olive trees and tree ferns in fleece this week, reports the Mirror.
He recommended wrapping fig trees, agapanthus, canna, cordyline, olive trees and tree ferns(Image: Getty)
He continued: “These plants are particularly sensitive to very cold winter weather and the risk of losing them should encourage us to protect them.
“The loss of any of these would be sad as we spend too much time enjoying them in the warmer months.
“Agapanthus are hardy but fleecing them just ensures they get through the winter. We don’t know what weather will come, it could be mild, wet and windy or cold, frozen and snowy.”
Fleece covering helps shield plants from harsh extreme weather conditions, including snow, wind, ice and frost.
A string or rope can be used to secure fleece around your plants. For agapanthus, the fleece can simply be wrapped around and fastened in position.
Strowlger added: “Agapanthus can be covered in a quilt of fleece and be staked down with metal stakes.
There’s a particular job that needs to be completed sooner rather than later this December.(Image: PaulMaguire via Getty Images)
“The leaves of the agapanthus tend to lie lower over wintertime, and if you snip the stalks of the spent flowers off, you can lay a quilt fleece over the plant.
“The fleece quilt can be removed in early springtime. A winter-protected plant brings peace of mind to us gardeners.”
For those wishing to purchase fleece, visit www.harrodhorticultural.com and use promo code GWTDEC25 to receive 10% off your order.
For additional seasonal gardening advice and tips, follow on Instagram and TikTok @garden_with_tom.
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