Gardeners are being given advice on how to protect their plants from frosty conditions to prevent damage
Households are being urged to protect plants from frost and snowy conditions(Image: Getty Images)
Households in the UK are being told to put hot water bottles in their gardens this winter to protect plants from frost and snowy conditions. As temperatures have plummeted to sub-zero this week, gardeners are being given advice on how to prevent their flowers and shrubs from getting damaged.
The experts at GardeningExpress have shared different techniques that can be used to help plants stay warm and protect them from freezing during the cold snap. Among the suggestions are using a thin bed sheet to keep outdoor plants covered, using bubble wrap and covering vulnerable plants with buckets, as well as putting warm water bottles next to your plants.
“Frosty and snowy conditions can be a gardener’s nightmare if they’re unprepared, but keeping an eye on the forecast and putting some simple measures in place can make all the difference,” says Chris Bonnett from GardeningExpress.co.uk.
“We’ve put together nine easy ways to prevent frost from ruining your plants – including some unusual tips which you may be unaware of. Using a simple warm water bottle to place around the plants can help to keep the frost at bay, as can covering them with a thin sheet.”
Your plants can become damaged in the ice and snow(Image: Getty Images)
Here are the expert’s nine tips to protect plants from frost:
Warm water bottles
Placing two or three water bottles filled with warm water around plants can help quickly melt the frost off the top. Repeat this step morning and night to help your plants survive the frosty weather.
Plant fleece
Plant fleece is a lightweight fabric designed for protecting plants in harsh weather. Typically they should be used for a short period of time rather than for the whole day. If you’re looking for an inexpensive option thin bed sheets will work too.
Mulch
Keep on top of regular mulching to keep plants warm during winter. Scattering thick organic material around the plants will keep the moisture in the ground.
Clear plastic bags
Covering plants in zip-up plastic bags keeps the frost and snow from having any close contact and helps retain a healthy amount of moisture. Make sure to go for clear plastic bags so you can keep an eye on their condition. Don’t leave them on constantly.
Regularly wipe off frost
If you keep noticing frost resting on your plants each morning, grab a microfibre cloth and gently wipe it off to prevent it from sinking in and damaging the plant cells.
Bring the plants inside
If your area is predicted heavy snow fall, some plants will benefit from growing indoors and it’s vital to look after the vulnerable types which can be harmed by winter frost. Plants such as Sansevieria and Dahlia thrive indoors; you can even place them on windowsills so they can still catch some natural sunlight.
Using buckets
Turning buckets upside down to cover plants prevents frost from taking over. Don’t leave them on for more than a day, as the trapped water underneath can cause fungal diseases in the plants. Make sure to do this during the particularly frostier nights.
Bubble wrap
Use bubble wrap to help insulate plants. Bubble wrap is an inexpensive way to protect your plants and they offer a good level of insulation. Also try plant fleece.
Don’t bin any infected plants
Regrowth tends to happen once the plants are back in warmer temperatures, so if you notice frost is causing damage – take them inside until they’re looking healthier.
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