A gardening expert shared one of his favourite ways to help protect plants during a heatwave – and it’s not what you’d expect
A gardening expert shared one of his favourite ways to help protect plants during a heatwave – and it’s not what you’d expect(Image: miljko via Getty Images)
Soaring temperatures look set to persist across the UK, with the prospect of another heatwave potentially just around the corner. While gardens can flourish with generous amounts of sunshine, the intense heat can prove devastating to the survival of your plants and flowers.
If relocating potted plants to shadier, cooler spots isn’t an option, there’s one familiar gardening item that could prove invaluable in safeguarding them during a heatwave. Gardening enthusiast and TikTok creator Ish recently revealed one of his preferred protective techniques for his potted plants.
Remarkably, Ish’s method employs a rather unexpected item to shield plants from the heat. His protective material of choice is frost fleecing, reports the Express.
You can cover the plant’s soil or wrap the entire plant in the frost fleecing(Image: Getty)
In a recent clip, Ish said: “The most unlikely thing you could ever imagine is actually the most protective thing for your plants during a heatwave.
“And that is frost fleecing, which sounds a little bit nuts. It sounds like ‘why are you gonna wrap up your plants in a heatwave? That’s ludicrous.’ But actually, there’s some advantages to this.”
Ish wrote in the video’s caption: “You wouldn’t expect it but this is one of the best ways to protect your plants from the scorching heatwaves this summer.
“Frost fleecing not only reflects sunlight but it keeps the air inside it cooler, help retain moisture longer in the soil and reducing crispy leaves on your plants.”
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Frost fleece, also known as horticultural fleece, is a lightweight, spun-bound, breathable material used by gardeners to shield plants from cold temperatures, wind, hail, and pests.
Typically used for temperature management during the colder months, the fleece helps retain warmth on chilly days and nights.
This generally prevents frost from developing on plants. In this particular instance, however, Ish uses the fleece to keep scorching temperatures at bay.
As the fleece is light, airy and translucent, sunlight can still filter through. Ish explained that, much like greenhouse shading, it can deflect some UV rays, thereby keeping the plant somewhat cooler.
Its pale colouring will also help reflect the sun’s rays. You can unroll a generous length of fleece and lay it across the soil of your potted plant.
It’s sufficiently thin that when you come to water your plants, moisture can still penetrate, while the sun’s light will reflect away from the surface. For tall, robust potted plants, such as Japanese maples, you can wrap the fleece around the entire plant and cover it completely.
The coverage can help maintain a cooler temperature inside the fleece, keeping the plants themselves cool as well.
Ish said: “It just goes to show, sometimes when you’re trying to protect your plants, the most uncommon thing is usually the best.”
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