Protecting plants from frost damage
As the temperature drops and we edge closer to winter, it’s time for gardeners to start considering how they’ll protect their plants from impending frost. November is the month in which frost usually begins to rear its head, with often disastrous consequences for a wide range of plants, from evergreens and vegetables to bedding plants and perennials. Symptoms of frost damage can include blackened foliage, leaf spotting and leaf scorch, browning, dramatically reduced (or altogether absent) yields of fruit, and ultimately, plant death – but what can green-fingered gardeners do to alleviate frost damage at this time of year?
- Make use of biodegradable fleeces or sheets to provide protection. Keep an eye on the forecast, and be sure to lay these overnight when frost is expected.
- If you’re planning on overwintering potted plants in a conservatory or greenhouse, ensure that this space is adequately heated and ventilated. Try to move tender perennials indoors before the first frost falls!
- If you choose to leave container-grown plants outdoors for the winter, move these to a sheltered place in the garden, and insulate the pots with bubble wrap.
- Avoid planting in frost pockets, low-lying areas of the garden where cold air is collected and trapped. Move any plants out of potential frost pockets to reduce the risk of them catching a chill!
- Always choose a sunny spot or suntrap for tender plants (such as a south-facing wall) – this can provide warmth and alleviate the effects of frost in the colder months.
- To prevent ground freeze, mulch the root area of tender shrubs and perennials.
- Avoid planting any new tender bedding plants until the worst of the frost has passed – in our region, this is usually mid-to-late May.
Visit www.rhs.org.uk/prevention-protection/preventing-winter-damage to find out more about preventing winter damage in your garden.
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