Flowers
Frost Protection
Many plants in your garden will be barely touched by a cold winter but some more vulnerable ones may need a little helping hand to see them safely through the winter months.
Tender plants in containers should be moved to a frost free greenhouse or porch during the colder months. By doing this relatively expensive summer plants such as pelargonium’s and any fuchsia’s which are not hardy can be overwintered safely and returned to the garden the following Spring when all danger of frost has passed.
Slightly tender or newly planted specimens in borders should be treated to a thick mulch of bark in cooler areas to help protect roots. Try using Westland Bed & Border Chipped Border, ideal for a decorative finish, providing frost protection during the winter months as well weed suppression and water retention during the spring and summer.
Tender plants like tree ferns or bananas should be wrapped in straw or fleece and tied to protect growth from frosts.
If prolonged cold spells are forecast wrap containers in paper or bubble wrap to prevent compost freezing. Even very hardy plants can be killed if compost freezes as they are not able to access the water in the compost.
During winter months it’s always a good idea to move containers near walls if possible. This will stop pots being blown over in windy weather and will stop them becoming waterlogged in heavy rains.
