With yet more snow and frost predicted for the UK, you might be wondering how you can best shelter your plants and protect them from the elements. Frost and snow pose real risks to plants, particularly those that are tender, newly planted or growing in exposed positions. By understanding how cold affects plants and by taking quick, practical action, you can significantly reduce damage and help your garden emerge strong in spring.
Understand the risks of cold weather
Frost occurs when temperatures fall below freezing and ice crystals form on plant tissues. These crystals damage cell walls, causing foliage to blacken, wilt or collapse once temperatures rise again. Snow, while visually dramatic, can be both friend and foe. A light covering can act as insulation, but heavy, wet snow can snap branches, flatten perennials and compact soil around roots.
Different plants respond to cold in different ways. Hardy plants are adapted to withstand low temperatures, while tender plants may suffer even from a light frost. Evergreen plants are particularly vulnerable, as they continue to lose moisture through their leaves when the ground is frozen and water uptake is restricted.
Prepare the garden in advance
The most effective protection begins before frost is forecast. In autumn, you can tidy beds and borders, removing diseased plant material that could harbour problems over winter. You should also avoid heavy pruning of shrubs and perennials too late in the season, as this can stimulate soft new growth that is easily damaged by cold.
Mulching is one of the simplest and most effective protective measures. Applying a thick layer of organic mulch, such as compost, leaf mould, bark chips or well-rotted manure, helps insulate the soil and protect plant roots from freezing temperatures. You should focus particularly on the crowns of perennials and the root zones of newly planted shrubs and trees.
Garden edging can be very beneficial for keeping your insulating material, whether it’s mulch or compost, in place, where it can protect the plants and roots most effectively. With rubber garden edging, you can easily install this around flowerbeds or lawns of any shape or size, as it can bend to more than 70 degrees. In addition, with edging like FlexiBorder, you won’t need to worry about frost or weather damage.
Protect plants during frost
When frost is forecast, timely intervention can make a significant difference. Covering plants helps trap warmer air around them and prevents frost settling directly on leaves and buds. Use horticultural fleece, breathable fabric, or even old bedsheets or blankets in an emergency. Ensure coverings reach the ground to retain warmth, but avoid crushing delicate growth.
Remove covers during the day once temperatures rise, as trapped moisture and lack of airflow can encourage disease.
For tender plants in containers, wrapping the pot itself is just as important as covering the foliage. Bubble wrap, hessian or fleece around the container will help prevent the compost from freezing solid. Raising pots slightly off the ground using pot feet can also improve drainage and reduce cold transfer.
Dealing with snow
Snow requires a slightly different approach. Light, dry snow can often be left alone, as it provides insulation against more severe cold. However, heavy or wet snow should be removed promptly, particularly from shrubs, hedges and conifers, where its weight can cause branches to bend or break.
Use a soft broom or your hands to gently brush snow off plants, working upwards to avoid pushing branches further down. Avoid shaking plants vigorously, as frozen stems are brittle and easily damaged.
Greenhouse roofs, cold frames and polytunnels should also be checked after snowfall. Clear snow regularly to prevent structural strain and to allow light to reach plants inside.
Protecting lawns, trees and shrubs
Lawns generally cope well with winter conditions, but repeated walking on frosted or snow-covered grass can cause lasting damage. Try to avoid foot traffic during these periods to prevent bruising and soil compaction.
Young trees and newly planted shrubs benefit from extra care. Wind can exacerbate frost damage by drying out tissues, so ensure stakes and ties are secure but not too tight. A mulch around the base will help protect roots and conserve moisture.
Evergreen shrubs may suffer from winter burn, where leaves turn brown due to moisture loss. Watering thoroughly before the ground freezes can help reduce this risk, particularly during dry autumns.
Protecting plants from frost and snow
Keeping your plants safe at this time of year simply involves planning and preparing. By working with the conditions rather than against them, you help ensure that your garden remains resilient, ready to recover and thrive when warmer weather returns.
