Gardeners in the UK have been urged to cover their plants with an old sheet as the temperature begins to drop across the country. As October arrives and temperatures begin to fall, the transition from warm to cold weather poses a significant threat to gardens.
After enjoying months of sunshine and growth, many plants haven’t yet built up the resilience needed to withstand winter conditions. The early autumn period, with its unpredictable weather swings, is often one of the most perilous times for plant health, requiring extra care and attention from gardeners to protect vulnerable greenery from the season’s first harsh bite. A garden expert has suggested an easy way to keep your plants protected from the harsh weather conditions.
David Denyer, Eflorist’s flower and garden expert explained: “The first autumn frost often catches gardeners off guard because it arrives while your garden still looks full of life.
“Many plants have been putting out new growth after a warm summer and wet September, but that growth is full of water and has soft cell walls. When frosty temperatures arrive, the water inside your plants freezes and expands, rupturing those cells and leaving them blackened and unable to recover.
“Later in winter, most plants naturally harden off and become more resilient, but the first frost usually arrives before they’ve had the chance to do that, which is why it can cause so much damage.”
According to the expert, covering the plant with an old sheet overnight will trap a thin layer of warmer air around them.
Using old sheets is a simple, cost-effective method to shield plants from the cold. When draped loosely over foliage, these sheets trap warmth and prevent frost from settling directly on the leaves. Experts recommend placing the covers before sunset and removing them in the morning once temperatures rise.
He explained: “Just remember to remove the covers again in the morning so that air can circulate and the plants can breathe. If covers are left on during the day, moisture can build up underneath, leading to rot and mould.
“For potted plants and hanging baskets, move them up against a wall where possible. This is because brick and stone walls hold onto warmth during the day and release it slowly at night, which can help raise the temperature around your plants by a few degrees, which is often enough to stop frost forming.”
