How to look after the garden in freezing temperatures and snow to avoid long-term damage


Chris Bonnett, the founder of GardeningExpress.co.uk, said: “We can expect to see snow blanketing gardens across the UK this week.

“To make sure your garden endures the chill, it’s important to take some preventative measures including covering up tender plants and protecting shrubs and trees.

“It’s also important to keep your plants watered because they might struggle to draw up water from their roots if the soil is frozen or covered in snow.”

Tender plants, perennials and any newly planted plants need some extra care during snowy and cold weather.

The expert recommended covering these plants up to offer them some insulation, using an upturned bucket or flower pot.

Horticultural fleece is also a good method which can be purchased in a large roll and cut to size.

The gardening pro explained: “Larger shrubs and trees can be wrapped with burlap or special tree wraps to shield the trunks of young or sensitive trees from snow and ice.

“It’s also important to shake off excess snow from branches to prevent them from bending or breaking under the weight.”

If you have plants in pots, it is recommended to move them to a sheltered spot and wrap the sides up.

This is especially important if you have terracotta pots which are highly susceptible to cracking when the weather is cold.

Chris continued: “If you have garden furniture outside then it’s best to move it into the shed or garage.

“If that’s not possible then you can also move it to a more sheltered part of your garden. Another option is to protect the furniture with special covers.

“To ensure the best protection against moisture, it’s recommended to choose waterproof covers.”

Britons should also avoid walking on a snow-covered lawn as it will damage the turf underneath.

According to Chris, this is because it compacts the snow, making it harder for the grass beneath to breathe and receive nutrients.

However, it is important to continue watering plants even in cold weather, doing so in the afternoon when it’s the warmest.

The pro noted: “Plants can still lose moisture from their leaves and might not be able to absorb water from their roots if the soil is frozen or covered in snow.

“If you have a pond in your garden then it’s important to take measures to keep your fish and pond plants safe and well when temperatures plummet.

“If the pond freezes over then break a hole in the ice to allow for gas exchange. If there’s snow on the ice, make sure to clear it to allow light into the pond.”

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