Protecting Tender Plants
Through Winter
Protecting tender plants through the winter months.
Every year, as the winter nights draw in, so does the risk of damage to some of our favourite tender garden plants. So how can we protect them against the harsh winter weather? The answer is simpler than you may think. All you need is some time and a little bit of effort and you can make a real difference! Let's explore how you can tuck your garden up for the winter season.
Learn about the plants
in your garden
It's a great idea to keep notes of the names and locations of everything you plant. When it comes to winter, you then can easily look up the individual needs of your garden. Native plants have adapted to British weather, and so are far more hardy and equipped to deal with cold and wet conditions. You don't need to worry about annuals such as Cosmos and Sunflowers, as they need to be grown from seed or bought as plants from garden centres each year.
So what are
tender plants?
Think Mediterranean and exotic like Begonias, Olive Trees and Rosemary. Bananas and Tree Ferns, Calla Lilies and Agapanthus. These plants are from warmer climates and some have very delicate soft leaves and blooms. If you're not sure which plants in your garden are classed as 'tender', search online or visit us in store and speak to one of our plant experts!
What can we do to protect them?
1. All plants in the ground in your garden will benefit from mulching. This is the process of adding leaves, grass cuttings, bark or compost around the base of the plant. This benefits the plants in multiple ways. From protecting the roots from frost, water logging and also adding nutrients into the soil as it breaks down.
2. Transfer tender plants into pots, and move them to a more sheltered area of the garden. Near to a wall, fence or larger hardy plants makes a huge difference as they offer protection from strong wind, and lashing rain.
3. Protect with fleece. Bananas, Olive Trees and Tree Ferns need to be wrapped with fleece to protect them from ice and snow. If you can, move these plants under glass to stop them from becoming water logged.
4. Move into greenhouses or sheltered porches. Mediterranean plants such as Rosemary and Thyme should be lifted, potted and moved somewhere where they can be kept warmer and dry. A covered porch is perfect if you don't have a greenhouse.
When can I move and unwrap the tender plants?
After winter, as the warmer sun and longer days return. The soil will begin to defrost and warm up, and you can start to reintroduce your tender plants to their place in the garden. Keep an eye out for surprise frosts in the spring!
Shop in store now for tips & advice!
Visit us in store!
If you have any more questions about looking after your garden throughout the winter, visit us in store and speak to one of our garden and plant experts. They're on hand to speak to you and offer help and advice!
Click here for our contact details and store locations!