Frost Preparation

[Gardenlines]

Winter will soon be upon us, which means the weather is going to get colder and wetter. Frost damage can affect many plants and be a real nuisance in the garden. Ground temperatures can fall below freezing point and damage roots, whilst freezing air temperatures can affect the stems, leaves and flowers of plants.

Because of the harsh winter weather, it’s important to make preparations now.

If you have any Spring bulbs, it’s important to plant them now before the frost hits. Young plants can be more susceptible to frost damage, so to help them out, it’s wise to cover them with a frost fleece. Larger plants that are used to hotter climates such as olive trees could do with a frost fleece as well.

Do you have any special plants or trees that you like to protect over the winter?

[bednobs]

i have a big container of succulents in the garden - do they need to come inside, or can they just be fleeced?

[Prudie]

yes I have a large clump of arum lily about 3ft high and 4 ft wide(believe it's correctly called calla lily) that I wrap up in bubble wrap on frosty nights. That way the leaves stay green and survive the winter giving me more flowers that if I let the frost wilt them off.

[AuntPG]

Strangely up here in Teesdale the sedums tolerate all temperatures without protection. My Hydrangeas took a hit this spring, even the ones supposedly that tolerated temperatures down to minus 15. Would you suggest pruning at the end of flowering and wrapping, or wait until Jan/Feb then protect the new buds?

[puzzled54]

I have a lemon tree which has some small lemons on it, the biggest is about an inch and a half long. Am I likely to get any proper lemons ? Also, when would be a good time to move it into the conservatory?

[pixie374]

From an amateur... I have lots of really healthy fuschias and others in small hanging pots. Should I put them in the ground over winter? I can't imagine they will survive in the pots.

[AuntPG]

Pixie Wrap the pots in bubble wrap. The leaves will drop off and maybe some stalks will die, back but they will sprout up again in the spring.

[Redhelen72]

I have 2 young fig trees, about a year old - they are currently on a south facing veranda - Do I need to wrap them in fleece in the winter?
We are in Northern Ireland.
Thanks

[Redhelen72]

They are about a year old, I do have an in heated greenhouse but would prefer to use that for growing winter salad and tatties