Gardening in frosty weather

[lumsdale]

Today I was digging over a plot of garden and although the top inch or so was frozen I could easily break through that layer with a spade and turn the soil. I am doing this because I need to move some shrubs and small trees, to this plot. Is it wise to be moving them when we are having frosts. Will the plants be harmed in the process or should I wait until the ground warms up a little.

[Thunderbird+]

Hi lumsdale, I'm afraid it is unwise to turn over the soil while it's frosty, the buried frost will take a long time to thaw out and it can also damage your soil structure. It would be far wiser to wait until the frost has gone before doing this and that go's for moving the shrubs too. Good Luck. Tbird+

[shylock73]

Hi Lumsdale, it all depends on where you live, if you live in the south the frost would`nt have penetrated very deep into the soil so go ahead with your planting but be sure to firm them in and tie a support to them to protect against high winds as we had last week. Also give a good thick mulch of compost approx 2-3inches deep. Have a Happy Xmas