emergency measures

Frost can be fickle. While some areas will plan for it every year, others might just have one or two frosts per decade, and so a quick response is required.

“It can help to predict frosty conditions if you check the Bureau of Meteorology Frost Potential Maps, which you can find at bom.gov.au,” says Peter.

Across a large expanse of garden beds, protect your plants against sudden chill by covering them overnight with a frost cloth, hessian or even an actual blanket – just don’t use plastic. Remove all covers the next morning, once it has really warmed up. For frost-prone areas, many plants can be effectively ‘put to bed’ for the winter. Cut back herbaceous perennials in early May and mulch over the top to protect the soil and roots.

When the frosts have passed and the weather is turning, clear any remaining mulch to let the soil warm up before mulching it again to hold water in through the summer to come.

David suggests composted pine bark. “You can use straw, but it can be a harbour for rodents and they eat my bulbs,” he says. Paul adds, “In American gardens I have worked on, they wrap tender plants in hessian for the winter to protect them.”

“Understanding the local climate is key to choosing plants that will survive and thrive” ~ Peter Morgan, Plantlife