PROTECT OUTDOOR PLANTS

A little work now will safeguard precious plants

BY this point in December you should already have the necessary weatherproofing in place for your plants. However, keep checking it is still adequate, and in place, especially after storms

The weather often turns colder as winter progresses, making January and February the most dangerous months. You may have so far got away with not doing much to keep more tender and vulnerable plants safe, but it is worth acting now before you get caught up in Christmas activities.

Less hardy border plants such as agapanthus should be mulched with dry sand or straw, with an added cloche if very harsh weather is forecast. Container plants, trees and shrubs should be moved somewhere sheltered (against a house wall out of the prevailing wind), then mulched and bubblewrapped.

Permanent plants in patio containers should also be mulched and their containers swaddled in bubblewrap or fleece. It also helps to cluster them together somewhere sheltered, as they create their own microclimate that is slightly warmer than the air around them.

After hard frosts, check young trees and hardwood cuttings rooting in the soil, as it may have cracked and lifted and need treading back down.

Create a cocoon using straw, fleece or bubblewrap to protect vulnerable plants from winter’s extremes

A layer of straw will insulate roots

Anchor your plastic cloches well