Protect semi-tender shrubs from frost

Climate change has made our winters warmer and wetter. Twenty-five years ago you could depend upon a spell of a week or so of sharp frost around the middle of November, where the temperature would remain below freezing, but this is becoming increasingly unlikely. However, the temperature can still plummet very quickly overnight and semi-tender shrubs like pomegranates, olive, bay or citrus grown in containers – which are healthiest kept outside as long as possible – can suffer real damage.

The solution is to have ready squares of horticultural fleece cut to fit each plant to wrap around them. This will be enough protection against light frosts although in very cold weather, when the temperature drops below -5°C, they will need a double layer or moving indoors. I lightly secure the fleece with twine so that it is easy to remove once temperatures rise again.

Wrapping semi-tender shrubs with fleece protects them from the cold

Harvest the very last of your tender fruit before wrapping up

Continual harvesting will encourage a supply of fresh young leaves