October is often when the weather can’t quite make up its mind. Days are typically cool and changeable, bringing a mix of rain, cloud and sunshine. Temperatures can remain mild during the day, but evenings and overnight can feel noticeably chilly. Those falling nighttime temperatures are an important reminder to protect vulnerable plants from the cold.
The first frost can cause serious damage to young shrubs and tender plants, so Morris Hankinson, managing director of Hopes Grove Nurseries, recommends getting ahead of the cold weather rather than waiting for frost to arrive.
A few simple precautions can help protect plants from cold snaps and freezing temperatures, keeping them healthy and ready to withstand the months ahead.
1. Be prepared
Keep a close eye on the overnight forecast for your area rather than relying on a specific ‘first frost’ date. Frost varies considerably between regions and can arrive earlier or later from one year to the next, so monitoring local conditions is a more reliable way to know when to act.
‘Look out for overnight temperatures forecast to fall to around 0°C or below. Clear, calm nights are also more likely to produce frost, so it’s worth taking precautions before temperatures reach freezing. I’d recommend starting to prepare when overnight temperatures are forecast to dip below around 3–4°C,' explains Morris.
2. Protect with mulch
Evergreen shrubs, particularly younger plants such as hebe, pittosporum, photinia and laurel, can be wrapped in horticultural fleece during prolonged cold spells if needed. In most cases, however, they’ll benefit more from a good layer of mulch around the roots. This helps protect the root system from frost, insulates the soil and helps maintain a more stable temperature. As the mulch breaks down, its nutrients are gradually absorbed into the soil over winter.
White Garden Fleece Plant Protection 1.5m x 1.5m
White Garden Fleece Plant Protection 1.5m x 1.5m
Apply at least 5–10cm of well-rotted organic matter, such as bark chippings, leaf mould, compost or straw, around the base of young shrubs, trees and other vulnerable plants.
Younger plants may also need staking, particularly if they are exposed to strong winds. This can help prevent them from rocking in the soil, protecting newly developing roots and giving them a better chance of establishing through the colder months.
3. Wrap them up warm
Laurel, privet and escallonia hedging can be susceptible to frost scorch and windburn, particularly when young or growing in exposed sites.
Cover vulnerable plants with horticultural fleece, securing it close to the ground so cold air cannot get underneath. In particularly heavy frosts, double layers may be needed. However, avoid leaving plants covered for too long, as this reduces light and ventilation. Remove or loosen the fleece when conditions improve.
Reused packaging, such as bubble wrap, can also be useful for insulating pots and containers, but never place plastic sheeting or bubble wrap directly against plants. This restricts airflow, and trapped condensation can freeze and cause damage. If using plastic to protect plants from heavy rain, raise it above the plants to allow plenty of air circulation.
Remember to uncover plants when temperatures rise during the day. If freezing conditions persist, covers can remain in place, but otherwise remove or loosen them to prevent overheating and reduce the risk of fungal problems caused by trapped moisture.
4. Group containers together
Protect container-grown shrubs by grouping pots together in a sheltered spot, such as against a wall and away from strong winds. Raise pots onto bricks or pot feet to improve drainage, and wrap containers in fleece or bubble wrap for extra protection from freezing temperatures.
5. Water with care
Water carefully before a frost. If the soil is very dry, watering beforehand can help prevent plants becoming dehydrated and stressed, but avoid overwatering, particularly in cold, heavy soils. Most established plants need little additional water during autumn and winter, although container plants – especially evergreens and those kept under cover – may occasionally need a light watering.
Water in the morning rather than evening, giving plants time to absorb excess moisture before temperatures drop. Avoid leaving water on foliage and stems overnight, as it can freeze and cause damage.
And remember...
• Mulching, planting or moving plants in frosty weather is a definite no. Mulching when the soil is frozen simply traps the cold soil so it’s best to mulch before the frosts or after.
• Established hardy shrubs are perfectly capable of dealing with a normal UK frost. Newly planted hardy plants can be more vulnerable because their root systems haven't had time to establish, so these may need extra protection.
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