SHIELDING your plants from harsh frost this winter doesn’t require pricey equipment — and gardeners are turning to an 85p household buy that’s probably sitting in your cupboards already.
A floral expert has revealed how this simple item can help protect your plants from biting temperatures without breaking the bank.
Rather than splashing out on costly plant fleece, she recommends reaching for recycled packaging insteadCredit: Getty Images/iStockphoto
As the UK braces for consistently cold weather in the run-up to , many lovers are worried about frost damage.
Freezing temperatures cause the water inside plant cells to expand, tearing cell walls and leaving flowers limp, brown and beyond saving.
Protecting a garden full of pots can feel daunting, but Elise Harlock, a floral specialist at Prestige Flowers, has highlighted a surprising hero: bubble wrap.
Rather than splashing out on pricy winter plant covers, she recommends reaching for packaging instead.
She said: “Only one pound and easy to find, bubble wrap is a perfect solution for you to protect flowers from frost without breaking your bank.”
Elise explained how it works: “Eliminating frost damage is often about insulation and airflow.
“Bubble wrap works like a mini greenhouse; it traps in warmth while still letting in light, keeping your plants and flowers protected from freezing temperatures.”
How to use bubble wrap to protect plants
Simply layer the bubble wrap around plant pots troughs or greenhouse panels to lock in warmth.
The layer of trapped air creates insulation, helping plants cling onto precious extra degrees of heat on icy nights.
Elise added: “You don’t need anything fancy, even recycled packaging works well.
“Just wrap a few layers around your pots or window boxes, secure it with string or pegs, and remove it once temperatures rise during the day.”
Bubble wrap can be snapped up for as little as 99p on , £1.99 on Amazon and £4.75 at , and even leftover packaging from parcels will do the job.
More winter hacks to keep plants safe
Raise pots off the ground by, placing pots on bricks or pot feet stops water from collecting beneath them.
Excess moisture makes roots more vulnerable to frost, so lifting them slightly improves drainage and reduces the risk of freezing.
Bring vulnerable plants closer to the house as walls radiate heat overnight, creating a slightly warmer microclimate.
Moving citrus plants, herbs and tender flowers nearer to your home can offer crucial extra protection.
Water early, not late because it might seem counter-intuitive, but slightly moist soil holds heat better than dry soil.
Watering in the morning (never at night) helps plants retain warmth through the evening chill.
A thick layer of bark, leaves or compost helps insulate root systems.
Mulching traps heat in the soil, keeping roots warmer for longer and shielding them from repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
If isn’t your preference, lightweight fabric works well too.
An old bedsheet draped over shrubs or flower beds can stop frost settling directly on leaves.
Just remember to remove it during the day so plants still get sunlight.
With temperatures set to plummet in the coming weeks, these simple tricks, especially the budget-friendly bubble wrap hack, can make all the difference between winter casualties and a garden that springs back to life.
Freezing temperatures cause the water inside plant cells to expand, tearing cell walls and leaving flowers limp, brown and beyond savingCredit: Getty Images/iStockphoto Gardening mistakes that could get you fined
experts over at Toolstation have revealed the garden laws you need to be aware of not breaking.
While some of these laws could land you with a fine of up to £20,000 in extreme cases, a friendly chat with your can usually resolve any issues.
Tree removal and pruning: If you have a tree in your garden you want to get rid of you better think twice and do your research.
The gardening experts reveal: “If one neighbour wishes to remove or heavily prune a tree that the other neighbour values, disputes can arise over the impact on the view, shade, or privacy. “
While it might cause a row, if it is in your property boundary it is ultimately your choice, unless it has a Tree Protection Order on it.
“But, some trees may be protected by a Tree Protection Order which makes it an offence to uproot, top or destroy them, the experts warn.
The maximum fine for breaking this law is £20,000, so make sure you double check if it does have a TPO.
You can find out by contacting your local council for a map that shows this information. Alternatively, you can ask to speak with your local tree officer.
Property boundaries and fences: One of the main causes of neighbours falling out is through arguing over property boundaries and fencing.
To avoid this situation, the gardening pros recommend checking the deeds of your property to determine the correct boundaries
“Most of the time, it’s easy to determine who owns the fence as the fence posts will usually be on the owners side,” they add.
“Additionally, the height of fences or hedges can cause disputes between neighbours if one party feels the height has exceeded the two metre guidance.
“Hedges and fences should be no more than two metres high, and you could be asked by the council to take them down if a neighbour complains about the height.
“Luckily, standard fence sizes are less than two metres tall so you shouldn’t have a problem.”
Garden structures and additions: A pergola is the perfect addition to a garden if you want somewhere to relax in the shade.
But if it obstructs your neighbour’s view or violates local building regulations it could cause a dispute, as can sheds and other garden structures.
“If you’re not sure, have a chat with your neighbours to let them know what you’re planning and, if there’s an issue, get in touch with your local council who can give you more guidance,” advise the gardening experts.
Overhanging branches and plants: “When branches, vines, or roots from one neighbour’s tree or plant extend into the neighbouring property, it can lead to disagreements over potential damage to structures, blocked views, or the burden of maintenance,” reveal the pros.
However, it’s important to note you can only trim overhanging branches up to the boundary of your property otherwise, it could be seen as trespassing.
You can climb into the tree to carry out the work if needed, but only on your property and make sure to stay on your side of the fence if you don’t have permission to enter your neighbours garden.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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