Protecting Pot Plants from Frost in the WInter

In our cold winter climate everyone with pot plants is familiar with having to protect potted plants from frost there are a few options available 

1. Covering with a fleece bag also known as fleece jackets.

2. Wrapping in garden fleece

3. Taking the plants inside

Potted plants tend to be more susceptible to cold weather than plants in borders, this does not mean that border plants do not need protection. You need to be proactive to ensure your potted plants are safe from the frost damage. Ensure the potted plants are well watered as this makes them less susceptible to frost damage.

Potted plants can be moved into a garage, porch or outbuilding for a night or a few days, this can sometimes be just enough protection. You can also apply a mulch taking it up to the rims of the pots this will help insulate the soil a little bit and protect the roots.

Apply mulch on top of the soil, up to the rims of the pots. This will insulate the soil and protect the roots. You can also wrap blankets, bubble wrap or burlap around the outside of the containers for extra insulation. If you have extra mulch, surround the containers with it. In autumn, fallen leaves provide an abundant and easy-to-use insulating mulch.

Popping the plant (including the pot) into a fleece bag/jacket is an easy option, these are available in different thicknesses, the thicker the fleece the warmer it is. Fleece thickness is calculated in gms per square metre so the higher the numbers the more protection you will get.

Wrapping the plants and pots in garden fleece is also an option, again the thickness of the fleece will make a difference to the level of protection. If a very hard frost if forecast, pop on an extra layer for the night.

Take care when moving plants inside, where it will provide a degree of protection outbuildings can still remain very cold.