Frost Protection for Plants
When the cold nights hit Lincolnshire and the frost settles on the lawn like a layer of icing sugar, many gardeners throw in the towel and accept defeat until spring. But your garden doesn’t have to suffer just because the temperature drops.
With a bit of preparation, a few clever tricks, and some simple winter-friendly habits, you can make sure your plants, paving, and garden features stay safe right through the coldest months. And don’t worry – none of this involves wrapping your bushes in bubble wrap or dashing outside at midnight with a torch.
Here’s how to protect your garden from frost and freezing temperatures, without making life complicated.
1. Know When Frost Is Coming
This sounds obvious, but frost often sneaks up on you. One minute you’re enjoying a mild evening, and the next morning your car windscreen looks like a snow globe. Keeping an eye on the weather forecast helps you act before the frost hits.
We’ve found the Met Office forecast is the most reliable for Lincolnshire. Set up an alert on your phone if you want to be extra prepared – it’s easier than doing the “frost panic dash” at 7am.
2. Move Tender Plants to Safety
Some plants are as tough as old boots, but others wouldn’t last five minutes in a Lincolnshire frost. Anything labelled “half-hardy” or “tender” will need protection.
If it’s in a pot:
- Move it next to the house (walls give off warmth).
- Tuck it under a porch or patio roof.
- Pop it in a greenhouse or shed if you have one.
If it’s in the ground:
- Add a thick layer of mulch around the base to keep the roots warm. Bark, compost, or leaf mould all work well.
For more winter tips, have a look at Winter Garden Plants That Thrive in Cold Weather.
3. Insulate Pots and Containers
Pots freeze far faster than the ground, which can crack the pot and damage the roots. Nobody wants to wake up to a plant that’s keeled over in the cold.
Try:
- Wrapping pots with bubble wrap, hessian, or fleece
- Standing pots on pot feet or bricks so water drains away
- Grouping pots together so they keep each other warm
It looks a bit like your plants are snuggled together for a sleepover, but it works.
4. Cover Delicate Plants Before the Frost Hits
For plants that can’t be moved – like palms, tree ferns, or young shrubs – a simple cover makes all the difference.
Use:
- Garden fleece
- Hessian
- Old blankets (yes, really!)
Just make sure the cover isn’t too heavy and remove it during the day so the plant doesn’t sweat or rot underneath.
The RHS provides a handy step-by-step on frost protection Overwintering tender Plants: wrapping.
5. Water Wisely (But Don’t Overdo It)
It might sound odd, but watering your garden before a frost can actually help protect the soil. Moist soil holds heat better than dry soil, slowing the rate at which it freezes.
A few tips:
- Water during the morning, not the evening
- Don’t drown your plants – damp is good, soggy is not
- Avoid watering succulents or cacti
A hydrated winter garden is a happier garden.
6. Protect Your Lawn from Frost Damage
Walking on frosty grass might feel harmless, but it can actually snap the frozen blades, leading to brown patches later on.
Look after your lawn by:
- Clearing leaves before frost arrives
- Avoiding foot traffic on frozen mornings
- Spiking waterlogged areas to improve drainage
If your lawn has struggled this year, take a look at: Why September Is the Perfect Month for Laying New Turf. It’ll give you a head start for next season.
7. Keep Paths and Patios Safe
Frost isn’t just a problem for plants – it can turn your patio into an ice rink faster than you can say “mind your step”.
To keep things safe:
- Sweep away leaves, moss, and algae
- Use a stiff brush or mild detergent to clean slippery patches
- Spread grit on paths before temperature drops
If you want a more long-term solution, sealing your paving can help protect it from frost damage and keep it looking sharp. More on that here: The Power of Paving: Why Hardscaping Enhances Your Garden
8. Don’t Forget Your Water Features
Frozen water can crack pumps, fountains, and stone features. So before a hard frost:
- Turn off pumps
- Drain small water features
- Cover them if possible
- For ponds, make a hole in the ice with a warm pan (never smash it – that shocks fish)
For more water feature care, see: The Benefits of Installing a Water Feature in Your Garden
Conclusion
Protecting your garden from frost doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few simple steps – moving pots, adding mulch, covering tender plants, and keeping paths clear – you can help your garden sail through winter without a hitch.
And if your winter garden has left you dreaming of a fresh start next year, ALS Landscaping Lincoln can help bring your ideas to life with professional landscaping that looks great in every season.
FAQs
When should I start protecting my garden from frost?
As soon as night temperatures start dropping below 2°C – usually late October through March in Lincolnshire.
Do all plants need covering in winter?
No. Only tender plants need protection. Hardy shrubs, evergreens, and most perennials cope perfectly well with frost.
Can I still landscape in winter?
Absolutely. Hardscaping projects can continue through much of winter as long as the ground isn’t frozen.