Part of the Gardening Owl Maintenance collection. Practical, season-aware advice for caring for your garden.

Know which plants need protection

Many established hardy plants tolerate ordinary cold weather, while tender plants and young growth can be damaged when temperatures fall. Check each plant’s hardiness and your garden’s exposure before buying covers. Containers may be more vulnerable because roots are less insulated than those in the ground.

Prepare before a cold night

• Move portable pots to a sheltered position, ideally close to a wall or into a suitable unheated sheltered structure.
• Raise containers slightly on pot feet where appropriate so excess water can drain.
• Use horticultural fleece or an appropriate plant cover over vulnerable plants, securing it against wind without crushing foliage.
• Keep fleece clear of candles, heaters and other heat sources; do not use unventilated plastic pressed directly against leaves.
• Remove or ventilate covers when conditions warm, especially on sunny days.

Protecting plants in the ground

A suitable mulch around the root area may help buffer changes in temperature, but keep it away from stems and crowns. For large tender plants, a breathable cover supported by stakes can protect foliage without resting directly on it. Strong wind and waterlogging can be as damaging as cold, so provide drainage and shelter when needed.

Overwintering pots and containers

Insulate the sides of vulnerable containers with a suitable wrap if needed, while keeping drainage holes clear. Grouping pots reduces exposure. Avoid overwatering in winter, as cold, wet compost can damage roots. Some genuinely tender plants must be moved indoors or into frost-free conditions rather than relying on fleece alone.

What to do after a frost

Wait until the frost has thawed before handling brittle leaves. Do not immediately cut off every damaged shoot: leaving some growth can protect the plant from another cold spell. Once the risk of further severe frost has passed, assess whether stems are still alive and prune back to healthy tissue where appropriate.

Common mistakes

Do not assume every plant needs wrapping; covering hardy plants unnecessarily can trap moisture. Avoid sealing plants in airtight plastic, soaking soil before freezing weather or moving houseplants abruptly into a very dark space.

Links and seasonal planning

Autumn garden maintenance checklist · Garden watering advice · How and when to prune · Maintenance overview