Protecting garden plants from frost doesn’t have to be expensive. A gardening expert shares how one common 99p household item can help provide winter plant protection and keep your outdoor plants thriving through freezing temperatures
With Christmas and the onset of winter fast approaching, the UK is set to experience consistently cold temperatures. While this might be ideal for getting into the festive spirit, it’s far from perfect for your garden plants.
Frost harms plants by freezing the water within their cells, causing it to expand and rupture cell walls, leading to wilting and discolouration.
Safeguarding plants from frost can prove challenging, particularly when you have numerous plants scattered throughout your garden. However, Elise Harlock, a floral specialist at Prestige Flowers, has revealed an unexpected item that can shield plants and flowers from icy conditions.
Instead of purchasing costly plant fleece, the specialist suggests using bubble wrap, reports the Express.
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 outlined how bubble wrap works to protect plants from frost.
She said: “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 wrap the bubble wrap around pots or over greenhouse panels to protect the plants. Bubble wrap forms a barrier of trapped air that helps to reduce heat loss, retaining a few crucial extra degrees of warmth on cold nights.
Covering plants with bubble wrap could mean the difference between flourishing blooms and drooping stems.
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 is available from eBay for 99p and from Amazon for £1.99. Sainsbury’s also stocks it for £4.75.
If you’d prefer not to use bubble wrap, old sheets are another option.
