The UK is set to experience a severe cold snap and heavy snowfall this week as The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning across most parts of the UK.

With temperatures expected to plummet below freezing, a gardening expert is advising one surprising thing people can do to help save their much-loved plants from frost damage.

Jack Sutcliffe, Co-Founder of Power Sheds, advises using bubble wrap on sensitive plants, such as agapanthus and perennials, in order to keep out the freezing cold air and help them to stay alive during the winter.

Frost damage, which occurs when the water inside the plant freezes and expands, can be fatal for plants, with repeated thawing and freezing being particularly damaging.

1.
Bubble wrap sensitive plants

For any particularly frost sensitive plants like roses, covering them up to protect them can work wonders and save them from damage – using bubble wrap can be really effective at keeping out the cold air.

2.
Lift plant pots off the ground

With winter comes rain, snow and ice, which can mean plant pots on the floor get waterlogged and can’t drain properly. Lifting them up from the ground means they won’t be left standing in water or snow. You might
want to also put them in a more sheltered position in the garden or in a greenhouse.

3. Use bark or straw as mulch

The Royal Horticulture Society recommends using bark around the plant base to insulate the living water-conductive tissues in the plant, to stop it freezing, causing root damage and preventing water uptake. You
can also use straw.

4.
Water your plants

Slightly watering your plants before the freeze helps to keep the soil moist and prevent the roots from freezing. It also helps to keep the plants hydrated and healthy, which will help them survive the temperatures.