How frost affects your garden plants and how to avoid it

With the winter months upon us, the cold weather is on its way. Winter in the UK usually means frosty, cold mornings which can wreak havoc on your gardens. 

Battling frost can be tricky so being prepared is key. Here are some of the risks your plants face as well as tips to help you prevent frost damage. 

Four risks your plants may face when it is frosty

Cell damage

Plants have a lot of water in them, so when it is cold this water freezes. When water freezes, it expands which can rupture the cell walls of the plants. This causes wilting, discolouration and even death of particularly sensitive plants. 

Root damage

Healthy roots are integral to your foliage’s survival. Frost can cause the water in the soil to freeze up and draw away from roots, causing dehydration and potential root rot. Damaged roots prevent your plants from getting enough water, causing them to die or need intensive care to recover. 

Stunted growth 

Cold temperatures can halt plant growth by damaging integral growth cells. Damaged cells lead to distorted growth which results in smaller or misshapen plants. 

Increased risk of disease

Damaged plants have openings in their cellular structure which leaves them vulnerable to pathogens. Diseases such as downy mildew are airborne so they can easily spread between damaged plants. This can result in a whole garden full of plants which won’t recover. 

Four ways to prevent frost damage

Cover plants and exposed areas

Be sure to check the weather forecast and see when frost is likely. By doing this you can prepare and use sheets and blankets to cover any exposed plants or ones that are particularly sensitive to frost. Try to avoid the use of plastic as any heat from the morning sun or the plants themselves will get trapped and create a damp, moist environment that could damage some plants. 

Water plants before frost

As mentioned, water in the soil can freeze during frosty periods which is then drawn away from the roots. You need to be strategic when it comes to watering. If you can, water your plants a couple of days before the frost comes. This helps to hold the heat better than bone-dry soil, which helps to insulate your plants’ roots. 

Use mulch and ground covering

Another way to insulate plant roots is to use mulch or ground covering. Not only do these products help keep the heat in and reduce temperature fluctuations, but they also have secondary benefits. These include pest protection and moisture retention. 

Bring plants indoors 

Potted plants have the benefit of being movable, so when the frost comes you could pop them indoors to keep them safe. A good alternative is to put them in a greenhouse which will be warmer than outdoors.