10 ways to protect your plants through autumn and winter (2024)

Faced with cold, damp and gloomy weather, we know it's tempting to neglect your garden in autumn and winter – but your plants need your help.

'Decreasing daylight, colder temperatures, fluctuating moisture levels, and the potential for frost creates a stressful environment for some plants,' explains Mark Dwelly, head gardener at Audley Villages. 'Understanding these challenges and adapting the way you care for your plants during the coming months is essential to help them thrive as the climate becomes cooler.'

There are 10 things you can do right now to protect your plants and garden this winter. So, wrap up warm, make yourself a flask of tea and get outside to work your way through this list – you'll be rewarded with perky plants come spring, as well as a much needed vitamin D boost...

1. Take shelter

Delicate varieties and container plants (generally trickier to maintain and more at risk of suffering) benefit from being moved into a sheltered spot if possible. A greenhouse is ideal, however failing that, moving them somewhere slightly more protected from the elements will have a positive impact, like a walled area or a shaded terrace.

'For bedded or larger potted plants that can't be moved indoors, try using purpose-built plant covers, or even a fabric like hessian to cover them overnight, especially on colder days,' says Mark.

2. Lay down a bed of mulch

Add a layer of mulch (an organic bark-life material) on top of the soil that surrounds your plants (especially potted and bedded outdoor plants). This will create a shield-like effect, regulating the soil temperature and providing your plants with extra protection against cold temperatures and drying winds.

3. Don't stop watering

It might seem counter intuitive, but it's necessary to water your plants frequently throughout the colder months too, especially when it's been dry. Even when it has been wet, don't forget that rain doesn't dampen the soil as much as you'd think.

'Well-hydrated plants are better equipped to withstand temperature fluctuations, and your plants still need moisture to thrive,' Mark explains.

4. Prune to perfection

When our plants are struggling through harsher conditions, it's important to give them all the help they can get. Getting rid of dead bits can promote growth and also prevent disease spreading. Just be careful not to over prune, as this can encourage younger growths, which may struggle to withstand colder temperatures.

5. Maximise the sunshine

As the daylight hours decrease, plants have less time to photosynthesise. Do your best to ensure your plants are not constantly in the shade. 'While it is important to protect them in sheltered areas from windier weather, always ensure that your plants still have access to the sunlight they need to thrive,' advises Mark.

6. Fertilise frequently

Feed the soil around your plants with a balanced, slow-release fertiliser or compost. This will nourish the soil, in turn, feeding the plants with additional nutrients to help them fight against the tougher conditions. However, avoid using too much fertiliser, as this might encourage new growths that are vulnerable to being damaged as the cold sets in, Mark warns.

7. Deter unwanted visitors

Sadly, aphids, mites and whiteflies continue to thrive in autumn and winter. Check for infestations and remove affected leaves if any of your plants become infested. Consider applying natural remedies, such as a diluted vinegar, soap and water solution, or insecticidal soaps to help deter these pesky insects.

8. Keep it neat and tidy

The fallen leaves that mark the start of autumn start to decay eventually, and this encourages pests to thrive, especially if they've landed on your bedded plants. Clear fallen leaves regularly to prevent pest infestations and keep your garden healthy.

9. Watch out for gusts

It's not just the chilly temperatures that affect our gardens, but also windy weather. Storms can damage and even uproot plants. Think about encasing delicate beds with wind shields – if you're clever with your planting, larger shrubs can act as natural wind breaks. Failing that, invest in a purpose-built barrier from the gardening centre.

10. Invest in frost-resistant plants

OK, this one is more preventative then combative, but when planning your garden, consider choosing plants that are more resistant to frost. In the UK, hardy flowers like pansies, coronillas, hellebores, and camellias are often great options to withstand the colder months.

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