CHANGING temperatures can be tough on our beloved gardens, but the solution to protecting them is already in your house.
Plants are not immune to the cold and the best time of day to tend to them is not when the sun is shining, but as it dips ahead of nightfall.
There is one simple trick to keep your plants protected from the elements[/caption]
And you probably already have it in your wardrob[/caption]
Our pretty gardens lose lots of heat as the sun sets, which can wreak havoc with their ability to stay strong and grow well.
Lucy Wren is a professional gardener with more than 15 years of experience working at prestigious sites such as, Kew Gardens in London and private five-star hotel estates across the UK.
“People spend time feeding, pruning and watering, but they often forget about thermal protection,” she explained to The Sun.
“As the sun sets, the temperature drops rapidly, and plants lose heat fast.”
Lucy added: “If you cover them at the right time — just as the sun goes down — you help trap in the warmth they’ve stored all day.”
She recommended getting into the habit of “putting your plants to bed” every night.
“It’s one of the easiest ways to encourage healthier, more resilient growth,” Lucy said.
There is no need to rush out to buy expensive equipment to keep your plants wrapped up, because some of the best material is probably already in your wardrobe.
Lucy said that using breathable fleece or cloches that insulate but still allow airflow are the best options.
“You don’t want to suffocate the plant — just help it retain the warmth and moisture it already has,” she added.
The benefits of covering plants are plentiful from reducing overnight heat loss by up to 45 percent, encouraging the best growth in spring time and protecting plants from harmful pests and animals.
It also shield plants from wind damage, preserves moisture in the soil by reducing overnight evaporation and protecting plants from heavy rain or early morning sunlight.
But it’s not just plants that need overnight protection, outdoor equipment such as irrigation units and heat pumps need cover too.
“The idea is simple: protect what matters most in your garden before the temperature drops,” said a spokesperson for Heat Pump Covers, an insulation specialist company that has a partnership with Lucy.
“Whether it’s a heat pump or a delicate seedling, insulation and timing make all the difference.”
They added: “Covering up at dusk is a small action with a big impact — smart, practical, and backed by science.”
Gardening mistakes that could get you fined
Gardening experts over at Toolstation have revealed the garden laws you need to be aware of not breaking.
While some of these laws could land you with a fine of up to £20,000 in extreme cases, a friendly chat with your neighbours can usually resolve any issues.
Tree removal and pruning: If you have a tree in your garden you want to get rid of you better think twice and do your research.
The gardening experts reveal: “If one neighbour wishes to remove or heavily prune a tree that the other neighbour values, disputes can arise over the impact on the view, shade, or privacy. “
While it might cause a row, if it is in your property boundary it is ultimately your choice, unless it has a Tree Protection Order on it.
“But, some trees may be protected by a Tree Protection Order which makes it an offence to uproot, top or destroy them, the experts warn.
The maximum fine for breaking this law is £20,000, so make sure you double check if it does have a TPO.
You can find out by contacting your local council for a map that shows this information. Alternatively, you can ask to speak with your local tree officer.
Property boundaries and fences: One of the main causes of neighbours falling out is through arguing over property boundaries and fencing.
To avoid this situation, the gardening pros recommend checking the deeds of your property to determine the correct boundaries
“Most of the time, it’s easy to determine who owns the fence as the fence posts will usually be on the owners side,” they add.
“Additionally, the height of fences or hedges can cause disputes between neighbours if one party feels the height has exceeded the two metre guidance.
“Hedges and fences should be no more than two metres high, and you could be asked by the council to take them down if a neighbour complains about the height.
“Luckily, standard fence sizes are less than two metres tall so you shouldn’t have a problem.”
Garden structures and additions: A pergola is the perfect addition to a garden if you want somewhere to relax in the shade.
But if it obstructs your neighbour’s view or violates local building regulations it could cause a dispute, as can sheds and other garden structures.
“If you’re not sure, have a chat with your neighbours to let them know what you’re planning and, if there’s an issue, get in touch with your local council who can give you more guidance,” advise the gardening experts.
Overhanging branches and plants: “When branches, vines, or roots from one neighbour’s tree or plant extend into the neighbouring property, it can lead to disagreements over potential damage to structures, blocked views, or the burden of maintenance,” reveal the pros.
However, it’s important to note you can only trim overhanging branches up to the boundary of your property otherwise, it could be seen as trespassing.
You can climb into the tree to carry out the work if needed, but only on your property and make sure to stay on your side of the fence if you don’t have permission to enter your neighbours garden.
Discover more from World Byte News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
