THE HEAVY snow and frosts that have deluged the county recently have meant the garden spade has chiefly been picked out of the shed to clear pathways and drives, writes James Iles.
However there are many things you can be doing to protect your garden in the current cold snap.
Snowfall does have a benefit to the garden as it can act as an insulator against sharp frosts thus protecting plants but a heavy layer that freezes on branches and leaves can force them to break so it is best to shake the excess off.
Similarly large deposits of snow on the greenhouse roof or cold frames can cause structures to bend or even collapse so it’s best to brush that off too.
Though you may be inclined to make a snowman with the kids it is advisable to stay off your snowy lawn as the footprints will damage the grass and encourage fungal growth in the compacted areas.
And while evergreens like conifers will tolerate the frost, tie in any splayed branches with a piece of string anchored to the main trunk or more sturdy branches but do not use wire as it will cut into the bark.
It’s too late to change the plants you’ve already put in the ground but it goes without saying some are more frost tender than others.
If existing leaves like those on my Photina (Red Robin) have been scorched by the big freeze recently don’t panic. Just wait until the weather has warmed up and cut them back to emerging buds.
Specimens that were planted fairly recently may have been lifted by the snow and/or frost as their roots aren’t substantial enough to anchor them into the ground so just re-heel them back in as soon as it is practical to do so.
And while the sun will thaw out your garden, those plants facing a morning sun could defrost too quickly causing cell damage so try bagging them up in back bin-liners if they cannot be moved.
A thick layer of mulch or manure should shield tender bulbs, corms and tender herbaceous plants that have died back while straw or old leaves can help stop the ground from freezing.
For future reference, golden or variegated plants can be affected by frost more while it is best to avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers which promote sappy growth which is more succeptible to the elements.
Try and keep tender specimens like fuchsias and pelargoniums in sheltered spots or better still move them indoors or into the greenhouse.
Another tip is to leave the old faded growth on tender plants in place until the spring to protect the crown of the plant from frost damage.
However much you get to do to protect your garden remember to put food out for the birds who are short of food at this time of year.
They may have already eaten all the berries off your shrubs so fat balls, nuts and seeds are in order for our feathered friends.
(c) Copyright 2010 jigsawgardens.co.uk
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