Severe weather conditions mean that we are still only able to offer a reduced gardening advice service by phone. Many apologies for this, but we trust the service will return to normal soon.
Frequently Asked Questions at the moment include:
Will the current cold weather harm my garden? This winter has been quite cold and as a result the plants have had plenty of time to become ‘hardened’ by low temperatures. As a result there should be less damage than if, as happened last year in some districts, frost caught many soft plants in February.
Should I protect newly bought plants? Because many newly bought plants might have been raised in greenhouses and so if not yet planted keep in a cool, but frost free place with plenty of light and plant out after the current cold snap. If already planted the snow covering should help provide protection. Otherwise a cloche or double-layer of fleece might be a wise precaution.
Will frost affect my magnolia buds? Magnolia buds are robust, but the flowers are of course very susceptible to frost, flowering is still several weeks away.
Is it too late to protect my tender plants? Damage may well have been done, but adding protection in the form of fleece or straw won’t make the situation any worse and may do good.
Will salt harm my plants? A light sprinkling to keep steps and paths ice-free should be OK, but spreading salt by the shovelful can lead to damage. If the cold spell continues adding more salt is unwise as it can build up and harm plants.
Should I protect pruning cuts in this cold weather? Cold though it is we don’t think this will damage pruning cuts. We doubt that it gets cold enough in Britain to prevent pruning, but be aware that in late winter may plants, birches and walnuts for example, can ‘bleed’ sap in spring. In these cases it may be better to delay pruning until late summer.