Frost and freezing conditions can help or damage your garden but here are some tips for Gardeners when dealing with cold and frosty weather. In the meantime enjoy the images hoar frost creates and the pleasures of your garden on a crisp cold morning.
Helpful Frost
Hard winter frosts help define the seasons and start the renewal process for Spring. Many plants like a cold spell to help seed germination as with many alpines, to develop roots of Daffodils or to kill off foliage that has achieved its purpose. Frost will blacken the leaves of Dahlias signaling the time to lift the tubers.
Frost will break down the clods of soil in a vegetable garden that has been dug over and left in lumps.
Too many insects and pests will cause problems unless the frost kills or reduces their number. Frost should be welcomed as an environmentally friendly treatment.
Frost Pockets
Cold air will run down slopes, like invisible water, until it runs into an obstruction or ends up in a depression. It will remain in this position creating a frosty hollow or frost pocket to further damage your plants. Cold air is heavier than warm air and you should design the garden layout to allow cold air to drain away. Take account of frost pockets when planting by avoiding putting tender plants and early flowering plants in frost pockets. I have some of my Rhubarb in a frost pocket as it helps the crowns to be prolific.
Late Frosts
Whilst winter frost may have benefits, spring frost can damage early growth. Fruit tree buds and blossom can suffer damage but you may be able to seek out frost resistant varieties or select late varieties
Frost on the buds of Magnolia and Camellia will be more damaging if the early morning sun melts the frost too quickly so it is wise to shelter them from the East.
Do not plant new shrubs or plants in frosty soil or rush to plant out half hardy annuals in spring, wait until all risk of frost has gone.
