28 November 2023 , 11:31
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With freezing temperatures on the way, gardening experts have come up with five surprising household items that you can use to protect your garden from the harsh weather this winter.
Dying plants, garden furniture cracking and potential damp build-up in sheds this cold season could mean hefty damage control and repairs when it comes to next year - but there are ways to prevent coughing up for this once spring arrives.
From bed sheets to garlic spray, gardening expert Jack Sutcliffe, founder of Power Sheds, has revealed the household items you can use to protect your garden this winter while keeping the cost to a minimum. Below is a breakdown of five handy tips to help you through the next few months.
READ MORE: December gardening jobs - what to sow and grow in winter
The smell of garlic will put off any insects around your plants (Getty Images)Cover ground plants in bed sheets
Simply placing a lightweight bed sheet over ground plants will help to prevent any gaps of potentially damaging cold air from seeping into leaves and flowers. Remember though, keen gardeners, to remove the cover during the day so that your plants can gain the benefits of the sun during the winter - otherwise, they will be starved of essential nutrients.
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Insulate your shed with old rugs or carpet
Line the floor and walls of your shed with old rugs or offcuts of carpets to insulate and protect your shed from any potential mould or dampness that could build up and damage belongings. Jack Sutcliffe, co-founder of Power Sheds, added: “The cold, wet weather that comes in winter can be damaging for our gardens, so it's important people take time to prepare and protect their garden in harsher conditions."
Spray garlic around plants
Winter is the perfect time for pests, such as ants and slugs, to invade garden plants and destroy opportunities for growth when spring comes. The pungent smell of garlic will repel any pesky pests without damaging the plants. One top tip is to blend garlic with a little water to create a spray that will be easy to spread around the garden.
Rub olive oil on garden furniture
Rubbing olive oil on your rattan, wicker, and wooden garden furniture can act as a layer of protection during the colder months and keep it looking its best. To ensure the oil is providing enough protection, apply oil regularly during the colder months.
Bubble wrap plant pots
Trap warm air around your potted plants by wrapping the pots in bubble wrap. Cold weather, particularly frost, causes the water in plant cells to freeze, but bubble wrap can help them survive windy winter weather.
Jack finished by saying: "Our practical tips will help to keep your garden in the best possible condition throughout winter, saving you money on maintenance and repair costs.”