Brits urged to put bubble wrap in gardens in November

As the weather changes and we edge closer to winter, gardeners have been urged to take several steps to protect their plants and general outdoor space from harsh conditions. Winter weather brings a number of challenges for gardeners, who wish to protect their plants and lawns from cold and often wet weather. After a blistering summer of heat, the Met Office has said that the UK could experience a "cold and harsh" winter this year.

When it comes to certain plants in our gardens, there are some clever tricks recommended by experts that help to protect them when temperatures drop and we start to see frost. Frost can be pretty damaging for certain plants, and winter is obviously the time when this becomes more prominent in the UK. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has shared its November checklist for gardeners across the country, and one thing can be done in November to protect plants from frost.

The RHS urged Brits to insulate their outdoor containers from frost in November. While many people might go out and buy hessian sacks for this, there is actually one leftover item in your home that you can use.

The RHS says that bubble wrap works well for this job. Freezing temperatures and frost can cause damage to plants, and oftentimes, they can't bounce back from it.

That is why insulating plants in winter is so important. "When it is not practical to lift or move tender plants, the best way to protect them from the winter cold and wet is to wrap them up.

"In exposed or cold areas, even relatively hardy plants may need protection."

Bananas and ferns are among the plants that need such protection. Meanwhile, shrubs that may need wrapping include Pittosporum tobira and Cestrum.

However, the practice of wrapping plants should be done with caution. The RHS warns: "If water is trapped under the wrappings, rots could develop in the crown of the plant.

"It is important to remove any damp debris from the base of the plant, and to make sure the crown is packed with plenty of dry material such as straw or dry bracken. A waterproof cover is essential."