How to Protect Your Plants Through a Welsh Winter
There’s something quite magical about a crisp winter morning here in South Wales – frosty lawns, bare branches, and that low golden light. But while it’s lovely for us to look at, winter can be tough on our gardens. Frost, heavy rain, cold winds, and waterlogged soil can all take their toll.
With a little preparation, though, your garden can get through the Welsh winter in good shape – and bounce back strong in spring. Here are some of the ways I protect plants for my clients across Glamorgan (and in my own little garden too!).
🌿 Mulch to Protect Roots
A thick layer of organic mulch (compost, leaf mould, bark, or well-rotted manure) spread around the base of shrubs, perennials, and herbs makes a world of difference. It keeps soil temperatures steadier, protects roots from frost, and improves the soil as it breaks down.
🌱 Move Tender Plants to Shelter
If you’ve got tender herbs or shrubs in pots (think rosemary, bay, or young perennials), move them closer to the house or into a greenhouse for extra protection. Even tucking pots against a sheltered wall can give them a few extra degrees of warmth.
🍂 Cut Back & Prune Wisely
Pruning at the right time is key. Cutting back finished perennials helps prevent rot and disease, while some shrubs appreciate a trim to stop wind damage. I’m always careful not to cut back spring-flowering plants too hard in autumn though – they need those buds for next year.
🛡️ Protect From Frost & Wind
Use fleece, cloches, or even an old sheet to cover tender plants on very cold nights.
Wrap young shrubs or delicate herbs in horticultural fleece if frost is forecast.
For windy spots (we get plenty of those in Glamorgan!), simple windbreaks with netting or hessian can stop plants from being battered.
🌸 Look After Borders & Perennials
September and October are good months for splitting and replanting perennials so they can establish before the worst of winter. Anything newly planted will benefit from a mulch and maybe even a little fleece cover during a hard frost.
🌱 Don’t Forget the Greenhouse
Your greenhouse will be a lifeline over winter. Clear out dead plants, clean the glass for maximum light, and check for draughts. A small greenhouse heater or bubble wrap insulation can make a big difference if you’re overwintering tender herbs or young veg seedlings.
❄️ A Final Tip: Embrace a Bit of Wildness
Not everything needs tidying away. Leaving some seed heads, leaves, and hollow stems not only protects plants but also provides shelter for wildlife – and a touch of frosty beauty on a cold morning.
Need a Helping Hand This Winter?
If you’d like support with mulching, pruning, splitting perennials, or getting your greenhouse and borders ready for winter, I’d be happy to help. I work across the Glamorgan area, looking after everything from shrubs and borders to kitchen gardens and greenhouses.
With the right care now, your garden will survive the winter and be bursting with life come spring.
Stay warm,
Holly x
