How to Protect Your Plants This Spring
Having made it through the worst of winter (fingers crossed), you might well be focused on the creation of a vibrant springtime garden. You might also be thinking of moving your summer-time plants back outdoors to give them the best chance of flourishing. However, you should be aware of the potentially devastating impacts of insects and frosts over the coming months.
There’ll be a risk of frosts wreaking havoc in your garden until late April. And your plants could also be chewed up by invasive pests such as aphids, vine weevils, and whitefly. Thankfully you can boost the chances of survival through spring and beyond with the helpful tips in this blog.
Preventing Frost damage
A later-than-usual frost could kill any tender plants and vegetables overnight. And given the unpredictability of the British weather, you’re well-advised to keep an eye on the forecast. If the temperature is expected to dip under 5c then you should take measures for the protection of your plants. The ‘late frost date’ is another handy reference when it comes to planting in your local area.
You could prevent the overnight death of some tender plants by transferring them to the house or greenhouse. There’s also the option of draping protective netting over any plants that can’t be moved. Acting as a thermal coat, such netting will ensure the maintenance of a suitable temperature despite the frost. Twisted polyethylene netting is the ideal choice.
You can also protect your vulnerable plants with:
- Polyethylene and wire-hoop cloches
- Upturned plant pots (just remember to cover the holes and place rocks on top to keep the pots secure in high winds).
Stopping Insect Invasions
As you’ll be aware if you read our last blog, polyethylene netting is an excellent choice when it comes to protection against hungry insects. Available in a range of mesh sizes, this netting will provide essential cover against a variety of invasive critters. It can also prevent birds from tucking into your springtime produce.
If you’re really keen to win the war against the garden pests then you should also take steps to ensure the health of your soil. It’s a good idea to add a couple of inches of compost at the start of the season. Pellets, ground coffee, or broken eggshells could be scattered to stop slugs from chowing down on your garden greens. And you should try and create a suitable environment for the attraction of birds, toads, frogs, and other creatures that will help to keep the pests at bay.
Here For You
We’re confident that you’ll be able to enjoy a garden flourishing with spring-time favourites such as Pansies, Daffodils, Crocus and Helleborus if you follow the recommendations in this blog. But do remember that you can always give us a call on +44 (0) 1469 575 804 email netting@renco.co.uk for further help and advice.
