Monty Don Urges Gardeners to Protect Shrubs from Frost Damage

As November progresses, sudden overnight temperature drops pose significant risks to semi-tender plants, particularly those in containers. Monty Don, a prominent horticulturalist, emphasizes the need for gardeners to take precautions against frost, which can cause real damage to plants like pomegranates, olives, bay, and citrus. He advocates for the use of horticultural fleeces, which should be cut to fit individual plants, to provide adequate protection against lighter frosts. Many gardeners may find themselves caught off-guard by rapid temperature drops this season. With climate change altering traditional weather patterns, Don notes that the longer stretches of severe frost common in the past are now less predictable. Instead, gardeners are facing the challenge of extreme temperature fluctuations that require ongoing attention. This change in climate means those who grow semi-tender shrubs must be proactive in their care. Don suggests securing the horticultural fleece lightly with twine to make it easy to remove when temperatures rise. In colder conditions, a double layer or moving plants indoors is advisable to ensure their survival. Additionally, he recommends planting paperwhite daffodils early in November to ensure they bloom by Christmas, further advocating for proactive tasks in the garden during this transitional month.