Gardeners urged to put bubble wrap in their gardens

Protecting your plants is crucial, especially over winter. Thankfully, there's an easy way to make sure your plants will last over the colder months.

Garden Care UK advises that there are some plants in your garden that are not frost-hardy, so it's essential to protect them. This is where bubble wrap could come in handy. For in-ground plants that cannot be moved, consider using garden fleece, cloches (portable protective structures made of plastic), or bubble wrap around pots to insulate them from frost.

The experts at the company also suggest moving potted plants indoors and bringing delicate plants, such as citrus trees or geraniums, into a greenhouse or a sheltered area.

For summer-flowering bulbs, such as dahlias or gladioli, it's best to lift them from the ground, dry them out and store them in a cool, dry place until spring, the garden experts suggest.

Getting your garden ready for winter might seem like a stressful job, but it can be easier than you think if you start early enough.

You should also water your plants deeply before the first hard frost so they can better withstand the cold air.

To prevent any further damage, you should prune any dead or diseased branches, which will help to encourage healthy growth in spring.

Making sure your outdoor space is generally tidy, with gardening tools stored away properly in your shed, will ensure that by spring, you'll be in the best place to begin outdoor work for summer.

Don't forget to rake away any fallen leaves from your garden - if you leave this job then you could find pests and diseases thriving under the leaves over winter.

You should also check your garden regularly for signs of frost damage and adjust coverings or insulation when necessary.

By following these simple tips, you can ensure your garden stays in the best shape possible, even in colder and wetter weather.