Here is the cold-weather garden plan to protect plants from frost this winter, with one simple cover-up that keeps shrubs safe into November

Here is a quiet fix keen gardeners trust.

Wintry air has returned and forecasters are flagging the risk of icy nights, with snow even signalled for parts of the Highlands. That means cherished borders and pots are suddenly vulnerable, and the rush to shield them starts now.

Native stalwarts such as holly and hawthorn shrug off the chill, but tender herbs like basil, parsley and coriander, along with tropical blooms, can struggle. And yet there is a calm, practical way forward that suits a British garden in November. It wont take long.

The late October timing that changes how your UK garden faces frost

As gardeners settle into shorter days, Woodland Trust expert Kate Lewthwaite calls late October and early November « the time to put your garden to bed ». It is that moment when small jobs make a big difference through winter and into spring.

« I find it a satisfying process – it’s a little sad as it signifies the end of the growing season, but pottering round the garden on sunny autumn days is a great time to appreciate the hard work you’ve put in and make plans for next year. Here are my tips on how to protect your plants in winter so the garden can spring back to life in the new year, » said Kate Lewthwaite, Citizen Science Manager at the Woodland Trust.

Her advice speaks to British weather patterns as the first frosts arrive. A few simple moves now set your plot up for a smoother start when light returns.

Move tender plants to safety when temperatures dip

Start with location. If you can shift vulnerable pots into a sheltered corner or a greenhouse, you cut the wind-chill and hold a little overnight warmth. Many favourites will thank you for it, especially those that look lush but lack cold tolerance.

« Some garden plants, like dahlias and gladioli, are root hardy but not shoot hardy. Generally, they will die down to the ground with the first frost, but the roots, tubers or bulbs should survive to send up shoots next year, » said Kate Lewthwaite.

Colder parts of Britain need a firmer line. « In colder parts of the UK though, you may need to lift them and store them in a shed before planting them out again in spring. » That extra step often decides whether those tubers return or rot.

She also draws a neat line between what copes in darkness and what needs light through the cold months. « Pot plants that have gone completely dormant, like begonias or tender fuchsias which have dropped their leaves, will be quite happy in a dark shed over the winter. Other plants that are still green and growing slowly will continue to need light, so a cold greenhouse would be better. »

Mulch roots now for warmth, water savings and richer soil

Think of mulch as a winter coat for the soil. A gentle layer over crowns and root zones helps buffer sudden chills, keeps moisture from evaporating and slowly feeds the ground as it breaks down.

« Many tender plants will benefit from mulch over their roots for added protection in winter. Mulch could be garden compost, wood chippings or leaf mould, » said Lewthwaite. Each option sits neatly with a British garden routine and slots into weekend jobs.

There is a spring payoff too. « As an added bonus, it will provide soil nutrients as it slowly rots and will also help to retain water, so reduces watering next year. » That means less faff with the hose once growth kicks back in.

Mulch brings a little life to winter days as well. « The blackbirds in my garden love turning over the mulch all winter to look for bugs, so it’s great for them too. » A small wildlife win that makes grey mornings feel lighter.

• Three fast moves before a frost night in the UK garden move tender pots to shelter, lay mulch around roots, and cover exposed plants

A quick cover-up that shields pots when frost is forecast

Once the forecast points to an icy night, act in the afternoon. A temporary wrap traps a pocket of air and stops soft growth from catching the frost. Go for materials you already have in the shed.

« If frost is forecast, you can throw some old newspaper or horticultural fleece over plants and pots temporarily. You might need a few layers for exposed plants if it’s especially cold, » said Lewthwaite. Keep that horticultural fleece handy by the back door, ready for a rapid cover-up.

This last step suits patios and small spaces where radiated chill bites hard. It also pairs neatly with a move into a porch or against a south-facing wall, where bricks hold a touch of warmth. Little shifts add up.

Across the country, gardeners now balance cosy roots and protected shoots. The goal is simple keep treasured winter displays alive, then let the borders bounce back when light returns. With these modest tweaks, your garden and pots stay a step ahead of the frost.