Garden Help
Diagnose plant problems and treat garden pests


Get Gardening Help!

Home > Projects >

How to Protect Containers


You will need: Bubble-wrap, String, Newspaper, Plastic-bag

While the tops of container plants may be quite hardy the roots are vulnerable to frost. Here are some easy steps you can take to protect them in cold weather.

Best time to do it:

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Step 1

Step 1 of How to Protect Containers

Tie a double layer of bubble-wrap polythene around the pot to give a layer of insulation against several degrees of frost.

Step 2

Step 2 of How to Protect Containers

For more protection stand the container in a plastic bag...

Step 3

Step 3 of How to Protect Containers

...and fill with crumpled newspaper to create a thick insulating layer...

Step 4

Step 4 of How to Protect Containers

...tie the top loosely with string or a platic tie. Keep the plastic off the leaves as it can freeze to them causing cell damage. Never cover the plant with plastic.

Related FAQs


Ask a gardening question:




Latest Gardening News



Latest Gardening & Horticultural Careers


Explore Gardens from Around the World


Keukenhof
Lisse, Netherlands

Powerscourt Gardens
Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow, Ireland

Nongnooch Tropical Garden
Pattaya, Thailand

Dubai Miracle Garden
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Rio de Janeiro Botanical Gardens
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil



Watch a Video!

How can I get rid of mushrooms growing in my lawn?
How can I get rid of mushrooms growing in my lawn?
Why are my pansies and violas wilting?
Why are my pansies and violas wilting?
Training Sweet Peas
Training Sweet Peas
5 Essential Spring Bulb Tips in 1 minute
5 Essential Spring Bulb Tips in 1 minute
Moving House and Taking the Garden with You | Garden Ideas | Val Bradley
Moving House and Taking the Garden with You | Garden Ideas | Val Bradley
Removing a Tree
Removing a Tree