Garden Help
Diagnose plant problems and treat garden pests


Get Gardening Help!

Home > Projects >

How to protect against wind


You will need: Canes, Horticultural fleece, Twist ties, String/Wire

If your garden is in an exposed position, then getting new plants established can be a problem. Strong winds can scorch the foliage, dry the plant out and cause wind-rock (where the tender new roots are sheared off as the plant is blown from side to side). A simple windbreak will reduce the wind, whilst still allowing vital light through for the plant to grow.

Best time to do it:

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Step 1

Step 1 of How to protect against wind

Push four canes into the ground around the plant to form a square. They must be taller than the plant by about 30cm.

Step 2

Step 2 of How to protect against wind

Draw the tops of the canes together and tie with string or wire to form a wigwam.

Step 3

Step 3 of How to protect against wind

Take a large piece of horticultural fleece and tie it at intervals down the length of the first cane with twist-ties.

Step 4

Step 4 of How to protect against wind

Cover the whole structure with the fleece, tying the top together with string. On calm days, the sheltered side can be opened to increase air-flow around the plant and keep it healthy. You can weigh the bottom of the fleece with large stones to stop it lifting.

Related FAQs


Ask a gardening question:




Latest Gardening News



Latest Gardening & Horticultural Careers


Explore Gardens from Around the World


Butchart Gardens
British Columbia, Canada

Pamplemousses Botanical Garden
Pamplemousses, Mauritius

RHS Garden, Wisley
Woking, United Kingdom

Medellin Botanical Garden
Medellin, Columbia



Watch a Video!

Effective Watering
Effective Watering
Growing Geraniums
Growing Geraniums
How to Grow Perennial Scabius
How to Grow Perennial Scabius
How do I insulate my greenhouse?
How do I insulate my greenhouse?
How to tie gooseberries and redcurrants
How to tie gooseberries and redcurrants
How do I
How do I 'thin' grape bunches?