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:

Step 1

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

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

Step 3

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

Step 4

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

Rhododendrons for non-acid soils

A New Alliance for Britain's Specialist Nurseries

Essential Gardening Jobs for Early Spring

Future of Original Bramley Apple Tree in Jeopardy

Gardening Projects for April

---

How to grow a lily in a Container

How to sow large seed

Hows to take Leaf Cuttings

How to: New orchids from old

Latest Gardening Videos

---

How to Grow Orchids

Weed Control Using Mulch

How to Grow Perennial Scabius

Removing a Tree

Five Essential Tips for Growing Lemons

How do I protect my tulips from squirrels and other pests?

All Videos

Explore Gardens from Around the World

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria
Melbourne, Australia

Vallarta Botanical Garden
Vallarta, Mexico

Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens
Tokyo, Japan

RHS Harlow Carr
Harrogate, United Kingdom

Lalbagh Botanical Garden
Bangalore, India

Saint Petersburg Botanical Garden
Saint Petersburg, Russia