Winter Protection
The second priority has been to keep the new gravel areas that replaced the lawn in the front garden clear. As you might of guessed this has not been easy, wet leaves are not easily blown or sucked away. Nothing beats tackling a job hands on; with this particular job there was no other way. I don't really like wearing gloves to garden and on the odd occasion I have it never felt right at all. So two hours later I had filled two large bags but almost managed to set in the squatting position I adopted to get the job done, still it certainly looked better for it. Whilst the weather has been on the damp side, no frost has yet appeared. In previous years I can remember frosts as early as September. I'm hoping things manage to dry out a little before any penetrating frost appears, they are always much more damaging when plants are wet at the roots. Early December is usually the time we get the first really hard frosts here. Plants in pots and other containers outside or in a cold greenhouse are most at risk from frost damage. You will all no doubt have your own methods of protection, but the basic rule remains, if in doubt cover them up. It is though surprising how low temperatures can drop before damage occurs. Many doubtful starters of my own have surprised me in the past by their ability to withstand quite severe frosts with the minimum of protection. What you use as protection for your plants is often governed by what is at hand. Things like bubble wrap, fleece of various kinds and of course just plain plastic bags all work, depending on the severity of the frost expected. Just make sure you keep an eye on the local weather forecast and get the protection in place early. Things in a cold greenhouse can be kept safe by applying just enough warmth to keep things just above freezing.
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