Protect geraniums now to ensure plants' 'vibrant blooms survive autumn'
A gardening expert has shared some simple ways to protect geraniums from the upcoming UK cold snap, helping their "vibrant blooms survive autumn".
With colder weather on the way for areas of the UK, garden plants will need to be protected in order to survive.
This includes geraniums which thrive in warm conditions and will suffer or die in frost.
Elise Harlock, brand manager of Prestige Flowers, said: “With the cold nap approaching, gardeners must protect them from the chill.
“One of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your geraniums is to bring them inside.
“If your geraniums are potted, move them to a warmer area like a conservatory or windowsill where they can still receive plenty of natural light but are shielded from the cold.”
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It’s recommended to bring them inside when the weather is forecasted to drop below 10C.
If your geraniums are planted directly in the ground and can’t be moved, covering them is the next best option.
The expert added: “Garden fleece or frost cloths are great for insulating plants and protecting them from the chill.
“These covers trap heat while allowing the plants to breathe, reducing the risk of frost damage.”
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Make sure the fleece doesn’t touch the plant’s leaves directly, so use stakes to hold it above the plants.
To keep them warm, the expert recommended adding a thick layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help insulate the soil and protect the root system.
Items such as straw, wood chips or compost can also provide the added benefit of enriching the soil as they decompose.
Elise continued: “It’s important to reduce the amount of water your geraniums receive during colder weather. Overwatering can make the soil cold and waterlogged, which could harm the plant’s roots.”
Instead, water them just enough to ensure the soil is moist without it being saturated.
If the weather is forecast to be cold for a prolonged period of time, it could be worth cutting them back slightly.
The expert noted: “Pruning a little before the frost can help reduce stress on the plant and encourage stronger regrowth when the weather warms up.”
However, avoid drastic pruning before a cold snap as this can leave the plant vulnerable to frost damage.
