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to the garden when the container is past its best - they will grow for years to comeFor extra protection against the cold, line metal containers with bubblewrap. It will help prevent compost from freezingMore winter plant projectsPlant up a snowdrop

in the winter to stop the phormium's roots freezing.More container ideas for shade-loving plantsGrowing shade-tolerant begonia and plectranthus in a container.Brightening a shady corner with begonia and pelargonium.Growing shade-loving hostas and ferns.

Winter wildlifeMost garden wildlife hibernates over winter, as food is in short supply and freezing temperatures make life difficult. Learn how to help wild creatures through the cold winter months, below.In winter, wild animals and insects hunker

- organic home-grown plums to eat straight from the tree with enough left over to freeze and cook during winter. My 'Victoria' plums are swelling nicely, so I just hope they have the flavour to match their appearance.Crops have certainly been affected

of action. As I don't have one the greenhouse offered my best alternative. I don't heat my greenhouse, so will just be providing a few degrees of protection plus shelter from freezing. I hope it will survive, despite the cold weather arriving early

the fleece from the plants on warm sunny days and hang it up to dry. If the plants are wet when covered it can cause the fleece to become damp. In very cold conditions, the fleece can then freeze on to the leaves, damaging them. This is an absolute 'no

We've swapped the 'big freeze' for 'wet and windy' this week. Suddenly the temperatures seem sub-tropical, even though it's only a few degrees above zero. I'm glad of some rain — it's been dry for a couple of months, which is unusual in these parts

from plants. Clearing it from the car and drive was hard enough!Freezing and thawing does play a part in breaking down heavy clay soils. This is one reason why it's recommended to roughly dig over areas in autumn and leave the surface with big clods

machine having enviously seen a friend's one in action. Once you've tasted home-made passata, you will never go back to the shop-bought variety again - the vibrant taste is incomparable. I also like freezing batches of tomato soup which can be pulled out

branch (you may need to wrap it first to prevent it rubbing against bark). It's worth knocking snow off roofs, greenhouses and cold frames too. This lets light in and prevents any unnecessary breakages.If temperatures are freezing, lift terracotta pots