Gardeners urged to pour cup of tea on gardens this September

Just a few weeks ago it was sunny and scorching and now gardeners are being urged to take steps to project their gardens from frost, ice and possibly even snow.

This weekend temperatures are expected to drop as low as 4C overnight and the near-freezing state of the mercury will doubtless wreak havoc on carefully cultivated gardens - unless you take steps to stop it right now.

But protecting your outdoor flowers from the upcoming snow can be as easy as giving them a cup of tea, according to a Yorkshire plant expert.

As parts of the UK braces for sleet and snow, dedicated gardeners are gearing up to shield their plants from the upcoming harsh weather.

Millie Durbak, Brand Manager at Prestige Flowers, suggests a warm brew is the secret weapon against the winter chill.

She said: "Tea, especially caffeine-free varieties like chamomile or rooibos, contains tannins that toughen plant cell walls, making them more resilient in the cold.

"It's a natural defence mechanism against frost and snow that many gardeners overlook.

"Just make sure it's unsweetened and without milk to avoid any negative effects on the soil.

Another way to stop the snow from damaging your plants is to cover flower beds with a special type of blanket.

Millie said: "Think of it as tucking your plants in for a cosy winter nap.

"Use burlap or landscape fabric strategically placed around the beds to create a protective barrier.

"It acts as an insulator, safeguarding your flowers and plants from strong winds and retaining some of the ground's natural warmth."

But potted plants that store water in their leaves, such as succulents, need to be brought inside during times of frost and snow.

Millie said: "The excess moisture in their leaves makes them susceptible to freezing temperatures, which can lead to irreversible damage.

"Giving these plants a nice spot indoors shields them from the cold and makes sure they stay healthy until it gets warmer again."