Home
Weather Dublin
WeatherRadar
RainfallRadar
TemperatureRadar
WindRadar
LightningRadar
Weather News
Editor's Pick
Discover the app
Weather widget
Contact us
Apps
    Home / Editor's Pick /

    Frost still possible: How to protect your plants

11:00
23 April 2023

Frost still possible
How to protect your plants

frost

It is a tricky time of the year for gardeners. Spring is here and it is time to sow, but the threat of overnight frosts remains.

Early in the growing season, sudden cold snaps such as an overnight frost could significantly stun a plant's growth or potentially kill them.

We may see a few frosty nights in the coming days so here are a few ways to keep your garden smiling through the spring. You can check where on the TemperatureRadar.

Bring potted plants indoors

One of the most effective methods of protecting your plants is to bring light and small pots indoors. Plants in containers are more susceptible to freezing temperatures as they don't benefit from the insulating effects of the earth.

Bringing them indoors will protect them, but take note that putting them in a place that's too warm can shock the plant—a garage, shed, or basement are all good options.

Cover plants with a cloche

A cloche is any bell-shaped cover, usually made from plastic or glass, that helps keep smaller plants warm. You can buy a cloche, or construct one from household supplies (e.g. an upside-down bucket, a cut-off water bottle, or a flower pot).

Water plants in the afternoon

Keeping the soil moist can help protect plants from the cold. This is because moist soil has an insulating effect and will help protect plants from freezing.

A light watering to wet the soil helps the ground retain more heat. Careful not to overwater though, or you could risk frost heaving.

Try a blanket

Just like you would wrap yourself up on a chilly night, you can protect larger groups of plants from frost by laying down blankets, bed sheets, towels, or drop cloths.

Make sure you set up stakes around the area you want to be covered and use them to form a tent-like structure. You don't want to squash your hard work!

Last frost datesread more
Weather & Radar editorial team
More on the topic
Turbulence in the eastern Mediterranean. Floods and landslides. . . Friday 2 October 2026
Weather Radar showing a low-pressure system over the eastern Mediterranean
Friday 2 October 2026

Floods and landslides

Turbulence in the eastern Mediterranean
Autumn is setting in across Europe. Cooler, wetter and windier. . . Tuesday 6 October 2026
Weather maps show a sharp drop in temperature across Central Europe, accompanied by rain and thunderstorms.
Tuesday 6 October 2026

Cooler, wetter and windier

Autumn is setting in across Europe
Severe weather in Spain and Greece. Streets under water. . Weather Videos. Monday 5 October 2026
Severe weather near Barcelona, alongside a weather radar map showing heavy rain and thunderstorms.
Weather VideosMonday 5 October 2026

Streets under water

Severe weather in Spain and Greece
All weather news
This might also interest you
A frozen start to the weekend. Icy conditions. . . Friday 13 February 2026
UK temperature map dated 14.02 showing widespread subzero values in blue shading, with readings such as −4 in Glasgow, −3 in Dublin, and −2 in London, alongside a blue thermometer icon.
Friday 13 February 2026

Icy conditions

A frozen start to the weekend
Storm Chandra makes impact. Severe gales & heavy rain. . . Tuesday 27 January 2026
Split image showing strong winds over the UK on a forecast map and widespread rain and snow on a weather radar map.
Tuesday 27 January 2026

Severe gales & heavy rain

Storm Chandra makes impact
Seasonal warmth between spring thunder. Your weather - Your shots. . . Sunday 19 April 2026
Split image showing coastal sunset with layered lenticular clouds over rooftops and palm trees on the left, and a green valley with river and hills under soft daylight on the right.
Sunday 19 April 2026

Your weather - Your shots

Seasonal warmth between spring thunder
All articles
Weather & Radar

Weather & Radar is also available on

Google Play StoreApp Store

Company

Contact us Privacy Policy Legal info Accessibility statement

Services

Uploader

Socials

facebooktwitteryouTubelinkList