People urged to give their plants ‘a cup of tea’ this winter to protect against frost

A cup of tea could help protect plants from the frost

As the temperature plummets and the frosty mornings arrive, it’s not just us who will be feeling the pinch, our plants will be feeling it too – and people are urged to give their plants a cup of tea to protect them.

Usually, when we’re cold, there’s nothing better than a hot brew to warm us up, but now people are told to share their cuppa with their plants to protect them from the frost.

The concept is hailed by plant expert Millie Durback, brand manager at Prestige Flowers as she said it’s the “secret weapon” to protect against the frost.

“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,” she told The Express.

However, she urged people to make sure it’s sweetened and without milk to “avoid any negative effects on the soil.” Tea leaves can also help gardens bloom as they are “enriched with nitrogen” which will help plants to grow. Tea lovers are also told to keep their used tea bags as they can be used as a fertiliser, due to their tannic acid.

Millie also suggested to help stop snow from damaging plants is to cover them. She added: “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.”

For potted plants, the expert advised that they should be raised off the ground to prevent them from becoming frozen. It can be done by placing them on bricks, so they “avoid contact with freezing soil” and will also stop the risk of root damage. If you want to protect your plants even more, wrapping the pots in bubble wrap or foam insulation and can “add an extra layer of protection”.

For succulent plants – plants that hold water in their leaves – Millie urged people to bring them inside during the colder months as their excess moisture makes them “susceptible to freezing temperatures”.

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