"Colder-than-average" weather conditions are expected across the UK this week, meaning springtime frosts will pose a "threat" to gardeners who are concerned about the impact on their tender plants.
During the week, much colder conditions are expected to bring wintry weather to the northern hills and more bouts of frost in locations with clear skies.
"The low incidence of frosts across the UK last month may have lulled gardeners into a false sense of security as frosts will continue to feature prominently in the forecast for the next few days," said Tim Legg, a member of the Met Office's National Climate Information Centre.
So what exactly do gardeners need to look out for? Guy Barter, Chief Horticultural Advisor at the RHS, has shared these top tips:
1. Frosty weather at this time of year is always a worry for gardeners as fruit blossom in particular is vulnerable to damage. There is not much that can be done to protect apples, plums and other tree fruits but strawberries can be covered with cloches, curtains or a fleece at night, although care must be taken to allow bees to pollinate during the day.
2. Happily, soft fruit – such as currants and gooseberries – are leafy now and the foliage shelters the flowers from frost. Grape vines are sending out vulnerable buds and these too can benefit from a fleece-covering where possible.
3. At least cold nights hold back lawns, so less mowing is needed. They also inhibit weeds, so gardeners can get ahead with the weeding before the really busy period ahead.
In April 2016, there were 14 days of frost recorded in the UK. In contrast, April 2014 saw seven frost days - the fewest recorded number of days along with 2011 and 1961. The Met Office will compile the full results for April 2017 at the end of the month.
