As colder weather grips the UK, the Met Office has issued forecasts warning of overnight temperatures dropping to 0C in some areas.

This week, particularly in northern parts of the country and rural regions, overnight frosts are expected, making it a critical time for gardeners to protect their plants and harvest crops before it’s too late.

While much of the UK will experience mild days, with temperatures reaching the mid-teens, nighttime temperatures will sharply dip, especially in Scotland, northern England, and parts of Wales.

In these regions, the mercury could fall as low as 0C or even lower during the early mornings, potentially causing the first frost of the season.

Gardeners in southern and central areas may see slightly warmer conditions, but even here, temperatures are expected to drop close to freezing by the weekend.

As temperatures drop, it’s essential to harvest and store crops like fruits and vegetables before they are damaged by frost.

Many crops, such as potatoes, carrots, pumpkins, and squashes, can be kept in good condition through proper storage.

Here’s what gardeners should focus on according to green living consultant living, Elizabeth Waddington:

Pick ripe fruits:

Before the cold hits, ensure that any remaining berries, apples, or other fruits are harvested.

Excess fruit can be turned into jams, jellies, or preserves.

Dig up root vegetables:

Vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and beets should be harvested before they are exposed to frost.

Root vegetables can be stored in cool, dry conditions for use over winter.

Store crops securely:

Consider creating a cold store, root cellar, or another well-insulated space to keep crops in good condition throughout the winter months.

Freeze excess produce:

If you have more produce than you can store, freezing is a good way to keep vegetables and fruits fresh for use later in the year.

Preserve fruits and vegetables:

Make the most of the harvest by canning or making jams, chutneys, and pickles.

This helps ensure that none of your hard work in the garden goes to waste and allows you to enjoy home-grown flavours through the colder months.