AS STORM Agnes is set to batter the UK tomorrow, a gardening expert has revealed the five tasks to complete to protect your outdoor space from the windy conditions.
The Met Office has issued severe weather alerts for the first named storm of this season, which will bring torrential rain and 80mph winds.
But as storm Agnes approaches the western areas of the UK and Ireland, avid gardening fans are also advised to ensure their garden and patio areas are ready to tackle the weather.
Here to help and share his top tips and advice is plant pro Sean Lade, gardening expert and director of Easy Garden Irrigation, who explained how to prevent damage.
Chatting to The Sun, the whizz said: “Storm Agnes is on its way and like any storm, there are a few important tasks gardeners should carry out to ensure their garden stays as protected as possible during the extreme weather.''
Garden furniture
''Remove loose items from your garden such as garden furniture or plant pots, and store them safely and securely,'' advised Sean.
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The gardening expert also urged to secure any garden structures, such as trellises, fences, and sheds, in order to prevent them from blowing over in the wind.
Fragile plants
Those who've recently planted new plants, meanwhile, are advised to cover them with a protective layer, such as burlap or cloth, to shield them from strong winds.
If these can be moved indoors to your greenhouse or shed, even better, he said.
Prevent flooding
According to the pro, another key task is ensuring your outdoor space iswell-drained to prevent flooding.
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This, he went on to explain, is done by checking gutters and downspouts and clearing any debris that may block the water flow.
Prune trees and shrubs
Sharing his tips, Sean also emphasised the importance of pruning trees and shrubs, as these can oftentimes fall, making the heavy branches a hazard.
''Trim any dead or weak branches from trees and shrubs in your garden to reduce the risk of them falling and causing damage during a storm.''
Water sources – off
Last but certainly not least, the guru noted, is turning off any outdoor water sources, including sprinkler systems, to prevent them from exacerbating flooding and even soil erosion.
''If you have a greenhouse or garden shed, ensure it is properly secured and protected to withstand high winds, debris and heavy rain.”
Agnes is believed to batter coastal areas but also deluge the north part of the country with up to 2.5 inches of rain expected.
The yellow weather alerts contain warnings of chaos on roads, rail and air.
Met Office Chief Meteorologist Steve Ramsdale said: "While the precise track and depth of Storm Agnes is still being determined, there’s a high likelihood of wind gusts around 50 to 60mph for some inland areas.
"Exposed coastal areas could see gusts of 65-75 mph with a small chance of a few places seeing around 80mph.
"As well as some very strong winds for many, Storm Agnes will also bring some heavy rain, with the highest totals more likely in Scotland, northern England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
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"Around 60mm of rain is possible in a few places over high ground in Scotland."
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