Spring

Follow plant condition, soil state and the forecast. Start with inspection and ventilation, then uncover gradually as conditions allow. Abrupt removal on a sunny day while roots are still frozen can add stress. Keep a way to temporarily protect sensitive young growth if cold weather returns.

Prepare a frame and light breathable material in advance for a small plant. Avoid crushing flowers and secure edges against wind. In suitable daytime weather, allow light and pollinator access. A large mature tree is difficult to protect this way; domestic covers cannot guarantee all developing fruit will survive. Follow your own site's forecast.

Inspect the plantings and identify tasks first. For feeding, consider the crop, condition and soil properties; for treatment, an identified problem and suitable conditions. A random mixture is no substitute for diagnosis. Check irrigation, fittings and standing water too: fixing these causes can be more useful than extra fertiliser.