Jonathan has emailed, concerned about the effect that the weather – and, in particular, the snow – is having on his garden plants. Some of his miniature daffodils had just started pushing their heads above the soil, and he has a load of early season primulas and pansies in full bud that should be flowering soon.

SUB-ZERO temperatures cause the water in plant cells to freeze. In doing so, water molecules expand, bursting the cell walls. Plants become limp, blackened and distorted. Evergreen plants might turn brown and the leaves of tender plants take on a translucent appearance.

Hardy plants, tough evergreens and even trees can be damaged by prolonged spells of severe cold, when soil becomes frozen, as the roots are unable to take up water. Plants simply die from lack of moisture. Frosty weather in April and May, even just one night’s worth, can also kill fruit blossom and lead to a poor or barren harvest.

The benefit of snow is that it acts as an insulator, protecting plants from the cold and frost. However, a heavy layer can also cause leaves and branches to break, so it’s important to keep an eye on accumulations on shrubs, branches and greenhouses, and brush off excessive amounts. Be especially careful with greenhouse roofs. If several inches fall, the overall load could prove too heavy for the glass and panes may break. The same goes for old or wobbly structures which might just collapse under weight.

With snow falling so early in the year, lawns may suffer with fusarium disease (sometimes called snow mould) and if your lawn is already being attacked, a covering of snow will incubate the fungal spores and the spread can be extremely rapid.

At the end of the day there isn’t much that you can do apart from cross your fingers and deal with any problems that may occur once it has all thawed out. Luckily, as cruel as nature is, she can also be extremely resilient and, hopefully, the primulas and pansies should spring back tall and straight with a bit of sunshine on their backs.

Jobs this week

Shake excess snow from the branches of large trees, shrubs and hedges, to prevent them from becoming disfigured by the weight.

Remove heavy deposits of snow from the roofs of greenhouses or cold frames to let in the light and prevent them from bending under the weight.

Use string to support branches of conifers and stop them being pulled out of shape. Branches that move away from the main plant won’t spring back when the snow melts.

Avoid walking on snow-covered grass as it will damage the turf beneath and leave unsightly marks on the lawn. It can also encourage the growth of fungal diseases which thrive in the cool damp conditions.

■ Brigid presents the BBC Tees Gardening show on Sundays from 1pm to 2pm. Questions can be answered on the day by emailing brigidpress@bbc.co.uk, texting 07786-200995 or phoning 01642- 225511 during the show. Written letters can be addressed to Lazy Dayz,10 Farm Road, Houghall, Durham, DH1 3SF.