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Gardeners are being urged to protect their plants with old bed sheets before Friday this week, as a late-season frost is forecast.

The Met Office is warning of a marked change in weather conditions this week, with colder air moving south across the UK during the middle of the week, bringing frost and sub-zero temperatures to some parts of the country. While the summer season is only a matter of weeks away, it's not uncommon for frosts around early May and gardeners are advised to ensure their plants are well protected against plummeting overnight temperatures. Wednesday is expected to bring the coolest conditions, with temperatures forecast to dip as low as -5C in some northern areas, while further frost is expected overnight heading into Friday.

In its forecast for this week, the Met Office said: "While frosts are not unusual in early May, the combination of northerly winds and clear nights means gardeners and growers should stay alert to the risk of sharp overnight temperatures. Later in the week, temperatures begin to recover, with a growing chance of more unsettled weather heading into the weekend.

"As skies clear overnight, winds will ease and temperatures will fall quickly. This combination raises the risk of patchy fog and a widespread frost by Wednesday morning, particularly in rural areas. In more prone northern spots, temperatures may dip to -4 or -5°C, posing a risk to sensitive plants."

Frost is bad news for gardens, as it can damage plant cells and roots, hindering growth and preventing flowers or fruit from blossoming, causing leaves and stems to turn brown and limp.

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With late-season frost expected overnight this week, particularly Tuesday night into Wednesday and Thursday night into Friday, gardeners are urged to take steps to protect their plants from damage.

There are several ways to protect plants from frost, including using materials like horticultural fleece, cloches and cold frames, but as the cold conditions are forecast to strike overnight today, it may be quicker and easier to use something you already have to hand at home - a bed sheet.

Bed sheets are a cheap and effective way to protect plants from frost damage, particularly lighter frosts, as they provide a layer of insulation that helps to trap warmth from the ground and prevent plants from freezing.

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) says: "Cover plants with a double layer of biodegradable or re-used old fleece, or other suitable protection such as an old sheet, overnight when frost is forecast."

To do this, simply drape the sheets over the plants you want to protect and make sure they're loose enough to allow air to circulate.

Use some weights around the edges, like bricks or stakes, to keep them in place in case it's windy overnight. Once the sun comes up and temperatures are above freezing, you can remove the sheet.

In its advice on protecting plants from frost damage, Southern Living said: "Sheets can help prevent frost damage. Generally, you should use breathable fabric that won't trap moisture or overheat, which is why old sheets or comforters can work in a pinch (and why plastic coverings aren't recommended). Thicker, heavier sheets provide more protection than thin ones, but you can always double them."