Gardeners have been urged not to throw away bubble wrap this winter as it has a surprising benefit to our outdoor spaces. As Christmas approaches, many of our homes will be inundated with parcels.

Along with the gifts for our loved ones, we are also greeted with many packages, from cardboard boxes to plastic bags. However, before reaching for the bin, experts have shared how holding onto bubble wrap can have a positive effect on your garden. The plastic wrapping can actually be used to insulate your garden shed as the cold weather continues.

Sam Jenkinson, from garden building retailer Tiger, said: "Insulating your garden shed is important, as it helps regulate the temperature, prevents damp and condensation, and protects both the structure and any items stored inside from damage.

"Alongside this, it also makes your garden shed far more usable year-round, whether as an office, workshop, or storage space, and insulating your garden shed will keep it warmer in winter and cooler in summer."

Bubble wrap is ideal for those who want a quick DIY solution, without having to trek out and buy supplies. Many of us will have the wrapping lying around at home already.

Simply cut the bubble wrap to size and stable them to the shed walls. Sam explained: "Bubble wrap is one of the best options if you're on a tight budget, and perfect for this time of year, when many of us are buying gifts and receiving deliveries.

"Instead of throwing it away, you can reuse the leftover packaging to help insulate your shed. Just measure and cut strips of bubble wrap, overlap them for better coverage, and staple them to the wall panels. For more warmth or a neater finish, you can even cover them with OSB or plywood."

Sheds aren't the only thing in the garden that can benefit from bubble wrap, as the Royal Horticultural Society say it can be used to protect plants.

Freezing temperatures and frost can cause damage to plants, and oftentimes, they can't bounce back from it. Hessian sacks can be used to protect and insulate outdoor containers from frost, but bubble wrap can also do the same job.

The RHS explained: "When it is not practical to lift or move tender plants, the best way to protect them from the winter cold and wet is to wrap them up. In exposed or cold areas, even relatively hardy plants may need protection."

Gardener Monty Don is also a fan of the method as he uses bubble wrap in his greenhouse. He said on Gardeners' World: "This does two things. Obviously, it protects the plants, but also it dramatically reduces the cost of heating.

"This is bubblewrap we've had for about six or seven years and it comes out every year and it's held in place simply by bamboo canes. We've found this is actually the most effective method, it is very simple, but it works."