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Garden plant covers to keep your greens protected

The weather can be unpredictable. One minute it’s sunny, then the next it's windy and rainy. For plant lovers and balcony gardeners, maintaining a healthy green space can be a challenge. That’s where smart, simple protection comes in. Truly, having the right plant covers can make all the difference.

Here are some garden plant cover ideas using IKEA solutions that help keep your plants safe, clean, and thriving all year round.

An in/outdoor Philodendron/green/white FEJKA artificial potted plant

Why your plants need cover, too

Plants love light and air, but not all of them can handle strong wind, heavy rain, or dust. Even in shaded balconies or patios, unpredictable weather can leave soil soggy, leaves torn, or pots knocked over.

Outdoor plant covers help you manage these elements. They act as shields against harsh weather and pollution, especially in urban spaces. More than just protection, they create a consistent environment where your plants can grow in peace.

And the good news? You don’t need to build a greenhouse to do this right. We have easy, practical options that fit right into your home setup. 

An in/outdoor terracotta MUSKOTBLOMMA plant pot with saucer

HYLLIS: A shelf, a cover, and a clever way to protect plants

If you’re looking for a flexible way to protect your outdoor plants, the HYLLIS shelf unit with cover is a great place to start. Originally designed as a compact storage shelf, HYLLIS also works perfectly as a protective plant cover, especially for patios, balconies, or small garden corners.

With its clear, zippered cover, this piece creates a mini greenhouse effect. It lets in light while shielding your plants from wind, rain, and dust. Best of all, it doesn’t take up much space, and you can place it indoors or outdoors. You can even use one shelf for herbs, another for flowering plants, and the top layer for tools or watering cans.

Mix and match with plant covers

Already have a HYLLIS shelf unit at home? You can get the HYLLIS cover separately to turn it into a weather-ready setup in seconds. The cover fits snugly, zips up easily, and helps keep moisture out, ideal for the rainy season or dusty months.

The clear plastic makes it easy to check on your plants without opening anything. And because it’s easy to remove and clean, it works well even in small or shared spaces.

This setup is especially handy for those who live in condos or townhouses where plant protection options are limited.

Add more storage to your setup

If you’re working with more than a few pots, having a place to store gardening tools is essential. IKEA’s storage shelves and units give you room to organize pots, soil, and watering cans without cluttering your garden area.

Place a narrow shelf next to your HYLLIS setup to hold essentials like gloves, scissors, and extra plant food. This way, everything’s within reach, making your plant care routine easier and more enjoyable. Try grouping items by task: keep watering tools on the top shelf, repotting tools in the middle, and cleaning cloths or sprays at the bottom. This simple setup helps you stay organized and ready for anything your plants need.

Small space, big protection

Even if you don’t have a big garden, you can still keep your plants safe. These garden plant covers and clever shelf units work well on apartment balconies, shared rooftops, and narrow patios.

They also help cut down on cleaning time. Since dust and debris stay off your leaves and pots, you spend less time wiping and more time watering and enjoying your space. For those growing edible plants like basil or lettuce, using protective plant covers can also help keep away pests without needing any sprays or chemicals.

Taking care of plants should be a satisfying experience, not a stressful one. With options like the HYLLIS shelf unit, clear zip covers, and practical storage shelving, you can build a mini plant sanctuary that thrives no matter the weather. 

An outdoor terracotta BRUNBÄR plant pot with saucer