Alexei Volkov
Protecting plants from frost and freezing weather is essential to prevent severe damage or even death. While plastic can be used as a covering, horticultural experts recommend against it due to its non-breathable nature, which can trap moisture inside and harm plants. Instead, natural fabrics like cotton or linen towels, burlap, or frost cloth are suggested as they allow moisture to escape while protecting plants from freezing air. These fabrics can retain heat and provide frost protection, but their impact on daylight exposure and weight when wet should be considered. To enhance insulation, multiple layers of covers can be used, and the covers should extend to the ground to trap warmth.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Effectiveness of plastic covers | Horticultural experts recommend against using plastic covers as they do not allow plants to breathe, and moisture gets trapped inside. |
| Alternative materials | Natural fabrics such as cotton or linen towels or blankets, burlap, newspaper, or frost cloth are recommended as they allow moisture to escape while protecting plants from freezing air. |
| Number of layers | Multiple layers of cover provide better insulation. |
| Sealing the cover | The cover should extend to the ground and be sealed with stones, bricks, or soil to trap warmth from the earth. |
| Additional heat source | During extreme freezes, small incandescent outdoor Christmas lights can be placed under the cover to provide additional heat. |
| Watering plants | Irrigating plants before a freeze is expected can protect them as moist soil does not freeze as easily as dry soil. |
| Windbreaks | Installing windbreaks, such as structures or fencing, can help protect plants from cold-wind damage. |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic is not recommended for frost protection
Plastic can be used to protect plants from frost, but horticultural experts do not recommend it. While plastic is lightweight and easy to use, it has several disadvantages that can negatively impact plant health.
One of the main drawbacks of using plastic to cover plants is its lack of breathability. Plastic materials such as vinyl and traditional camping tarps do not allow air circulation, causing moisture to get trapped inside. This trapped moisture can increase the threat to the health of plants, especially if the temperature decreases significantly. The increased moisture under the non-breathing plastic can lead to a greater likelihood of plant damage or even early demise.
Another issue with plastic covers is that they do not provide insulation where the leaves touch the plastic. This can result in freeze damage to the parts of the plant that come into direct contact with the plastic. While placing stakes under the plastic to hold it off the foliage can help prevent this issue, it adds complexity to the process. Additionally, during sunny days, heat can build up under clear plastic, requiring the cover to be removed or vented to prevent overheating.
Furthermore, depending on its thickness, plastic can stick to the leaves. When the plastic is removed, the plants may be stuck to the sheeting, causing unintended damage to the foliage.
For these reasons, alternative materials such as fabric or pre-designed coverings are recommended for protecting plants from frost. Natural fabrics like cotton or linen allow moisture to escape while still protecting plants from freezing air. They also provide better insulation, as they trap air in their woven structure, reducing the likelihood of freeze damage. While fabric covers limit the amount of light the plant receives and need to be removed after the freezing episode, they offer a safer and more effective solution than plastic for frost protection.
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Natural fabrics are breathable and recommended
While plastic can be used to protect plants from frost, it is not the best option. Horticultural experts recommend against it because plastic is not breathable, and this causes moisture to get trapped inside. Depending on its thickness, plastic can stick to leaves, and the increased moisture can threaten the health of your plants.
Natural fabrics, on the other hand, are breathable and recommended for protecting plants from freezing temperatures. Fabrics made of natural materials like cotton, linen, or hemp allow moisture to escape while preventing freezing air from coming into direct contact with the moisture on the plant. Natural fabrics are also effective because they trap some air in the woven material, providing better insulation than plastic.
Cotton, for example, is a natural, hypoallergenic, and environmentally friendly fabric that is soft and gentle on the skin. It is also machine washable and suitable for sportswear and summer clothing. Linen, made from the fibres of the flax plant, is another popular choice for protecting plants. It has natural hollow fibres that allow airflow and help the fabric dry off quickly, keeping the plant cool. Linen is also lightweight, durable, and valued for its softness, absorbency, and ability to repel water.
Other natural fabrics that can be considered for protecting plants include silk, wool, bamboo, and jute. These fabrics are known for their softness, breathability, and aesthetic qualities.
When choosing a fabric to protect plants from freezing, it is important to consider the plant's size and the environmental conditions. For large plants and shrubs, bed sheets made of natural fabrics can be effective. For low-growing foliage, newspaper can be used, although it may not stay on top of large plants. It is also recommended to seal the fabric cover with stones, bricks, or soil to trap the warmth of the earth under the cover and provide better protection for the plant.
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Moist soil doesn't freeze as easily as dry soil
Plastic can be used to protect plants from frost, but it is not the best material. Horticultural experts recommend against it because plastic is not breathable, causing moisture to get trapped inside. Depending on its thickness, plastic can stick to leaves, and when the material is removed, the plants may come with it. The increased moisture trapped underneath the non-breathing plastic can also present a threat to the health of the plants.
Fabric covers are preferable to plastic. Natural fabrics like cotton or linen towels or blankets, open burlap bags, or even newspaper allow moisture to escape while still protecting plants from inclement weather.
To prevent frost damage, it is recommended to cover plants or bring them inside.
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Covering plants is the top method of protection
Protecting plants from freezing temperatures is essential for gardeners and plant enthusiasts. An unexpected freeze can severely damage or even kill your plants, especially if it occurs after a warm spell. While there are various methods to safeguard plants, covering them is the top method of protection.
Covering plants can effectively protect them from freezing temperatures and wind damage. The warmth trapped under the cover helps insulate the plants and prevent freezing. To ensure the cover is effective, it must extend all the way to the ground and be sealed with stones, bricks, or soil. Multiple layers of cover can further enhance insulation, with some gardeners using both fabric and plastic covers.
When choosing a covering material, it is important to consider breathability and weight. Plastic materials, such as vinyl and tarps, are not recommended by horticultural experts due to their non-breathable nature. The trapped moisture can increase the threat to plant health, and the plastic may stick to leaves. Additionally, plastic can transmit cold air to the plants, causing more harm than good.
Instead, natural fabrics like cotton or linen towels, blankets, or burlap bags are suggested. These materials allow moisture to escape while protecting plants from freezing air. Bed sheets are suitable for covering large plants and shrubs, while newspaper can be used for low-growing foliage. However, fabrics may limit the amount of light the plant receives and can become heavy when wet, requiring removal and reapplication depending on weather conditions.
Specialized frost cloths are also available, designed to protect plants while allowing daylight and moisture to reach them. These lightweight and breathable fabrics can remain on the plants for extended periods, making them a convenient choice for plant protection.
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Multiple layers of cover provide better insulation
An unexpected cold snap can be devastating for plants, especially after a warm spell that causes plants to come out of dormancy. Frosts are less serious than freezes, but both can cause damage. Frost occurs when ice crystals form on the top of leaves, whereas a freeze happens when the air inside plant tissues falls below freezing, causing the tissue to wilt, turn black, and collapse.
To protect plants from freezing, you can irrigate them, install windbreaks, add a heat source, or cover them. Covering plants is the top method of protecting them from freezing. When covering plants, it is important to ensure that the cover extends all the way to the ground and is sealed with stones, bricks, or soil. It is the warmth of the earth trapped under the cover that will help protect the plants.
Instead of plastic, fabric covers made of natural materials such as cotton or linen towels or blankets, burlap bags, or even newspaper are recommended. Fabric traps air in its woven material, providing better insulation than plastic. However, fabric covers can be heavier, especially when wet, and they limit the amount of light that the plant receives. Therefore, they should be removed after the freezing episode is over.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic can be used to protect plants from frost and freezing weather, but it is not the best or most effective material. Horticultural experts recommend against using plastic because it is not breathable, causing moisture to get trapped inside.
Fabrics made of natural materials like cotton or linen towels or blankets, burlap bags, or even newspaper are good alternatives to plastic. These natural fabrics allow moisture to escape but still protect plants from inclement weather.
There are several other things you can do to protect your plants from freezing. You can irrigate plants, install windbreaks, add a heat source, or bring potted plants inside your home or garage.
