It might feel like summer was just yesterday when the first frost hits. Before autumn gets into full swing and overnight temps dip below freezing, it’s a good idea to take steps to prepare your plants. Understanding how to prevent frost on plants can save your precious greenery and safeguard your wallet.
Protecting More Than Just Vegetable Gardens
Homeowners may have a tendency to prioritize vegetable gardens and forget about their landscaping plants. But these overlooked plants are just as vulnerable, as frost damage can cause plants to wilt or even die, leaving your garden - and your wallet - in the cold. Landscaping plants likely represent a large chunk of your greenery investment, adding to the curb appeal of your home—so keeping these beauties alive is essential!
What Types of Plants Are Vulnerable to Frost?
Understanding which plants in your garden require protection, and which can handle the elements, is key to protecting plants from frost. Here are some examples of frost-vulnerable plants:
- Tropical Plants: These plants thrive in warm climates and are particularly sensitive to frost. Examples include citrus trees, cacti, ficus, hibiscus, palms, and banana trees.
- Perennials: While many perennials can withstand cold, some, like hostas and bleeding hearts, are more vulnerable to frost damage and may require additional care.
Get to know your garden and the plants that need extra protection as the temperatures dip. To find out which plants in your garden are hardy enough to withstand frost, use the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map here.
How to Protect Plants From a Freeze
Keeping your plants safe from a cold snap takes a little bit of planning, but the effort goes a long way. And understanding how to prevent frost on plants is essential for a thriving, year-round garden.
So, what should you cover your plants with to protect from frost? Here are some simple, cost-effective strategies that can help keep your greenery safe.
1. Use Coverings
When it comes to figuring out how to protect plants from frost, covering your plants is one of the easiest ways to protect them. Use common household materials to insulate plants and keep them warm overnight:
- Old Sheets or Blankets: These can provide effective frost protection when draped over plants and secured at the base.
- Frost Blankets: Specifically designed for plant protection, frost blankets are lightweight, breathable materials that shield plants from the cold while still allowing them to “breathe.”
- Burlap: This natural material works well to cover plants, particularly shrubs and small trees.
2. Create Temporary Structures
For larger plants, creating makeshift structures can be a quick, DIY solution:
- Stakes and Plastic Sheeting: Use garden stakes to create a frame around vulnerable plants and drape plastic sheeting over it. Be sure the plastic doesn’t touch the plants directly, as this could cause condensation and ice formation.
- Portable Greenhouses: For smaller plants, consider using plastic bottles or repurposing storage bins as mini-greenhouses.
3. Move Potted Plants Indoors
If you have potted plants that are sensitive to frost, the best solution is to bring them indoors during cold nights. Moving them into a garage, basement, or even a sunroom can help protect them from frost damage.
4. Insulate the Ground with Mulch
Mulching around the base of your plants helps insulate the soil and retain heat. Use organic materials like pine straw, bark, or wood chips to protect the roots of your plants from freezing temperatures. Mulching also helps conserve moisture and prevents winter soil erosion.
