An icy forecast can spell trouble for your garden, especially for tender plants. Knowing how to protect your plants from frost can save your crops and flowers from damage. Temperatures in the low 30°F range can harm vegetable crops and delicate annuals like petunias and begonias. This guide will help you safeguard your plants during frost events and identify which plants need protection.
What Is Frost?
Frost occurs when temperatures drop between 32°F and 36°F, often leading to damage in tender plants. A light frost may kill the tops of these plants while leaving the lower parts intact. In contrast, a hard frost, where temperatures hover around 32°F for several hours, can kill all above-ground parts.
Frost vs. Freeze
A freeze happens when temperatures fall below 32°F, causing more significant damage to tender plants, including tropical houseplants and geraniums. Freeze warnings often signal the end of the growing season in fall, while spring freeze warnings indicate the need to bring tender plants indoors until temperatures rise again.
When to Cover Plants Against Frost
If temperatures are forecasted to drop between 36°F and 32°F, cover your tender plants to protect them. In low-lying areas, temperatures can be even lower, so it’s wise to cover plants when temperatures dip below 40°F. Ideally, cover your plants in the afternoon before the temperature drops, allowing you to work in daylight.
Which Plants Need Frost Protection?
Annual plants that flower and fruit in warm weather are most vulnerable to frost. This includes many vegetables and herbs harvested in summer. Protect these plants in spring when they are young and tender or in fall if you want to extend their growing season.
Perennials, shrubs, and trees can generally withstand brief cold spells if they are healthy. However, spring freezes can damage developing fruit and flowers. Some hardy edible plants, like peas, lettuce, and broccoli, can tolerate temperatures as low as 26°F, while others like carrots and kale can endure even colder conditions.
Protecting Plants from Frost
Here are five effective strategies to protect your plants in your LandGuard Garden Bed:
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Move Containers Indoors
If possible, bring tender plants indoors. Small container gardens and nursery pots are typically easy to relocate. A garden shed or garage can provide adequate protection during frost events. -
Use Blankets or Fabric Covers
Gather old blankets, bedspreads, or large towels, and drape them loosely over plants. Support the fabric with stakes if needed, ensuring it reaches the ground to create insulation. Woven fabric offers better protection than plastic. Remove the covers by midday to prevent overheating. -
Employ a Cloche
A garden cloche acts as a mini-greenhouse for individual plants. You can easily create a milk jug cloche by cutting off the bottom of a gallon jug and placing it over a plant, securing it with a stake. Keep the jug lid closed at night and open it during the day to prevent overheating.
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Water Well
Moist soil retains heat better than dry soil. Water your plants thoroughly before a frost to help keep the surrounding area warmer. Combine watering with other protective measures like blankets or cloches for added safety. -
Add Mulch
A thick layer of mulch, such as shredded bark or compost, can insulate tender plants. Apply mulch the night before a frost is expected, and remove it when temperatures rise again. This method is best for small plants, as it can be labor-intensive for larger areas.
By implementing these strategies, you can effectively protect your plants from frost damage and ensure a thriving garden in your LandGuard Garden Bed. Stay vigilant and enjoy your gardening!
