As the winter months are approaching many of us are starting to get ready to make our final harvests, and with the weather now always being very forgiving to our gardens it is important to know how to frost proof your garden before the cold comes. You do not want to lose the plants you have spent so much time growing for the past few months to one night of cold, and I have provided simple instructions on how to prevent frost from ruining your spring and fall crops.
Colder weather is harmful to your plants because it can cause freezing. Water droplets on the leaves and buds of plants can freeze from a drop in temperature, and the moisture freezing results in your plants becoming mushy or black. In order to frost proof your plants you must cover them to keep the moisture from freezing.
Many people recommend using plastic or vinyl sheets to cover your plants, and this can be very effective, but there is a problem with this practice. Plastic will keep the temperature up, and it will guard against the cold air, but it does not breathe. Plastic keeps moisture inside, and if the temperature does accidentally get cold enough to freeze this moisture your plants will get hurt. If you do not have any other option plastic will work, and putting a garbage can over taller plants is also a valuable idea.
Newspaper can be used to protect plants from frost, but it can only be used for sprouts or low growing plants. Newspaper may be harder to work with, but it will work in a pinch for smaller plants. It does not keep moisture in and this is good for your plants.
A bed sheet, burlap, linen, or another light fabric makes a perfect covering for plants. This material will allow moisture to escape, and this will improve the chance that you plants will survive the cold. Bed sheets are also great because they can be recycled, and they cover a large space. Any light piece of large fabric will work well for protecting your plants from frost.
Remember, when covering your plants, to wait for sundown to cover them, and always remove the covering early in the morning so the sun can warm up the soil. These methods are also great wen you are starting your garden early in the season, and if you are like me you always start your plants early to extend the season.
