It happens every year—just when your flower or vegetable garden is at its peak, along comes frost to put a damper on things. But with a few expert tricks up your gardening gloves, you can outsmart Jack Frost and keep your beloved plants thriving through any cold snap. We talked to an expert to uncover how to protect your plants from frost and ensure they stay healthy and vibrant throughout every season. Simply follow this easy guide, and frost won't stand a chance against your garden.
What Is Frost?
Frost is the thin layer of ice that forms on surfaces when the temperature drops below freezing, typically overnight.
"The water vapor in the air comes into contact with a cold surfaces and condenses and then freezes," says Nancy Awot-Traut, a horticulture expert at Burpee Gardening. "Usually this occurs on clear nights with no wind."
Frost may look pretty, but it can quickly wreak havoc on your precious plants.
Which Plants Need Frost Protection the Most?
Plants that are most susceptible to frost damage include tender annuals such as tomatoes, peppers, and basil. Delicate perennials, young seedlings, and tropical plants like hibiscus and citrus trees are also at risk.
These plants thrive in warmer conditions and can suffer significant harm when exposed to frosty temperatures, which can cause cell damage and leaf discoloration.
Awot-Traut recommends several strategies to protect these vulnerable plants:
- Summer flowering tender bulbs such as gladiolus, dahlias, and cannas should be dug up, dried, and stored in a cool place for the winter. This prevents frost damage and ensures they're ready for planting in the spring.
- Tender perennials should be brought indoors for the winter months. This protects them from the harsh cold and allows them to thrive when warmer weather returns.
- Strawberries in colder areas can benefit from being covered with straw for the winter. This insulates the plants and helps protect them from freezing temperatures.
How to Protect Plants from Frost
Aside from moving plants inside during the colder months, there are several other practical strategies to protect your garden from frost and harsh winter conditions.
Gary McCoy, a store manager at Lowe’s, recommends the following:
- Use a frost blanket: Cover plants, trees, and shrubs with frost blanket when temperatures drop. These blankets, available in materials like UV-resistant polypropylene fabric and natural burlap, provide insulation and protect against wind, snow, and road salt.
- Invest in lightweight, sturdy tents: Set up tents to shield plants from snow accumulation. Polystyrene foam cones are also effective for protecting plants from extreme temperatures and harsh elements.
- Consider a plastic garden enclosure: Ideal for herbs and vegetables, a plastic garden enclosure keeps out insects and wildlife while helping to regulate growing temperatures.
"In the fall and early spring it is important to listen to the weather reports, to see if frost is predicted," adds Awot-Traut. "Protecting frost-sensitive plants can help ensure their survival and will help them to continue to grow through the colder periods."
Tierney McAfee is a freelance writer and Country Living and The Pioneer Woman contributor who covers entertainment, holiday & entertaining, food & drinks, design ideas, DIY, and more.
