There are many quick ways you can protect more vulnerable plants and it’s definitely better to be safe than sorry – there is nothing more devastating than seeing the beautiful plants you have lovingly nurtured destroyed seemingly overnight by a visit from Jack Frost. Unless you live in a warm zone, it is likely that some of the ornamental plants and crops you have included in your garden ideas will be in need of some protection, so read on to find out how you can help their survival through the colder months.
How to protect plants from frost – which plants to protect
Not all plants in your backyard will need protection from the frost, but there are certain categories that will. These include:
Young seedlings and new growth Tender perennialsHalf-hardy varietiesTropical and subtropical plants such as palms and banana plants
Signs of frost damage include blackened, distorted or limp growth and the leaves turning green on evergreen plants and shrubs. If in any doubt, research the conditions and hardiness of specific plants. Err on the side of caution and include frost protection in your winter garden ideas if cold weather is forecast in your state or area. In terms of vegetable crops, there are some that actually benefit from a dose of frost and can taste better afterwards. ‘There are some veg crops that are frost tolerant, if not frost resistant,’ explains Nicole Burke, author of Rooted Garden (opens in new tab). If you live in a colder zone, it is therefore worth learning how to grow kale and other frost tolerant vegetable crops.
1. Bring potted plants indoors
There are many quick ways for how to protect plants from frost, and among the easiest is to bring potted plants indoors, especially tender container plants. Potted plants are more susceptible to frost damage because they don’t have the insulated benefits of of those planted in the ground. Use a conservatory, garden room, garage, porch or frost-free greenhouse to overwinter potted plants – not somewhere that is too warm. This can be a suitable option if you’re wondering how to overwinter fuchsias in pots, or how to winterize hydrangeas, for example.
2. Add a layer of mulch on garden beds
‘Apply dry mulch, such as chipped bark or straw around borderline-hardy plants, such as agapanthus, phygelius (cape fuchsia), hedychium and the architectural melianthus to protect the crown,’ advises plant expert Sarah Raven (opens in new tab). You could also use leaf mold or piles of leaves to add some extra protection on garden beds and provide a barrier against the cold. Find out how to make leaf mulch to protect tender and emerging plants.
3. Cover plants with fleece
Place several stakes around your plants and then cover these with the chosen material to create a tent-like structure. Weigh down the corners to prevent the coverings from blowing away in the night and remove the covers during the day. You can use this method for plants that require winter protection, such as agapanthus, cordyline and tree ferns. ‘Fleece is very effective, but if you prefer something less obtrusive, a circle of wire netting filled with bracken or leaves will keep the cold at bay, too’ advises Sarah Raven. You can also wrap the trunks of young trees with horticultural fleece or blankets, such as if you’re growing some of the best fruit trees or have mastered how to grow lemon from seed.
4. Place tender plants in a sheltered spot
The mantra ‘right plant, right place’ is relevant when considering how to protect plants from frost. ‘Always plant half hardy and frost tender plants in a sheltered position, preferably near a south or west-facing wall, which will absorb heat during the day and radiate it at night,’ advise the experts at Jacksons Nurseries (opens in new tab). ‘Eliminating the wind chill factor can substantially reduce the amount of frost damage incurred,’ they add. Other sheltered positions will include next to fences, under large evergreen trees for gardens, under the protection of pergola ideas or in patio or courtyard areas, as long as these also receive plenty of sunshine. While a sunny, sheltered spot is ideal for many tender plants, do not place early-flowering plants, such as magnolias and camellias, so that they are exposed to the morning sun. ‘The rapid thawing of frozen buds can result in blackening and bud drop,’ advises Guy Barter, horticultural expert at the RHS (opens in new tab).
5. Lift and store tender perennials
Tender perennials that have bloomed and died down can be lifted to protect them from frost. This is a suitable method for how to overwinter dahlias or how to overwinter begonias.
6. Protect tender plants with a cloche
If you’re wondering how to protect plants from frost in the vegetable patch, then a cloche is one of the best methods. A cloche can be used to protect seedlings and smaller plants from frost. ‘Cut-off large plastic bottles or milk containers can be turned into homemade cloches to embed into the soil around small plants and seedlings to provide protection,’ advise the experts at Jackson Nurseries. Remove them during the day to allow the plants to benefit from the warmth and energy of the sun. Cloches are ideal for use with young vegetable crops that are sown in fall, such as broad beans, spinach, scallions or spring onions and asparagus.
7. Move plants into a cold frame
Young hardy annuals that are sown in fall may also benefit from some protection from frost. Place them in the shelter of a cold frame over winter, although ensure they have good ventilation on warmer days. You could make your old cold frame if you don’t already have one, advise the experts at Jacksons Nurseries. To make your own temporary cold frame:
Bend slender, metal rods into loops – you could use wire coat hangars for this Insert the ends of the metal loops into the ground either side of a row of crops or plantsLay a sheet of clear plastic over the frame and secure it in place to protect the plants below
8. Water plants in the morning
You probably wouldn’t think that your routine for watering plants could make a difference when considering how to protect plants from frost – but in fact it can help support any protective measures you take. It is best to water plants in the morning during winter and when there is a risk of frost, because wet soil actually absorbs heat during the day and has an insulating effect.
9. Wrap containers
If you are unable to move containers indoors as a method for how to protect plants from frost, then try to protect them from the elements outdoors by placing the pots in sheltered areas, and where possible grouped together for added protection against the cold and wind. Also raise containers using pot feet or by resting them on bricks to allow water to drain away more easily, and prevent plants sitting in icy water.
10. Choose the right plants for your backyard
Rather than trying to protect plants that are not suited to the climate of your backyard, instead choose those that are reliably hardy in the zone where you live. This will prevent the disappointment of losing plants when they aren’t adequately protected. Many evergreen shrubs and plants are fairly hardy. Plants will have a hardiness rating ranging from fully hardy – able to withstand temperatures of 0-10 °F (-18 -12 °C) – to frost tender, which might not survive being exposed to temperatures below 40-50 °F (4-10 °C). While this might limit to some extent the plants or crops you can include in your garden, there will still be plenty of options suitable to you hardiness zone. You can also include some of the best winter flowers to plant for color and interest in the colder months, or best winter plants for pots and borders.
What can I cover my plants with to prevent frost?
There are many materials that you can use to cover plants with to prevent frost. You can find many permeable horticultural fleeces and frost protection products on the market, but can also use materials that you can find around the house – just make sure they are lightweight, breathable and insulating. Options to use include:
Straw Bubble wrapBlankets, bed sheets, towelsNewspaperLeaves or other organic materials
What temperature should I cover my plants for frost?
The temperature that you should cover your plants from frost to protect them will depend on the individual plants and the conditions and position in which they are planted. Frost occurs in temperatures below 32°F (0°C) so this is the point at which you need to be protecting plants in winter. Most plants will need protecting from temperatures of 30°F (-2°C) or lower, but frost tender specimens should be protected before temperatures dip this low.
Can I use plastic bags to cover plants from frost?
It is not advisable to use plastic bags to cover plants from frost. This is because plastic can damage your plants if it makes contact with foliage, as it holds water against the plant and causes more damage from freezing. It also isn’t a very insulating material, nor is it an eco-friendly or a sustainable option, so look for alternatives when deciding how to protect plants from frost.
title: “How To Protect Plants From Frost 10 Quick And Easy Methods Homes Gardens” ShowToc: true date: “2023-01-17” author: “Richard Obrien”
There are many quick ways you can protect more vulnerable plants and it’s definitely better to be safe than sorry – there is nothing more devastating than seeing the beautiful plants you have lovingly nurtured destroyed seemingly overnight by a visit from Jack Frost. Unless you live in a warm zone, it is likely that some of the ornamental plants and crops you have included in your garden ideas will be in need of some protection, so read on to find out how you can help their survival through the colder months.
How to protect plants from frost – which plants to protect
Not all plants in your backyard will need protection from the frost, but there are certain categories that will. These include:
Young seedlings and new growth Tender perennialsHalf-hardy varietiesTropical and subtropical plants such as palms and banana plants
Signs of frost damage include blackened, distorted or limp growth and the leaves turning green on evergreen plants and shrubs. If in any doubt, research the conditions and hardiness of specific plants. Err on the side of caution and include frost protection in your winter garden ideas if cold weather is forecast in your state or area. In terms of vegetable crops, there are some that actually benefit from a dose of frost and can taste better afterwards. ‘There are some veg crops that are frost tolerant, if not frost resistant,’ explains Nicole Burke, author of Rooted Garden (opens in new tab). If you live in a colder zone, it is therefore worth learning how to grow kale and other frost tolerant vegetable crops.
1. Bring potted plants indoors
There are many quick ways for how to protect plants from frost, and among the easiest is to bring potted plants indoors, especially tender container plants. Potted plants are more susceptible to frost damage because they don’t have the insulated benefits of of those planted in the ground. Use a conservatory, garden room, garage, porch or frost-free greenhouse to overwinter potted plants – not somewhere that is too warm. This can be a suitable option if you’re wondering how to overwinter fuchsias in pots, or how to winterize hydrangeas, for example.
2. Add a layer of mulch on garden beds
‘Apply dry mulch, such as chipped bark or straw around borderline-hardy plants, such as agapanthus, phygelius (cape fuchsia), hedychium and the architectural melianthus to protect the crown,’ advises plant expert Sarah Raven (opens in new tab). You could also use leaf mold or piles of leaves to add some extra protection on garden beds and provide a barrier against the cold. Find out how to make leaf mulch to protect tender and emerging plants.
3. Cover plants with fleece
Place several stakes around your plants and then cover these with the chosen material to create a tent-like structure. Weigh down the corners to prevent the coverings from blowing away in the night and remove the covers during the day. You can use this method for plants that require winter protection, such as agapanthus, cordyline and tree ferns. ‘Fleece is very effective, but if you prefer something less obtrusive, a circle of wire netting filled with bracken or leaves will keep the cold at bay, too’ advises Sarah Raven. You can also wrap the trunks of young trees with horticultural fleece or blankets, such as if you’re growing some of the best fruit trees or have mastered how to grow lemon from seed.
4. Place tender plants in a sheltered spot
The mantra ‘right plant, right place’ is relevant when considering how to protect plants from frost. ‘Always plant half hardy and frost tender plants in a sheltered position, preferably near a south or west-facing wall, which will absorb heat during the day and radiate it at night,’ advise the experts at Jacksons Nurseries (opens in new tab). ‘Eliminating the wind chill factor can substantially reduce the amount of frost damage incurred,’ they add. Other sheltered positions will include next to fences, under large evergreen trees for gardens, under the protection of pergola ideas or in patio or courtyard areas, as long as these also receive plenty of sunshine. While a sunny, sheltered spot is ideal for many tender plants, do not place early-flowering plants, such as magnolias and camellias, so that they are exposed to the morning sun. ‘The rapid thawing of frozen buds can result in blackening and bud drop,’ advises Guy Barter, horticultural expert at the RHS (opens in new tab).
5. Lift and store tender perennials
Tender perennials that have bloomed and died down can be lifted to protect them from frost. This is a suitable method for how to overwinter dahlias or how to overwinter begonias.
6. Protect tender plants with a cloche
If you’re wondering how to protect plants from frost in the vegetable patch, then a cloche is one of the best methods. A cloche can be used to protect seedlings and smaller plants from frost. ‘Cut-off large plastic bottles or milk containers can be turned into homemade cloches to embed into the soil around small plants and seedlings to provide protection,’ advise the experts at Jackson Nurseries. Remove them during the day to allow the plants to benefit from the warmth and energy of the sun. Cloches are ideal for use with young vegetable crops that are sown in fall, such as broad beans, spinach, scallions or spring onions and asparagus.
7. Move plants into a cold frame
Young hardy annuals that are sown in fall may also benefit from some protection from frost. Place them in the shelter of a cold frame over winter, although ensure they have good ventilation on warmer days. You could make your old cold frame if you don’t already have one, advise the experts at Jacksons Nurseries. To make your own temporary cold frame:
Bend slender, metal rods into loops – you could use wire coat hangars for this Insert the ends of the metal loops into the ground either side of a row of crops or plantsLay a sheet of clear plastic over the frame and secure it in place to protect the plants below
8. Water plants in the morning
You probably wouldn’t think that your routine for watering plants could make a difference when considering how to protect plants from frost – but in fact it can help support any protective measures you take. It is best to water plants in the morning during winter and when there is a risk of frost, because wet soil actually absorbs heat during the day and has an insulating effect.
9. Wrap containers
If you are unable to move containers indoors as a method for how to protect plants from frost, then try to protect them from the elements outdoors by placing the pots in sheltered areas, and where possible grouped together for added protection against the cold and wind. Also raise containers using pot feet or by resting them on bricks to allow water to drain away more easily, and prevent plants sitting in icy water.
10. Choose the right plants for your backyard
Rather than trying to protect plants that are not suited to the climate of your backyard, instead choose those that are reliably hardy in the zone where you live. This will prevent the disappointment of losing plants when they aren’t adequately protected. Many evergreen shrubs and plants are fairly hardy. Plants will have a hardiness rating ranging from fully hardy – able to withstand temperatures of 0-10 °F (-18 -12 °C) – to frost tender, which might not survive being exposed to temperatures below 40-50 °F (4-10 °C). While this might limit to some extent the plants or crops you can include in your garden, there will still be plenty of options suitable to you hardiness zone. You can also include some of the best winter flowers to plant for color and interest in the colder months, or best winter plants for pots and borders.
What can I cover my plants with to prevent frost?
There are many materials that you can use to cover plants with to prevent frost. You can find many permeable horticultural fleeces and frost protection products on the market, but can also use materials that you can find around the house – just make sure they are lightweight, breathable and insulating. Options to use include:
Straw Bubble wrapBlankets, bed sheets, towelsNewspaperLeaves or other organic materials
What temperature should I cover my plants for frost?
The temperature that you should cover your plants from frost to protect them will depend on the individual plants and the conditions and position in which they are planted. Frost occurs in temperatures below 32°F (0°C) so this is the point at which you need to be protecting plants in winter. Most plants will need protecting from temperatures of 30°F (-2°C) or lower, but frost tender specimens should be protected before temperatures dip this low.
Can I use plastic bags to cover plants from frost?
It is not advisable to use plastic bags to cover plants from frost. This is because plastic can damage your plants if it makes contact with foliage, as it holds water against the plant and causes more damage from freezing. It also isn’t a very insulating material, nor is it an eco-friendly or a sustainable option, so look for alternatives when deciding how to protect plants from frost.
