Protect your plants from frost
| Published: 24th December 2007 16:04 |
Your plants will suffer if they're not protected from the elements.
Most gardeners will know the importance of protecting their vulnerable plants against frost. Every year frost, snow and freezing winds cause damage and death to tender plants, early sowings, cuttings and new plantings.
An untimely frost can catch out even the most experienced gardeners so the appropriate protection needs to be in place before the frosts start.
In many cases considerable plant loss is caused not by frost itself but the rapid thawing that follows. You can remedy this by providing shade from the early sunshine appearing from the east.
Whichever method of frost protection you select, none will guarantee from loss in a hard winter, but if you follow this guide to protective materials you will improve your plants' chances of making it through the winter.
Organic mulch
The main benefits for using organic mulch is that it is natural, decomposes and is generally free. It also scores highly on the performance ratings.
Compost
Should be used in layers to insulate the soil, protecting roots from freezing and the fluctuation of temperatures. This can be damaging to the roots of susceptible plants such as roses, tender shrubs and climbers. It is a good idea for evergreens to have their roots covered throughout the winter as the winds will dry them out.
Leaves and straw
Can be used to completely cover dormant perennials, ground cover plants and some vegetables. Chicken wire should be placed over the top and anchored with wire pegs, to stop your cover from blowing away. You can also use straw and leaves to stuff into horticultural fleece, which has been wrapped around the stems of tender climbers.
Horticultural fleece
One of the most versatile methods of frost protection you will find, fleece is made from polypropylene fibres and is ideal for allowing light, air and water through, keeping a more even temperature than polythene or glass.
Fleece will protect tender plants and foliage from frost and snow by freezing before it can penetrate the plants below.
Depending on quality, thicker fleece should last longer but care must be taken with all fleece, as it will tear. Thinner fleece can be doubled over to increase its effectiveness against frost and snow.
Polythene sheet
Clear polythene sheet is an effective way to keep light night frosts off tender plants and to protect early sowings. However, unlike fleece, polythene will not allow air or water through and will restrict light (unless you use perforated polythene). The build up of daytime heat will not only cause condensation to form but temperature fluctuations. Therefore, polythene as light frost protection for shrubs is best used for night cover only.
Bubble polythene
Performance wise, bubble polythene is one of the most effective covers for frost protection. It is very durable and can be used on its own or as a liner for cold frames or greenhouses. There are generally two types available: large bubbles and small bubbles. The larger bubble type is thicker and has greater insulation properties.
Like polythene sheet, bubble polythene will generate condensation, so good daytime ventilation is required. Ensure the polythene is kept off plant leaves.
Cold frames
This form of frost protection is effective, especially when used with bubble polythene, although it is fairly restrictive. Cold frames are used mainly to protect crops and extend the growing season. They are also valuable for acclimatising plants to lower temperatures prior to planting out.
Cloches
There are many types of cloches, including tent, barn, tunnel and bell, but they all basically perform the same function - to protect seeds and plants from frost, heavy rain and birds, and for warming and keeping the soil dry prior to seed sowing during the growing period.
Tent cloches are best for covering sewn seeds and small plants.
Barn cloches are taller and wider than tent cloches and are therefore more useful for protecting two or three rows of plantings.
Tunnel cloches are generally used for early salad crops such as lettuces and for strawberries.
Bell cloches can be used for individual plant protection.
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