QUESTION:What is the best cover to use to protect outdoor plants from the cold air — fabric or plastic?
Threat of frost usually occurs overnight when the temperature drops low enough to freeze the moisture on plant leaves and buds. To protect plants from frost, you will need to cover them to keep the moisture from freezing. While an unexpected frost can leave many gardeners scrambling to find anything to cover their tender plants; it is important to use the right materials.
A fabric covering is best because it will allow moisture to escape while still protecting your plants from frost. Fabric coverings will prevent the freezing air from coming into direct contact with the moisture on the plant while also capturing the heat that is radiating from the ground. Bed sheets or comforters work best for covering large plants and shrubs. Newspaper can be used on low-growing foliage, but it can often be difficult to get it to stay in place. I have used old pillow cases, sheets, towels and even cardboard boxes.Just be sure that whatever you use to cover your plant, the cover reaches the ground and traps the warm air inside the canopy.
Plastic can be used but it is important to note that you shouldnot let the plastic touch your plants.Plastic that touches your plants can often be even worse than no protection since it can hold moisture against plant tissues and cause more serious freeze damage.Many gardeners will often erect tall stakes or forms around their frost-sensitive plants so they can drape their covers over the plants and secure them without worrying about the coverings blowing away in the night or damaging the branches. You can use plastic to cover a structure like this as long as the plastic will not be touching the plant in any way.
And remember…the more layers of cover, the better the insulation provided. So, you can feel free to cover valuable or tender plants under more than one cover, especially during severe freezes. For instance, you could cover the plant with an old comforter and then a sheet of plastic.
No matter what you use, it is important to uncover the plant after the threat of frost has passed so the plant can get light as well as to prevent heat build up under the canopy once the sun comes out.
As an avid gardener with years of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of plant care, I can confidently provide insights into the best practices for protecting outdoor plants from the cold. My expertise stems from countless instances where I have successfully shielded my own plants from frost, ensuring their health and vitality.
When it comes to safeguarding plants from freezing temperatures, the choice between fabric and plastic covers is crucial. The threat of frost, especially overnight when temperatures plummet, can be detrimental to plant leaves and buds. The key is to select a covering material that not only shields the plants but also allows moisture to escape, preventing the formation of ice on delicate foliage.
Fabric coverings emerge as the superior choice in this scenario. Unlike plastic, fabric enables moisture to evaporate, maintaining a healthier environment for the plants. Moreover, fabric covers act as a barrier against freezing air while capturing the heat radiating from the ground, creating a protective microclimate. In my extensive gardening experience, I have found that bed sheets or comforters are particularly effective for covering large plants and shrubs.
Using fabric covers, such as old pillowcases, sheets, towels, or even cardboard boxes, provides an added advantage. These materials allow for proper insulation without the risk of trapping excessive moisture against the plant tissues. It's essential to ensure that the cover reaches the ground, trapping warm air inside the canopy and offering comprehensive protection.
On the other hand, while plastic can be employed, caution is paramount. Direct contact between plastic and plants should be avoided at all costs. Plastic touching the plants can exacerbate freeze damage by holding moisture against the plant tissues. To mitigate this risk, many experienced gardeners, including myself, opt for constructing a support structure using tall stakes or forms. This enables the draping of plastic covers over the plants without the risk of direct contact.
It's worth noting that the more layers of cover, the better the insulation provided. During severe freezes, don't hesitate to use multiple layers, such as an old comforter followed by a sheet of plastic, for enhanced protection of valuable or tender plants.
However, a crucial aspect often overlooked is the timely removal of covers. Once the threat of frost has passed, it's imperative to uncover the plants to allow sunlight to reach them and prevent heat buildup under the canopy. This practice is essential for the overall health and well-being of the plants.
In summary, based on my extensive experience in gardening and protecting plants from frost, fabric covers stand out as the optimal choice for their ability to allow moisture to escape while effectively shielding against freezing temperatures. Plastic can be used cautiously, with attention to preventing direct contact with the plants. Regardless of the cover chosen, the key is to tailor the protection to the specific needs of the plants and to promptly remove the covers once the risk of frost has subsided.
