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.
Plastic will transmit cold air to the plants, causing more harm than good. We recommend using cotton fabric or frost cloth to protect plants from frost.
Plastic can be used to protect plants from frost, but it's not the best or most effective material. In fact, the horticultural experts here at Green Impressions actually recommend against it. Plastic materials such as vinyl and traditional camping tarps aren't breathable, causing moisture to get trapped inside.
Cover Plants – Protect plants from all but the hardest freeze (28°F for five hours) by covering them with sheets, towels, blankets, cardboard or a tarp. You can also invert baskets, coolers or any container with a solid bottom over plants. Cover plants before dark to trap warmer air.
-Don't make the mistake of thinking that a plant can remain covered for a few days when the weather calls for more than one night of frost. The protection needs to be taken off every morning when the sun comes out. Plants can't breathe under a heavy container, a layer of plastic or fabric.
Plants in the ground
In fact, you can leave plants covered with blankets or sheets for several days without harming them if freezes are likely for several nights in a row. But eventually the covers must be removed so the plants can get light.
(If freezing temperatures are predicted for several consecutive nights, it's safe to leave your plants covered for up to a week. Some of your neighbors, however, may not be happy about this.) Small old fashion electric Christmas lights hung or placed near the base of the plant (heat rises) will add warmth to a plant.
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.
In agriculture and gardening, row cover is any transparent or semi-transparent flexible material, like fabric or plastic sheeting, used as a protective covering for plants, usually vegetables. Covers are used to extend growing seasons, and reduce undesirable effects of cold, wind and insects.
Know Your Plants' Cold Tolerance
Some frost-tender plants need to be covered as soon as the temperature hits 32°F, while others can handle lower temperatures and/or longer freezing periods. You'll need to look up each of your plants to verify its cold tolerance.
When Should You Cover Plants? Cover your plants at night and remove them during the day when the temperatures rise above 32 degrees F, so that the soil can warm up again. Some outdoor plants won't survive the harsh conditions of winter, bring them inside and use these tips for caring for them through winter.
Some plants may need to be covered to ensure that they survive the cold temperatures. "The purpose of covering is to capture the earth's heat," Walter Reeves, who's known as "The Georgia Gardener," explained. However, a protective covering isn't always needed.
What Temperature Do Plants Require? Most prefer a temperature range of 60-70° F at night and 75-80° F during the day, though many can handle as low as 40° F.
I did some research and found out that houseplants need to be taken indoors before overnight temperatures dip below 45 degrees. Most tropical plants suffer harm from temperatures below 40 degrees. Well, we have temperatures forecast to dip into the 40s again on Thursday and lower 40s on Friday.
To protect potted plants from heat, you can use many of the same plant shade covers as you would in your garden. While garden plants must stay put, many containers have the ability to be moved. Place them under a porch or in full shade if possible on exceptionally hot summer days.
Add a Layer of Mulch
Mulch is a garden miracle-worker any time of year and an important part of winter care. Think of mulch like a blanket protecting the garden during the winter months. A common winter problem is heaving or uplift of soils caused by freeze-thaw cycles.
All tender plants will appreciate being covered when it gets frosty out, even if you live in an area with generally mild winters. Prepare covers for all of your tender plants before freezing winter sets in.
Furthermore, the frost cloth is light and allows the sun to pass through the fabric, thus warming the ground. Some people use blankets, sheets or towels to cover plants, but these items are heavy and can break branches.
Frost blankets are ultra-lightweight, keeping your plants safe from damage. Unlike commonly used alternatives like bed sheets, burlap, or painter's tarps, the fabric allows plants proper airflow. They are also designed to dry quickly and will not become heavy from moisture.
To help your plants from wilting while you're away from lack of water, you can move them a little bit further away from their source of natural light. Place them in the middle of the room so that the heat and light from the windows does not dry them out as fast as usual.
It's also handy for sheltering crops from inclement weather like heavy rain, hail, and strong winds. It can even reduce or prevent damage from deer, rabbits, squirrels, and insect pests. For frost protection, frost cloth works by trapping radiant heat that comes from the warmth of the soil.