Fall is just around the corner, which means it’s frost season. While fall brings joy through pumpkin carving, apple picking and beautiful fall foliage, it can also be a dangerous time for your garden. An unexpected freeze can devastate plots, leaving your plants wilted and unable to produce any more fruit or vegetables.
Frost is that thin layer of ice that shows up on your lawn and plants in the fall or early spring. It occurs when water vapor changes from a gas to a solid from exposure to low temperatures. This thin icy layer causes the water in the plant cells to crystalize, which damages tissues. While some vegetables and fruits taste better after a frost, most plants will go dormant or even die.
Fortunately, there are some ways to keep your plants safe from this fall freeze. By tackling these tips early on, you can ensure you can continue to grow and harvest crops all through the season. Here’s how to fight frost in your garden.
1. Add Mulch
Adding a thick layer of mulch keeps your plants warm and cozy when frost season begins. It helps protect the soil from temperature swings. You can use various materials as mulch, like leaves, wood chips, straw or even your yard compost. The layer must be thick enough to provide insulation, which is usually between 3 and 6 inches. Leave an opening around stalks, though, so the warmth can travel up the plant.
2. Bring Plants Indoors
If you have potted plants outdoors, you can fight the frost by bringing them inside for the night. Plants in containers are more susceptible to frost damage because they can’t benefit from the Earth’s natural insulation. Place them in an unheated area, like a garage or shed. If you put them in a heated room, the temperature change may be too drastic and shock them.
3. Cover Plants With Cloches and Cloths
Another way to fight frost in your garden is by covering plants with either cloches or cloths, like blankets or thick plastic. Cloches are bell-shaped covers you can make using plastic or glass. These protect individual plants when you cover them just before nightfall and uncover them in the morning. For larger groups of plants, use a blanket or bed sheets as a cover. Place stakes around the crops and allow the material to drape over them.
4. Water Plants Midday
Though it may seem counterintuitive, watering your plants during the day can keep them warm at night when there are frost conditions. Moist soil protects the plants from the cold because it acts as an insulator. Wet dirt naturally holds more heat than dry dirt. Just make sure to water them during the day when temperatures are still warm enough so you don’t shock the plants.
5. Opt for Raised Beds
If you still want to plant a few fall crops, opt for raised garden beds instead of planting them in the ground. Raised beds tend to heat up faster, and they stay warmer. Plus, they’re easier to cover during freezing nights. You can still plant your crops in the ground, though, and have the same effect as raised beds if you grow them in higher elevations in your yard. Frost usually settles in lower places, so planting a garden higher up can help you avoid low-lying frost.
6. Wrap Your Trees
You’ll want to protect your younger trees from frost, too. Newer trees are more sensitive to frost, which could damage the root and trunk systems. It could stunt their growth or kill them. To prevent frost damage, wrap their trunks with insulation, like blankets, towels or cardboard. Overlap layers to provide the best protection and secure them with weatherproof tape or twine.
Watch the Calendar and Forecast for Frost
One of the best ways to fight frost is by watching the calendar and forecast in the fall. If the weather calls for lower nighttime temperatures, you might want to be proactive and use these tips to protect your fall crops and trees. By taking precautionary measures, you can be sure to have a bountiful fall harvest and lively plants.
Bio:
Jane is an environmental writer and the founder and editor-in-chief of Environment.co where she covers sustainability and eco-friendly living.