Quick Ways to Protect Plants from Frost

Arab Weather - Young and delicate plants may be damaged by frost or low temperatures in winter, requiring proper protection. Therefore, it is necessary to follow weather forecasts, especially frost alerts, and take the necessary steps to protect your plants.

Effective ways to protect plants from frost

• Use protective covers

1. Plastic covers: Ideal for protecting young seedlings.
2. Wool or burlap covers: Provide warmth for delicate plants.
3. Cold Frames: Can be used to protect hardy annuals and cuttings planted in the fall. Be sure to open the cover on sunny days to avoid overheating and combat fungus.

• Greenhouse insulation

1. Use bubble wrap to keep heat inside the greenhouse.
2. Bring sensitive plants such as abutilons, aeoniums, agapanthus, and citrus into the greenhouse to prevent them from being exposed to frost.

winter crop protection

1. Use glass covers to protect crops such as beans, parsley, spinach and salad leaves.
2. Providing protection may allow for increased winter harvest opportunities.

• Prevention by fans

Using large fans is an effective way to combat frost, as they move the air and prevent cold from accumulating near the plants.

Fan Specifications:

1. Fan diameter: between 2.5 to 4 meters.
2. Rotation speed: 900-1300 rpm.
3. Power required: 20-30 HP per hectare.

• Prevention by watering

Watering is a useful way to increase the protection of plants from frost, as it works to:

1. Increase humidity: Increases soil and air moisture levels, reducing the effect of frost.
2. Heat release: When water freezes, it releases heat that delays the cooling of the air.

Watering precautions:

It can cause plants to become waterlogged, which can cause damage to plants or trees due to overwatering.

• Spray prevention

This method is the most efficient, as it depends on:

1. Latent heat: The release of heat during the freezing of water delays the formation of frost.
2. Effect of experiments: Experiments have shown that this method raises the temperature by 4 degrees Celsius.
3. Water requirement: Each hectare requires 8.30 tons of water per hour when the water temperature is 10°C.

• Heating prevention

This method depends on heating the air directly by special devices and using oil, coal tar or any other combustible materials.

To use this method, the wind must be calm so that the surrounding area can maintain its heat.

Special tips for potted plants

1. Insulating outdoor pots
2. Wrap the pots in bubble wrap and then cover them with gardening wool.
3. Secure the protection with twine to ensure the plant does not get cold.

• Protecting large plants such as bananas

1. Wrap the stems with straw or bark, and place them inside a wire wrap.
2. Cover the top with polyethylene during wet weather to keep the straw dry.

• Lifting delicate perennials

1. Such as lilies and tuberous begonias after their growth has stopped due to frost.
2. Store roots in a cool, dry place away from frost.

• Protecting palm trees

1. Tie the leaves to cover the growing point.
2. In cold areas, straw insulation can be added.

Additional steps to enhance protection

1. Create a protective tent using bamboo poles planted around the plant, and cover with gardening wool or bubble wrap.
2. Use strings to secure the cover and ensure the stability of the protection.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your young, delicate plants remain healthy through the winter, providing ideal growing conditions even in the harshest weather conditions.

See also:

How to protect plants from frost?

What is frost and what factors lead to its formation?