How to Protect your Garden Plants from Frost
Simple Gardening Tips for March to avoid frost-damage
It’s no secret, or surprise, that frost causes problems to plants. We would like to hope, by March, most of the frosts and cold weather is behind us, but as we have seen in March 2018, serious snowfall and -10 temperatures can hit us, and hard,
Sewing seeds inside is fine, but hold off moving anything outside, as it’s a risky time of year to do so. We are aware of some customers who moved seedlings out to the greenhouse too early, to find them all wiped out after the ‘beast from the east’ had paid us an unwelcome visit in the UK.
Follow our simple guide to prevent frost-damage and save your plants.
Protecting Plants in a Green House
As above, this is not foolproof and guaranteed as a serious weather snap will cause problems, however, a greenhouse provides much-needed warmth for tender or damaged plants. You can also bring any containers into this protected environment to prevent cracking.
Whether it’s a small lean-to greenhouse or full-size structure, the winter sun is amplified and the plants will benefit from the warmer conditions inside.
Just make sure your seedlings and young plants are ready and sturdy enough to withstand a cold snap.
IMAGE OF GREENHOUSE
Using a Cold Frame to cover Beds
Depending on the size and type of greenhouse, you may not have enough space to cater for plants which are destined for pots or planting outside later in the summer.
If you have prepared raised vegetable bed, one option is to use a cold frame. This can provide a perfect space-saving solution which protects plant beds and creates an ideal microclimate for vegetable growing.
Add extra insulation to retain warmth overnight.
Protecting Crops with Raised Bed Planters
Raised planters allow you to grow and harvest winter vegetables through the colder months. Higher beds protect the soil from frost damage.
You can easily pick up pre-made raised beds on eBay, Amazon or from your local garden center. In actual fact, if you have spare wood at home, why not knock one up yourself. Old pallet boards are great for this job, as the wood is treated already.
Pick a size to fit your garden and fill with good quality soil. Mix with some existing earth and allow to settle over a couple of weeks before planting.
TIP: Paint any natural timber with weather protection products, to improve longevity. As an alternative, you can use patio slabs or plastic products for improved durability.