Can household items replace frost blankets?
Written by
Paul Reynolds
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Household items frequently act as alternatives to frost blankets during emergencies. On occasion, bed sheets and cardboard boxes insulate plants when sufficiently layered. I was able to protect my potted lemongrass plants from a surprise 28°F freeze by doubling up quilts. The secret is to provide insulation while facilitating breathability, as frost cloth will also help mitigate windchill.
Effective Setup
- Layer sheets with 1-inch air gaps between them
- Cut 6+ ventilation holes in cardboard lids
- Weigh down basket edges with bricks
- Remove morning dew with towel pats
Critical Avoidances
- Never use plastic alone without cloth underlayer
- Avoid tape residue on plant-sensitive bark
- Discard moldy newspaper immediately after frost
- Prevent contact between wet materials and foliage
Microclimates have an impact on the performance of materials. For example, my hydrangeas by the garage survived temperatures of 24°F covered with baskets lined with newspapers, while the plants in the front yard were frozen. In urban areas, where urban heat islands occur, recycled materials performed better than desired when compared to rural areas. I would try using test covers with thermometer probes. From your findings, you could adjust the layers depending on the temperature wind direction, and moisture conditions.
Food and regional differences dictate their material choice. Coastal gardeners should favor heavier boxes to windproof them. Desert growers could require reflective surfaces, such as strips of aluminum foil. I utilize old shower curtains as waterproof top layers in the Pacific Northwest downpours. Whether you reuse or make changes in the garden, always wash the materials in between uses to control pest issues.
Read the full article: 12 Ways to Protect Plants from Frost: Expert Tips
