How can I protect vegetables from frost?
Written by
Nguyen Minh
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.Frost protection methods turn your garden into a year-round producer. By utilizing effective techniques, you can create a microclimate to protect plants from freezing damage and death. Row covers will trap heat while mulching, and insulation will protect roots and layers of soil underneath. Cold frames can extend your growing season beyond what is possible. All of these methods work together to preserve your harvest!
Row Cover Installation
- Install metal hoops every 4 feet along beds
- Drape plastic sheeting tightly over hoops
- Secure edges with soil or rocks
- Ventilate during sunny winter days
Mulching Techniques
- Apply 6-inch straw layer before first frost
- Cover root vegetables completely
- Use leaves for perennial beds
- Remove gradually during spring thaw
Row covers create mini-greenhouses out of plastic sheeting. Use them when the air temperature nears freezing. Row covers retain ground heat while allowing light to pass through. You can even keep an entire bed of spinach alive through a Minnesota winter using row covers! Just be sure to weight down the edges so the wind doesn't blow them off!
Mulching is effective when done with organic materials, such as straw or shredded leaves. All mulching should be completed in thick layers when the soil has cooled, but before severe hard frosts. Mulched root crops will especially benefit from the insulation created. Cardboard is also a great weed suppression option under mulch. Gradually remove layers of mulch while it is still mild in the spring.
Cold frames need to be made, but they protect plants much better than mini hoops. Place the frame facing south for maximum sun exposure. Old windows are a wonderful way to create the top of the cold frame. Be sure to ventilate them on sunny days to guard against heat buildup. Water walls also offer similar winter protection, utilizing thermal mass.
Cloches provide microprotective measures for single plants. Old containers, such as milk jugs with the bottoms cut off, can be reused for this purpose. Glass jars also create a nice, stylish option for seedlings. Always remove the cover on warm days. Since these micro protections can extend the harvest period, these containers can be especially valuable for a beloved plant such as leeks.
Maximize effectiveness by combining methods. Use mulch underneath row covers and put cold frames over mulched beds when possible. Check your local forecast frequently and protect your plants before the temperature drops. Your garden will gift you with fresh produce all winter long!
Read the full article: Top 10 Cold Hardy Vegetables to Grow
