Plant Covers for Cold Weather
Plant Covers for Cold Weather
Plant Covers for Cold Weather
Plant Covers for Cold Weather

Plant Covers for Cold Weather

$262.98


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Our Plant Covers for Cold Weather are made of 2.5 ounce spunbound geotextile fabric and are used to help protect your plants from frost damage. The fabric has a built in UV inhibitor to slow down UV degradation. The fabric allows water and air to pass through it. All seams are sewn, not glued, for a higher quality performance.

The Plant Covers for Cold Weather keeps the temperatures underneath it higher than outside of it. This product extends the harvest time and extends the flowering season. This product is available in various roll sizes.

Product Specifics

  • Material:  Polypropylene
  • Size: Various
  • Free Shipping
  • Need a Written Quote?
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  • Volume Pricing Available - orders $6,500+
  • Questions? Call (800) 520-7731

Frost Protection Fabrics

  • Resists UV degradation
  • Allows air, water, and nutrients to pass through the fabric
  • Keeps air below fabric warmer than air outside of it

 Specification Sheet Download

Shipping

  • Ships for Free (standard ground, see map)
  • Expedited shipping only available on orders over $2,000 
         Call: (800) 520-7731 for pricing and ship times

Shipping estimates shown on the map pertain to this specific product only. Frost Protectoin Fabric orders typically ship same day if the order is placed before 12:00 noon CST. Transit times displayed in the map are listed in business days, and are approximate. Transit times are subject to stock levels at regional warehouses.  The day that the order is shipped is not counted as a transit day.

Tips For Covering Your Plants In The Winter Months

Winter temperatures can be damaging to plants anywhere in the United States but especially so in the Southern states. Temperatures can change drastically and getting through cold snaps will harm your garden plants without warning. You are home and just heard a weather forecast for freezing weather hitting overnight. You panic trying to figure out what you can do to protect your plants! You try to grab sheets or other material to cover your plants but realize you might be too late.

Plants That Must Be Covered In The Winter

Some of your plants might be cold-weather hardy, but many are probably not. You might not know, but there are certain plants like shrubs and trees that need some protection and care during the winter.

Plants Protected from Cold

Cold Weather Blanket on Plants

Bulb Flowers

Some bulb flowers do really well in the winter months. They stay underground and then surface when the temperatures warm up. Unfortunately, there are other bulb flowers that cannot handle freezing weather and it doesn't matter where they are planted. Some plants like begonias, dahlias, and freesias will not survive if exposed to freezing conditions.

Delicate Trees

If you recently planted new trees, they are vulnerable to freezing conditions at night. Other trees that are well established are also in harm's way in severe weather conditions such as citrus trees.

Tropical Plants

Tropical bulb plants should be dug up, cut back, and stored during the winter months. Keep in mind, that large tropical plants such as hibiscus and aloe, will not survive extreme cold temperatures. Potted plants are not a problem because you can take them inside at night but if they are planted in the ground, you will need a protective plant cover.

Annuals

Plants grown as annuals, like fruits and vegetables, will not survive freezing temperatures at night. There are some annuals you can collect the seeds from and then replant in the spring and summer. Petunias, snapdragons, and crabgrass are annuals that will not survive in cold weather unless they are well taken care of.

When To Cover Your Plants In Cold Weather

You have spent a long time cultivating your beautiful garden and the last thing you need is having it destroyed by cold temperatures. It's really important that you know what you need to do to protect your annuals and perennials from winter elements so they can prosper in the spring.

Know The Frost Dates

Knowing the local average dates including the first frost in the Fall and the last frost in the Spring will be beneficial. Once Fall hits, the temperature will continue to drop. As an example, if the first freeze date in your area is late September then the first freeze might take place in mid-October. Also, if the temperature starts to warm up early on, chances are the last day of the year could have frost. Check with your local zoning agency to get the dates to watch out for.

Frosted Leaves

Plant with Frost on Leaves

The Dates Are Only Estimates

Weather predictions and data are collected over a 30-year period but that does not mean these dates are absolutely correct. These dates are only estimates and do not take into consideration unusual events such as an abnormally warm spell in the winter season. An unexpected cold spell can result in plants being destroyed. Check the local weather reports on a regular basis. Pay attention to local reports on your weather station.

Watch Out For Unusual Conditions

Pay attention to temperatures that remain below freezing longer than what is considered normal. Read the following terms when evaluating the level of severity from weather reports.

• Frost Advisory - This is the term used when the temperature is expected to fall to 36° or 32° Fahrenheit.
• Freeze Warning - When there is an 80% chance the temperature will hit 32 ° F or lower.
• Light Freeze – will kill young tender plants (29° to 32°F)
• Moderate Freeze – is destructive to most vegetation (25° to 28°F)
• Severe or hard freeze – Causes serious damage to most plants (25° F or colder)
• Protect Your Plants From Winter Frost & Freeze

Flowers in Snow

Snow Covered Flowers

Choosing the right planter or container

First off, choose the right planter or container to protect your plants in the winter. Fiberglass is considered the best material for protecting your plants and garden centers agree. Fiberglass containers will keep your plants warm and will offer protection when the ground freezes.

If there are drainage holes, the roots will run a much lower risk of freezing than plants in the ground. Also, it's the best way to move plants, trees, and shrubs into a warmer place to prevent winter damage. Fiberglass is not only lightweight but strong.

Add A layer Of Mulch

Not only is mulch an important part of caring for plants all year round but is also very important during the winter months. It acts like a blanket.

Another problem is heaving soil brought on by freeze-thaw cycles. The soil heaving actually pushes shallow roots of plants out of the ground exposing the roots and crowns to freeze. Mulch is perfect to maintain soil moisture and serve as insulation. When the soil is wet, it won't freeze as easily. Start by giving your plants a quick watering and then add a thick layer of mulch between 3 to 5 inches after the first frost. Some of the best materials are pine straw and chopped leaves because they are lightweight and will not become compacted.

Winter Watering

In many cases, trees and shrubs will not get enough water unless it rains and windy days can make it even harder. You should provide good irrigation at least once a month to keep the soil moist. When the soil is moist, it protects both evergreen and dormant plants during cold snaps. The soil will hold more heat than when the soil is dry. If the soil is dry, the roots can be damaged when the weather turns cold.

Gardener Protecting Plants

Covering Plant in Frost Blanket

Bring Your Potted Plants Inside

The best solution for weather that has turned cold is removing the plants from outside. Keep an eye on potted plants as their roots will dry out faster than if they were in a different environment. If you have hanging or potted plants, bring them inside, You might consider moving them to a sun room or garage to increase the temperature by at least +10ºF. Better yet, move your plants into your home and use them as decoration over the winter.

Cover Your Plants

Covering plants has probably become one of the best ways to protect your plants from the cold and won't increase the temperature that much. Just keep in mind, you must remove the covers during the day so the plants get enough light and water.

Plant in Cold Weather

Plant During Cold Snap

What You Should Use To Protect Plants

Mulch has proven to be a great choice for covering the base of your plants. Some of the best materials are bed sheets or comforters for large plants and shrubs. Newspaper is a good alternative for low-growing plants and foliage but can be difficult to keep in place. Depending on the plant, pillowcases, sheets, towels, and cardboard boxes can do the trick. Plastic can be used but make sure it doesn't come in contact with your plant. The plastic will hold water against plant tissue and cause serious freeze damage.

Use A Cold Frame Or Greenhouse

For temporary use, construct a simple cold frame to trap heat and block out frost. This is good for keeping young and tender plants safe and warm during the winter. Cold frames are not exactly the most attractive answer and will take some level of construction.