Finding the best frost cloth for plants can save your crops, bushes, and trees during the winter.
The best frost cloth offers protection against any harsh weather conditions, still allows plants to thrive, and is easy to use. There are many great options to buy or make yourself. You’ll have to decide which material fits your specific protection needs!
In this article, I summarize the purpose of frost cloth, rank the five best ones, and explain how you can make your own frost protection for your plants at home.
The Purpose of Frost Cloths For Plants
The primary purpose of using a frost cloth is to keep plants warm. Sunlight warms the soil during the day, but that heat gets lost in the atmosphere as the day turns into night. Frost cloth helps to prevent this.
Frost cloth are made from woven fabric. The material is thick enough to trap warmth and help protect plants from frost but still light enough to allow air and sunrays to reach your plants.
Using a frost cloth can help speed up germination and growth. It can also extend the growing season, producing better crops and higher crop yields.
Frost cloths of different weights are available for different plants.
Read more about The 5 Best Floating Shelves For Plants
The Best Frost Cloth For Plants: 5 Ranked!
#1 Lightweight Frost Protection Blankets
A frost protection blanket is the best option for covering plants. It’s affordable, easy to use, and made from a durable, lightweight material.
Frost blankets protect crops and plants from icy cold wind, rain, ice, sleet, and of course, frost! Most blankets offer protection within a diameter of 6 feet.
Some frost blankets are specially designed for hanging plants. These typically have holes in their center, so they easily go over plant hangers.
You can simply throw your frost blanket over your plants or buy one with a cinch cord in its design for securing the material against your plant branches or pots.
#2 Canvas Blankets
Canvas frost protection blankets are easy to DIY. If you need temporary protection for your plants and have canvas lying around, it’s a great choice!
Remember to remove your canvas blanket as soon as the temperatures rise. Canvas tends to get really heavy when wet and won’t let much sunlight through.
#3 Greenhouse Plastic Blankets – Best Frost Cloth For Plants
Greenhouse plastics can withstand frost like a champ! It will protect your plants from frost while trapping every bit of sunshine inside to keep them warm.
You can create a frost protection cover with hoops and greenhouse plastics. It’s available almost anywhere, and most come in a complete kit to install pre-winter.
Frost protection cloth made from greenhouse plastics are quick and easy to install. They’ll still allow sunlight and oxygen to keep your plants healthy!
Dafoecheer Plant Covers Freeze Protection 7FT x 25FT, 0.9oz Frost Cloth
#4 Natural Jute Burlap Blankets
Burlap wraps made from natural jute are excellent for plant protection. You can use these frost protectors for trees, shrubs, and plants.
If you want to form a frost protection blanket, you’ll simply have to join a few burlap wraps together. You can use these blankets to protect your garden from frost and retain heat during the cold. Burlap is thick enough to block freezing temperatures, is moisture resistant, and breathable!
#5 Fleece Frost Blankets – Best Frost Cloth For Plants
You can cover your vulnerable plants with garden fleece frost covers. This insulated material will keep plants and crops protected against harsh winter conditions.
Fleece frost covers allow you to plant crops earlier. You can cover your planted spaces with them to protect germinating seeds.
Some fleece covers can be wrapped around already mature crops, while you can place others directly over your plants. Another option is fleece jackets designed to snuggly fit over trees and plants.
Can I Make My Own Frost Cloth For My Plants?
Using frost cloths to protect your plants and crops should be a no-brainer if you live in an area that experiences frost. If you have trouble getting quality frost cloths from your local gardening store, you can make your own!
Only use high-quality material to make your own frost cloths. Cotton sheets, painter’s cloth, and other lightweight material that allows sunrays and oxygen in are good options. Ensure that the materials you use are durable and versatile.
Aim for big sheets to reach the ground and cover your entire crop, plant, or tree. These will help trap heat and keep the frost out.
In Conclusion – Best Frost Cloth For Plants
Frost cloth is excellent at protecting plants from unpleasant weather conditions. Investing in quality frost cloth is a good idea if you live in an area that often gets frost when the winter comes around.
Try to choose something that still allows the sun and rain in while offering frost protection. Your frost cloth should also be easy to put on and remove for effortless use. Choosing a frost cloth that requires little maintenance is a bonus!
I hope this article helped you to decide which frost cloth would be best for your plants. If you’re still unsure, visit your local nursery and speak to a qualified sales rep. You can also ask any question you still have in the comments!
FAQ’s
What is the best material to cover plants from frost?
If you need a temporary solution, comforters, bed sheets, newspapers, and card boxes will offer some protection against frost.
You can find frost cloth from your local nursery too. The best ones are made from burlap, fleece, canvas, cotton, plastic, and polypropylene.
What can I use instead of frost cloth?
If you don't have frost cloth, you can use cotton sheets, canvas cloth, burlap, newspaper, cardboard, or plastic containers to temporarily cover your plants.
When should you use frost cloth?
You should protect frost-sensitive plants when temperatures reach 35 - 39°F. If it dips below 30°F, you can add extra layers of protection.
Can landscape fabric be used to protect plants from frost?
Yes. Landscape fabric allows about 80% sunlight in and doesn't block rain, helping young plants grow while protecting them from frost. This fabric will also keep insects and pests away.