The Unexpected Item That Will Protect Your Plants From Cold Weather

When the first freeze is about to hit, you know it's important to protect your plants before they succumb to frost damage. Frost damage can happen when temperatures hover in the mid 30s, from 33 to 36 degrees Fahrenheit, while freezing occurs at 32 degrees Fahrenheit. By the time outdoor temperatures are forecasted to drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit and stay there, you should be making plans for your plants. This is especially the case for more sensitive plants, as well as those that may not be considered hardy for your zone. Vegetable gardens are particularly vulnerable to cold weather damage, as well as those that are planted in containers. Mulch, old blankets, and eco-friendly burlap covers can protect plants from freezing. But bubble wrap is another effective, yet unexpected option that can provide plants with the insulation needed to survive plummeting temperatures in certain situations. 

Usually used to protect fragile items during storage, moving, or shipping bubble wrap provides a protective cushioning and can be fun to pop. But aside from that, bubble wrap is also noted for its thermal benefits. This can work for a variety of applications around your garden when you need some extra insulation fast and you don't have enough commercial frost protection fabric on hand. While there is such a thing as horticulture bubble wrap, you don't necessarily have to spend money on new bubble wrap to protect plants in your garden. Instead, try using the wrap that comes for free in the packages you receive by mail.

Frost prevention is among the genius ways bubble wrap can improve your home and garden. Before you decide to cover your plants in bubble wrap though, know this method is only safe and effective in certain situations. Bubble wrap works particularly well for container plants that you cannot move. These plants are more vulnerable to damage because the soil is not as warm, and the containers themselves can even freeze. Simply wrap the entire container and use more sheets or blankets over the plants themselves. For the best results, the container must be covered completely. If you're reusing smaller sheets of bubble wrap, you may need to tape them together to ensure adequate coverage. Once temperatures improve, remove any bubble wrap you have in your garden or around container plants to prevent the plastic from breaking down and creating harmful debris.

Alternatively, you may be able to use sheets of bubble wrap to drape over plants, or to gently surround stems and branches with the material. This is usually a last resort option if no other materials are available, though. If you go this route, be sure to remove the wrap the next morning so the plants can still get air. 

Another method is to protect plants in your greenhouse by applying bubble wrap inside and against glass panels. Not only does the bubble wrap insulate the greenhouse, but your plants will still get sunlight through the material. The lack of direct contact between plant and bubble wrap can also help prevent loss of airflow, which is an often overlooked reason why your greenhouse plants are struggling.