Preventing Plant Damage In The Frost

Preventing Plant Damage In The Frost
By Glen Thyme

It is easier to prevent damage than to try and cure it once it has already happened. This means it is really important to be prepared for the frost and the cold weather, and it is incredibly important to keep your plants well protected against the harsher weathers.

Throughout the day, there are many different ways in which plants can keep themselves safe and healthy. The plants and the soil absorb the heats sun and keep it held within the roots for maximum help. However, when the night comes about, it is not long until the stored heat begins to go.

If there is a cloudy night, plans will have some insulation and will lose heat slower. However, a clear and cloud-free night can offer no protection. This means the plant and soil thaw out quickly. Too quickly can be detrimental to a plants growth. As the temperature drops, the moisture in the air condenses into dew, which then freezes when the temperature reaches 0°c on the plant surfaces.

When it comes to it, the damage that a plant will suffer at 0° may not be detrimental and may only affect a few leaves. However if the temperate drops quickly or far enough for plant cells to freeze, then non hardy plants will be likely to die or suffer incredible amounts of damage. The avid gardener will keep an ear out on the local weather reports for any potential frost warning. They will then take it upon themselves to protect their plants.

It is best to avoid planting golden or variegated plant variants that are more tender within the colder months, as these are the least likely to survive should a frost hit- or should the temperature come down too much or too quickly. Hardy plants that will suit your area well should be available from local nurseries, talking to the nurseryman should be what helps you choose the hardiest plants. Nitrogen-high fertilisers can encourage sappy leafy growth, which is incredibly easily damaged within the frostier months.

The frost is basically just a killer of plants, and to protect them you need to be aware that there are many ways that you can, you simply need to implements them. Covering plants will not stop them from getting frosty but can stop them from being buried under snow which could freeze them. This will kill plants so it is always best to protect the ones you care about most.

Glen Thyme has written about many different subjects like 8ft trampolines in the past, but for this article he needed help. GardenCentreOnline.co.uk helped him by giving him the benefit of all of their experience in the industry.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Glen_Thyme
http://EzineArticles.com/?Preventing-Plant-Damage-In-The-Frost&id=7369494