Freezing temperatures: How to protect your plants from frost

With the big swings in temperatures experienced, plants are often confused, and sudden cold snaps can wreak havoc on your garden. Prolonged exposure to sub-freezing temperatures or an overnight frost could significantly stun a plant's growth or potentially kill them.

Fortunately, there are several ways to protect our favorite veggies and fruits! Follow these five methods and keep your garden smiling through the spring.

One of the most effective methods of protecting your plants is to bring light and small pots indoors. Plants situated in containers are the most susceptible to freezing temperatures as they don't benefit from the insulating effects of the earth. Bringing them indoors will protect them, but take note that putting them in a place that's too warm can shock the plant—a garage, shed, or basement are all good options.

Although it may sound counterintuitive, keeping the soil moist can help protect plants from the cold. This is because moist soil has an insulating effect and will help protect plants from freezing. If temperatures are expected to be below 32 degrees for a prolonged period, it may be best to avoid this method as the wet soil may freeze up completely.

A cloche is any bell-shaped cover, usually made from plastic or glass, that helps keep smaller plants warm and cozy in cold weather. You can easily buy a cloche online, or if on a budget, you can construct one from household supplies (e.g., an upside-down bucket, a cut-off water bottle, or a flower pot).

Yes, just like you would wrap yourself up on a chilly night, you can protect your larger group of plants from frost by laying down blankets, bed sheets, towels, or drop cloths. Make sure you step up stakes around the area you want to be covered and use them to form a tent-like structure. You don't want to squash your pretties!

Mature trees tend to be more resistant to cold weather due to their thick bark. However, young trees (1 to 4 years old), which have not fully developed, can be extra vulnerable to sudden cold snaps. Injury from frost can potentially stun their growth or result in a reduced harvest for the rest of the growing season. To avoid this, you can protect your younger trees by simply wrapping their trunks with towels, blankets, cardboard, rags, or pipe insulation.