Burlap Plant Cover ($22.95) Cloche Plant Dome Bell Cover ($29.99)
Many regions in the U.S. have experienced colder temperatures than normal in recent years which can be especially harmful to outdoor gardens and flower beds. A 2021 study revealed that the warming Arctic correlates with the rise of extreme winter weather in parts of the United States, many of which (like Texas) aren’t especially used to them.
While I spent a portion of my early adulthood in Texas where freezing temperatures were rare, I grew up in cold, northern Ohio in an extremely horticulture-centered household where conversations about late and early frosts were a routine topic at the dinner table. My parents rarely utilized anything fancier than mulch or burlap to protect the outdoor plants that couldn’t be ferried inside but there are a variety of plant covers available depending on what kind of plant you are protecting.
Made from breathable, lightweight fabric AgFabric covers come in different sizes and weights for all your frost prevention and seed germination needs. The heavy-weight version allows 30% to 50% light transmission while protecting your garden from a deadly freeze. The breathable fabric makes sure your plants still have the moisture they need to grow so you can leave them on for extended periods of time. The covers come in six or ten-foot widths and 25, 50, and 100-foot lengths to adequately cover all your garden rows.
You can also buy arched supports to drape your Agfabric over and create a low tunnel greenhouse for each row. These covers and supports are best if you have multiple plants and beds to protect.
Planket frost blankets, available in round or rectangle versions, have metal grommets on the edges so you can secure them to the ground with stakes (available separately). Made from a nonwoven material, the 10 foot by 20-foot version covers 200 square feet. The planket works well for medium and larger-size shrubs.
Another option for the medium-sized shrubs and small trees in your plant family is these drawstring covers by Anphisn will protect them from hail, frost, and snow. Made from lightweight, nonwoven material the covers allow for both good moisture and air permeability. The drawstring at the bottom keeps them securely cinched around the plant so they won’t blow away in the wind.
They also work well with large potted plants that are too heavy to lug indoors.
If you want an alternative to the sheet or blanket form that doesn’t require stakes or hoops to keep it off your plants, these plastic cloche dome covers may be just the thing.
Each package of garden cloches contains eight covers as well as pegs to secure them to the ground. The top of each bell-shaped dome has two holes (that can be closed when desired) for watering and allowing air inside. They are 7.5 inches high with a 10-inch diameter – perfect for protecting small plants and seedlings.
Another excellent plant cover choice - especially if you’re growing lots of seedlings is a pop-up greenhouse-type structure.
The Mini Pop, made from clear PVC plastic, is 27 inches by 27 inches and 31 inches high with a zippered opening. Four ground stakes are included. Like larger, more permanent greenhouses, this mini version creates a high humidity environment and protects your plant children from adverse weather.
According to some Amazon reviewers, it is also an excellent winter structure for stray, outdoor cats. Anything with more than one use is a good product in my book.
The cylinder-shaped Nuvue spring-up greenhouse is made from heavy-duty plastic grid fabric and has a zippered top. Measuring 24 inches wide with an 18-inch diameter, it comes with two ground spikes to secure to the ground. The spring-up is super easy to install – they really do just spring up into full form. These are an excellent choice for protecting small fruit trees.
When I was a kid (in the 1970s), we predominantly used mulch and burlap to protect the perennials around our house and any new garden plants when a late frost was imminent. We mulched all the beds around the house in Autumn and would wrap any small bushes with burlap covers when needed. My mom made the covers from burlap yardage but you can purchase ready-made ones with a drawstring.
If you want to make your own and/or have a flat piece of burlap handy to cover garden beds, Cleverband sells 40 inches wide by 12 feet long pieces.
If you want to go even more DIY, plastic gallon water or milk jugs also make wonderful plant covers. Cut out the bottom of the jug (the cap/opening will provide an air vent and water hole) and simply place the jug over your plants.
Whatever method you prefer, having something on hand to cover your plants when a frost or freezing, winter weather shows up is a great idea. Your plants will thank you! (and live to see another day).