For many gardeners, the arrival of frost signals the end of the growing season. But with a little preparation, you can extend your gardening season by several weeks – or even months! By using plant covers for frost, you can protect them from the cold weather and keep them growing well into the winter. In this guide, we ranked and reviewed the 5+ best cover for plants in the winter, along with our top 3 choices, so that you can pick the best one for you.
Abimars
Perfect for protecting plants from the damage of freeze or frost while allowing sunlight to reach the plants
SUNPRO
This plant cover is best for heavy-duty use because it is made with thicker materials that can withstand colder temperatures.
A plant cover for plants during winter should be made of a material that is breathable, yet will protect the plant from the cold. A plant cover should also be large enough to cover the entire plant, and it should be secured to the ground so that it does not blow away.
What are the best plant covers?
- Abimars Plant Covers Freeze Protection
- Valibe Plant Covers Freeze Protection
- SUNPRO Plant Covers Freeze Protection
- SUNPRO Winter Tree Cover Frost Protection
- MIXC Plant Covers Freeze Protection
1. Abimars Plant Covers Freeze Protection
Best for well-rounded protection across different use cases.
This garden row cover is a great way to protect your plants and bushes. It’s lightweight and easy to handle and can be cut to any size or shape. Plus, it’s reusable, so you can use it all year round, depending on the weather.
Main Features:
- Large surface area
- Only partially water resistant (so water can still flow through)
- Has a UV protective agent
- Thicker material able to trap more heat
This plant cover is versatile and can meet the needs of everyone. It is made of high-quality material and is very durable. Recommended to have at least one of these at home to help protect against frosts.
Price: $23.99
2. Valibe Plant Covers Freeze Protection
Best for protecting young plants with greater sunlight requirements
This plant cover is made of a slightly thinner material which allows more sunlight to pass through. This makes it more suitable for young plants that require more sunlight as it grows.
Main Features
- Allows more sunlight to pass through
- Suitable for seedlings and young plants
- Large surface area
If you have young plants that require a lot of sunlight, then this plant cover is a good option for you. It will provide the plants with the sunlight they need, while also protecting them from frost.
Price: $19.90
3. SUNPRO Plant Covers Freeze Protection
Best for heavy-duty protection against frost.
This plant cover is best for heavy-duty protection against frost because it is made of thick, durable material that can withstand extremely cold temperatures. It is also large enough to cover a large area of your garden, so you can protect your plants from frost damage.
Main Features:
- Made of thick materials
- Able to withstand down to -24 degrees F.
- Large surface area
If you are protecting plants that are very sensitive to frost, you should buy this plant cover. This will help to keep the plants warm and prevent them from being damaged by the cold.
Price: $21.99
4. SUNPRO Winter Tree Cover Frost Protection
Best for protecting outdoor trees.
This plant cover is ideal for protecting outdoor trees from harsh weather conditions. It is made from durable materials that can withstand high winds and heavy rains.
Main Features:
- Zipper and drawstring feature for easy use
- Breathable material
- Suitable for most tree shapes
If you have any trees that are sensitive to frost, you should buy this plant cover. This cover will protect your trees from the cold weather and help them to stay healthy.
Price: $14.99
5. MIXC Plant Covers Freeze Protection
Best for heavy-duty protection from extreme frosts and low temperatures.
This tree cover is ideal for protecting against extreme frost damage. It is made of heavy-duty materials that will stand up to the elements and keep your plants safe.
Main Features:
- Able to withstand extremely cold temperatures
- Suitable for most tree shapes
- Allows air ventilation for the plant
If you live in an area with extremely cold temperatures, you should buy this tree cover. This will keep your plants warm and protected from harsh elements.
Price: $26.99
FAQ
Common Home Items as a Plant Cover for Frost
Yes, you can use common household items as plant covers to protect your plants from frost. It may not be as effective as store-bought items, but it is certainly budget-friendly. Here are some things you can use:
- A plastic sheet or tarp
- Old blankets or towels or pillows
- Newspapers or Cardboard boxes
- Straw or hay.
- Bubble wrap
When is the best time to use plant covers
- Zone 6: The best time to use plant covers in zone 6 is typically in the fall, before the first frost.
- Zone 7: The best time to use plant covers in zone 7 is in late fall, after the first frost.
- Zone 8: The best time to use plant covers in zone 8 is in the fall and winter.
- Zone 9: The best time to use plant covers in zone 9 is in the fall and winter.
Which plants to cover for frost
There are a number of plants that need plant cover for frost, including annuals, perennials, vegetables, and fruit trees. The plant cover protects the plants from frost weather and helps to keep the ground around the plants warm.
It is not necessary to cover cacti and succulents with a plant cover for frost. Most cacti and succulents are native to arid or semi-arid regions and are adapted to withstand low temperatures and frost. However, there are a few species that come from tropical or subtropical regions that may be damaged by frost. If you are not sure if your plant is frost-sensitive, it is best to err on the side of caution and provide some frost protection.
How to use a plant cover
To use a plant cover for frost, first, make sure the cover is large enough to fit over the plant, followed by covering your plants with a light layer of frost protection, such as a sheet, early in the evening. Be sure to remove the cover in the morning so that your plants can get sunlight and air. If the temperature is expected to drop below freezing, you may need to add another layer of protection, such as a blanket, to keep your plants from freezing.
Will a tarp protect plants from frost?
Yes, a tarp can protect plants from frost. A tarp can help to protect plants from frost by creating a barrier between the plants and the cold air. The tarp can also trap heat from the sun, which can help to keep the plants warm.
How to wrap a potted plant with burlap?
- Take the pot and plant and turn it upside down.
- Measure the pot and add an extra 2-3 inches to the height.
- Cut a piece of burlap to that height and width.
- Fold the burlap in half and hot glue or staple it around the pot, making sure to cover the drainage hole.
- Turn the pot right side up and fill it with soil.
- Plant your plant and water it.
