Wondering how to protect your plants from frost? Our expert Cincinnati gardening tips make it easy to shield your plants from cold damage:

Which Plants Need Frost Protection?

Tender annuals, tropical plants, vegetables, herbs, and newly planted nursery plants are highly vulnerable to frost. Hardy perennials may also suffer if their tender foliage is exposed early in spring after time in a greenhouse.

Are Hardy Plants in the Landscape Safe?

Hardy plants established in the fall are generally more resilient, but early spring growth, especially if flowering, can still be affected by unexpected cold snaps.

How to Protect Plants from Frost and Freeze

Portable Plants:

Move potted plants indoors, like a garage or shed, until temperatures warm up.

In-Ground Plants:

Follow these steps to protect rooted plants:

Cover Plants:

Use bed sheets, light drop cloths, row covers, burlap, or cheesecloth. Drape the covering loosely over plants like an umbrella, anchoring edges to retain soil warmth and minimize frost settling.

Water Soil:

Watering helps retain heat in the soil, though avoid this around succulents.

Use Stakes for Fragile Plants

Insert stakes to prevent the cover from touching delicate foliage.

Best Materials for Frost Protection

• Avoid Plastic: Use plastic only if suspended (like over tomato cages) to prevent contact with foliage.
• Other Options: Use cardboard boxes, upside-down tubs, milk jugs (cut the bottom, remove the lid), and other covers to create mini-greenhouses over small plants.

How Long to Keep Plants Covered

Keep plants covered until temperatures return to the upper 40s to 50s. If frost is forecasted for several days, leave the coverings on.

When to Cover Plants for Best Protection

Cover plants before nightfall for optimal insulation against frost.

What to Do if Frost Arrives Unexpectedly

If caught off guard, gently spray tender foliage with water in the early morning before the sun hits, reducing frost damage.

Gardening Made Easy in Cincinnati!

When in doubt, cover your plants to keep them safe. Do you have a gardening question? Ask our Cincinnati experts.