Greenhouse Magic: Sow This in May and Prepare to be Astonished by Your Autumn Harvest
Protecting Greenhouse Plants from Autumn and Spring Frosts
24th May, 22:00 — Milana Nikolaeva
Gardeners often face challenges during spring and autumn due to unexpected frosts, even in greenhouses. The internal temperatures can plummet, threatening delicate plants. For instance, tomatoes begin to suffer at temperatures between 3 and 5 degrees Celsius, while cucumbers succumb at zero degrees. To combat this, experienced gardeners employ several effective methods to preserve their crops.
One budget-friendly solution involves placing twenty-five-liter bottles filled with water around the greenhouse. During the day, the absorbed sun heat warms the water, which releases it gradually to the plants at night. This simple trick can raise the temperature by 2-3 degrees, potentially saving young plants from cold damage. To prevent the bottles' caps from deforming due to water expansion, agricultural specialists advise not to overtighten them.
Another proven technique is utilizing fresh compost or horse manure. A central pile begins to produce heat as it decomposes, reaching up to 60 degrees Celsius within the mass. Bricks and stones also act as natural heaters, absorbing solar energy during the day and emitting it to warm the air at night. Dark, wet bricks retain heat for 20% longer than dry ones and further humidify the air with morning dew.
Adding frost cloths, sealing drafts, and ensuring proper soil moisture management are additional strategies for protecting greenhouses during cold seasons. To promote a warmer microclimate, frost cloths (breathable, lightweight fabrics allowing light and moisture to pass) can be draped over plants. By using stakes or cinder blocks to support them and anchor against wind, gardeners can effectively insulate their crops.
Greenhouse insulation can be improved using bubble polythene or specialized films on walls and roofs. Properly managing soil moisture means watering plants before frost nights, as moist soil holds heat better and preserves plants' root zones. For effective cold protection, these methods can be combined with other strategies, such as heating systems or thermal mass objects like water barrels or stone walls.
Incorporating these solutions—covering plants with frost cloths, insulating the greenhouse, and managing soil moisture—can help gardeners protect their plants during the challenging spring and autumn frosts. By staying vigilant and applying these strategies, greenhouse growers can nurture healthy, thriving plants.
gardening techniques can help maintain a suitable lifestyle in home-and-garden settings, especially during spring and autumn when unexpected frosts threaten greenhouse plants. For instance, using water-filled bottles, compost, or frost cloths can help maintain optimal temperatures in the greenhouse, ensuring the survival of delicate crops.
