NETTING BEST SELLERS
Frost is a surface coating of frozen water vapour, the result of rapid heat loss, and that the surface temperatures (of plants, soil etc) can fall below freezing, even though the air temperature remains above zero.
Netpro build protective structures to mitigate frost damage. We carry a range of frost cover options – suitable for both home gardeners and commercial growers.
During the day, soil collects heat, whilst overnight soil loses heat. Covers trap the warmth of the soil, keeping warmer air down close around the plant, thus preventing the rapid surface cooling conducive to frost formation. Additionally then, the cover, rather than the plant, becomes the surface on which the moisture freezes.
It’s common practice to cover frost-sensitive plants, using anything from old baskets and boxes, to bed-sheets, curtains, vinyl and plastic, shade-cloth and hessian (burlap) cloth.
A commercially available cover is Frost-Cloth or Horticultural Fleece, a light, breathable fabric made from spun-bonded polypropylene or poly-ethylene.
Frost-cloth is light enough to be laid on top of plants, but is as effective over hoops or trellis. Ensure the frost-cloth is securely anchored and sealed where it meets the ground. This holds soil-warmth around the plant, and prevent breezes from removing the cloth.
No frost-cloth, is completely impermeable to heat loss. Eventually, over a run of cold overcast days, soil/air-temperature will drop under the cloth. We recommend that on the first sunny day, the covers are folded back, allowing soil and mulch to collect warmth again.
Frost-cloth will not harm plants if it remains on for extended periods of time as it will provide a warm, light-filled and sheltered micro-climate for sensitive plants to flourish.
favour frost-hardy varieties, and place sensitive plants near rocks,walls, or slopes in the garden. The cold air cannot pool around them.
temporary covers over susceptible and stationery plants are very effective – if done correctly.
sometimes even completely covering low-growing plants with a light cover such as straw or leaves.
harvest early, many fruits continue to ripen indoors. Leaves and fruit can be preserved in many ways
move pot-plants under shelter, verandahs, near walls or overhangs.