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An interesting article I ran across is below. I have known that at the point of freezing, water gives off heat. Here is the article : By Livai Matarirano, Zimbabawe You can grow tomatoes even in cold weather. A farmer in Zimbabwe, Mr. Francis Handwa, uses cooking oil or milk bottles filled with water to keep tomato plants warm. This is a good alternative to covering tomatoes if used bottles are easy to get. Here is how he does it. Francis fills cooking oil or milk bottles with water until they are three quarters full. While the plants are still young, he places the bottles upright on the ground among the tomatoes. He places one bottle beside every third plant in every other row. He makes sure that the neck of the bottle appears above the plants. When the plants get taller than the bottles he places stakes beside the tomato plants. He hangs a bottle on each stake with a string. The bottles hang 10 centimetres above the plants. When the temperature drops below freezing the water in the bottles freezes. The tomatoes stay frost free even though the surrounding grass and shrubs are covered with frost. Mr. P.R. Makaya, an expert on fruit and vegetable production in Zimbabwe, explains why the water in the bottles freezes while the tomatoes are not attacked by frost: "When water has things dissolved in it, it freezes at a lower temperature than when it is pure. The water in plant cells, tomato cells in this case, contains dissolved salts. But the water in the bottles is pure, or at least has much less dissolved matter. In frost conditions, pure water freezes earlier than water in plant cells. So in the morning you find the water in the bottles is frozen. When water freezes it releases a lot of heat. The heat released when the water in the bottles freezes keeps the air around the tomatoes warmer than the surrounding area".
What else can I help you with?
At what temperature should I cover my vegetable garden to protect it from frost?
Cover your vegetable garden when the temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit to protect it from frost.
How can I protect pansies from frost?
To protect pansies from frost, cover them with a cloth or blanket overnight when temperatures drop. Remove the cover in the morning once the frost has melted. Water the pansies before the frost to help insulate them.
Do I need to cover strawberries for frost protection?
Yes, covering strawberries can help protect them from frost damage.
How to protect your trees?
Water them, do not use pesticides, and cover them in the frost of the winter.
How can I protect my roses from frost?
To protect your roses from frost, you can cover them with a cloth or blanket at night, use a layer of mulch around the base of the plants, and water them before the frost arrives to help insulate the roots.
How can I protect potatoes from frost?
To protect potatoes from frost, you can cover them with a thick layer of mulch or straw to insulate them from the cold. Additionally, you can plant potatoes in raised beds to improve drainage and reduce the risk of frost damage.
How can I protect corn from frost?
To protect corn from frost, you can cover the plants with a cloth or plastic sheeting overnight when frost is expected. This will help trap heat and prevent the cold from damaging the plants. Additionally, planting corn in a location that is less prone to frost, such as a sunny and sheltered area, can also help protect the plants.
How should I cover bushes for winter to protect them from the cold weather?
To protect bushes from cold weather in winter, cover them with burlap or a frost cloth to provide insulation. Make sure the cover reaches the ground and secure it with stakes or rocks to prevent it from blowing away. This will help protect the bushes from freezing temperatures and harsh winter conditions.
How can I protect marigolds from frost?
To protect marigolds from frost, cover them with a cloth or blanket overnight when frost is expected. This will help insulate the plants and keep them warm. Additionally, you can water the plants before the frost arrives, as moist soil retains heat better than dry soil.
Can you plant annuals now if covered when there's a danger of frost?
Yes, you can plant annuals now and cover them to protect from frost. Make sure to use a floating row cover or frost cloth and secure it around the plants to provide insulation. Water the plants thoroughly before covering them to help retain heat.
When do plants freeze and how can we protect them from frost damage?
Plants freeze when temperatures drop below freezing, typically around 32 degrees Fahrenheit. To protect plants from frost damage, you can cover them with blankets or sheets, use frost cloths or row covers, water the plants before a frost to help insulate them, or bring potted plants indoors.
What plants are frost sensitive?
Plants like tomatoes, peppers, basil, and beans are all sensitive to frost and can be damaged or killed if exposed to freezing temperatures. It's important to protect these plants by covering them or moving them indoors during cold weather.
