If you’re one of the many people who keep a collection of grocery bags just in case they come in handy one day, here’s a great way to put them to use. Fall is a crucial time for gardening as it’s the time to prep your plants for the winter. Preparations during this season can look like amending your soil, servicing your tools, and making sure the plants themselves are well-equipped. Grocery bags help with this because they can act as a covering to protect them from frost.
Winter frost occurs when temperatures drop below freezing. This poses a problem to your plants because they will lose the warmth coming from their roots, which can damage or kill them so they need to be fortified. Some signs of frost damage are unusual color changes or weaknesses. Gardeners often use frost blankets because they are specifically designed for this, but you can easily DIY your own for free with the right grocery bags.
Choosing the right grocery bags and prepping your plants
Paper bags are better for this purpose because they are breathable and allow some air circulation. You can also use any cardboard boxes you have lying around, especially for plants that are in clusters. Plastic bags, unless made of polyethylene, can suffocate your plants by trapping moisture in, so they need to be used differently for this to work. First, cover the plants with a good insulating material like cotton or linen to act as a barrier between them and the bags. Then, put stakes in the ground to make tiny tents for the bags to go on. This way, they won’t touch the foliage and the plants will have room for air to flow.
When you have your bags sorted, prep your plants. Water them well so the soil is moist because it will retain heat better. Watering also provides some protection to the roots. Let the foliage dry and then you’re ready to cover the plants.
Covering your tender plants
Some plant categories are especially vulnerable to frost. These include potted plants, softwoods, plants that are actively growing and flowering, tropical plants, and half-hardy varieties. If you have tender plants like these, they need to be protected adequately. Frost is expected in the winter time but there might be one-off instances if you live in a region with an inconsistent climate. In such cases, keep your eye on the forecast so you can be prepared against an incoming frost.
To cover your plants, place the grocery bags over carefully, using small rocks to keep the bags in place. Make sure you cover the entire length of the plant, from the leaves to the roots, so no parts are left out to freeze. As soon as the temperature rises or the sun comes out, remove the bags from the plants. Discard the plastic bags after every use but try to reuse the paper bags.
