How to protect plants from frost?

philt

Greetings brains trust, I know this question has been asked before but I’d like to know which is the better product to protect my Ruby Alternanthera from the coming frosts. I’ve read reviews on the frost cloth and I’m in two minds which is better. These plants grow to around 40cms high. Also I believe it’s best to have them raised so they don’t touch the leaves but I can’t find anything in Bunnings that’s simple and cheap to erect. I found garden hoops on Amazon which are probably exactly what I need and much cheaper. So which is the better product and do Bunnings have a hoop product?

  

MitchellMc

Hi @philt,

If you're looking specifically to protect your Ruby Alternanthera from frost, then the Coolaroo Frost Cloth is your best bet. It’s designed for frost protection without overly limiting the amount of light your plants receive, which is important, especially during the cooler months when sunlight is already in shorter supply.

The Pillar Heat and Frost Thermal Cover does offer frost protection as well, but it also blocks about 50% of sunlight, which may be too much for sun-loving plants like Alternanthera, particularly if they’re in partial shade or if winter is especially gloomy in your area.

As for supporting the frost cloth, you're right that it's ideal to keep the fabric from resting directly on the foliage. You can create your own simple supports using materials like 13mm poly pipe or garden stakes with cable ties to form an arch. It’s a cheap and easy DIY workaround that works well and can be cut to size to suit your plants. Alternatively, you could use these Jack 60cm U Hoops Plant Trainers as your support structure.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell