Is the winter coming, and do you want to find a way to protect your plants outside? Frost cloth is the perfect way to do it. Plants can get seriously damaged by frost and sometimes don’t even survive the winter.
You can buy frost cloth in different thicknesses, and the most popular ones are 2 oz, 1.58 oz, 0.9 oz, 0.75 oz, and 0.55 oz. The thinner cloths are better for plants that need a lot of sunlight, moisture, and oxygen. The thicker ones should be used for heavy weather conditions.
The rest of the article will discuss the different types of frost cloths you can buy from different brands. We will also look at the advantages of these frost cloths and how to choose one that fits your needs.
Choose the Correct Frost Cloth for Your Needs
Frost cloth has to be thin enough to allow air circulation, which is crucial to plants’ survival. However, it also has to be thick enough to keep out the cold and retain the heat.
Frost cloths are usually made from synthetic materials, such as polyester. Artificial materials are more robust and more durable, don’t absorb a lot of water and also dry quickly. As a result, this makes them ideal for cold weather.
Not everyone lives in the same area and experiences the same climate, so not everyone needs the same type of frost cloth.
Here are the most common frost cloth sizes that are available and which type you probably need:
2 Oz (56.70 G) per Square Yard (0.84 Square Meters)
This is the heaviest frost cloth on this list. It’s not very suitable for plants that need a lot of sunlight. This frost cloth is your best bet if you experience brutal winter and early spring weather conditions.
You should read this article if you want to learn more about landscaping in the cold winter months and how you can protect your plants and garden.
However, it also lets in the least amount of sunlight for your plants, so it’s not ideal for plants that need a lot of sunlight to survive and grow. Most brands allow about 30%-50% of sunlight to break through the fabric, which isn’t a lot and not nearly enough for plants like eggplants (aubergines), cucumbers, and zucchini (courgette).
1.58 Oz (44.80 G) per Square Yard (0.84 Square Meters)
The 1,58oz cloth isn’t the heaviest product, but it’s still very resistant to harmful weather conditions, like heavy rain and snow, while allowing some sunlight to break through. Air can circulate but is somewhat constricted, which is perfect for windy weather.
This is the perfect frost cloth if you want to protect vegetables like carrots, leeks, and radishes, as they don’t need a lot of sunlight. However, it isn’t ideal for vegetables that require a lot of sunlight to survive and thrive, like tomatoes, corn, and peppers.
If you want to know which other plants thrive with little sunlight, you should check out this list.
0.9 Oz (25.51 G) per Square Yard (0.84 Square Meters)
A 0,9oz frost cloth is the most popular and frequently purchased one on the list. It’s the perfect balance between protection from the weather, while still allowing sunlight through to keep your plants healthy. It allows air circulation, which is another big plus for your plants in keeping them alive and allowing them grow healthy and strong.
You can even use this frost cloth to protect the plants I’ve mentioned that need a lot of sunlight to stay alive.
0.75 Oz (21.26 Gr) per Square Yard (0.84 Square Meters)
A 0,75oz frost cloth is lighter but still quite effective against certain weather conditions. It might not be up to very heavy rain, but it’s still very effective against frost. The material is durable and strong while allowing a lot of air to circulate through your plants and allowing them to breathe normally.
This is the cloth you need if you have plants that require a lot of air, sunlight, and moisture. However, it’s not a cloth you should consider if you experience a lot of heavy rain in your area, as it won’t be able to keep everything out and might even collapse due to the pressure of the rainfall.
0.55 oz (15.59) per Square Yard (0.84 Square Meters)
This is the lightest frost cloth on the list. You can find even lighter ones available, but those are not as popular as the 0,55oz one. This frost cloth provides frost protection but is not the best option if you experience a freezing climate with a lot of frost. It is the best option for plants that need a lot of sunlight and oxygen to thrive.
If you want to know what you can use instead of frost cloth to protect your plants, read my detailed guide here.
Final Thoughts
Many types of frost cloths are available in various sizes and from many high-quality brands. You should choose the proper frost cloth based on the weather condition you expect in the upcoming months while keeping in mind the different needs of your plants.
If you have plants that need a lot of sunlight to survive and grow strong, the thicker frost cloth is not the one for you. On the other hand, if you expect very heavy weather, you should buy thicker frost cloth for protection. You probably know what’s best for your plants.