What’s a frost blanket? How do you use it? And what needs protecting?
Frost blankets are used to cover cold-sensitive plants to help keep them alive and protect them from damage. If we’re getting a frost, say tomorrow morning, you would water the base of your plants today before the sun sets, then place the frost blanket before nightfall. Watering beforehand helps insulate the plants further.
Make sure the blanket is breathable; do not use plastic tarps, this can suffocate the plants. Gently place the blanket over the plant and secure it with anchors or heavy rocks. If the blanket doesn’t fit, the lollipop method on small trees usually works well in our 9b zone.
You can also try wrapping the plant in old Christmas lights to keep them warm; the new LEDs won’t work since they don’t emit heat. Do not combine the frost blanket and lights, as you can imagine what’ll happen – Fire Hazard!
Commons plants that need protection from frost include Tropical Fruit Trees such as Mangos, Avocados, and Lemons. Also, Hibiscus, Jatropha, Fire Bush, Palm Trees, Pentas, Milkweed, and Blue My Minds®.