Winter Plant Protection Essentials: A Dive into the Best Covers and Materials for Growers

As the crisp air settles in and the days grow shorter, winter inevitably approaches, bringing with it a unique set of challenges for anyone in the horticulture industry. For wholesale growers, retail nurseries, and even landscapers, the winter months can be both a challenge and an opportunity. While the season may strip our gardens of their vibrant colours and lively blooms, it doesn’t have to mean the end for our plants. With the right winter protection, we can ensure that our crops survive the cold and emerge ready to flourish when spring arrives.

But with so many winter protection options on the market—like frost cloth, burlap, row covers, and plant jackets—how do you know what’s best for your specific needs? Whether you’re looking to protect delicate young trees, a row of perennial flowers, or an entire greenhouse, choosing the right covers is crucial. The stakes are high; a poor choice could lead to frost damage, loss of inventory, and ultimately, financial setbacks. 

We’ll explore the essential factors to consider when selecting winter plant covers, dive into the various protection products available, and arm you with the knowledge you need to keep your plants thriving through even the harshest winters. 

1. Frost Cloth/Fleece

Frost cloth (also called frost blankets or garden fleece) is one of the most versatile and widely used winter protection products. It's a lightweight, breathable fabric made from materials like polyester or polypropylene, designed to shield plants from light frost, chilly winds, and sudden temperature drops.

- Best For: Mild winter climates, areas with intermittent frost, and protecting tender plants (e.g., young seedlings, ornamentals).

- How It Works: Frost cloth acts as an insulator by trapping a thin layer of warmer air around the plant while still allowing water, sunlight, and air to pass through. This helps to maintain the plant’s microclimate and prevent freezing.

- Key Benefits: It’s easy to apply, reusable (if handled carefully), and lightweight, which makes it easy to drape directly over plants, beds, or entire rows. It’s also permeable, so there’s no need to remove it during daylight hours.

- Drawbacks: It’s not suitable for regions with heavy snow or sustained sub-zero temperatures. Frost cloth offers limited protection against extreme cold or icy conditions.

Many wholesale and retail growers appreciate the flexibility of frost cloth, especially since it can be cut to fit any shape or size of the plant, making it an efficient, customizable solution.

2. Hessian/Burlap

Hessian has been a traditional choice for protecting plants, and it’s still widely used today thanks to its natural breathability and durability. Made from jute fibres, burlap is a biodegradable and eco-friendly option, ideal for growers who want a sustainable solution.

- Best For: Shrubs, young trees, perennials, and plants sensitive to harsh winds or snow. Burlap is particularly effective for wrapping hedges or shrubs.

- How It Works: Burlap works by shielding plants from cold winds and frost without trapping moisture, which can lead to rot or fungal diseases. For extra protection, some growers use stakes to create a burlap "tent" around delicate plants, leaving room for air circulation.

- Key Benefits: Burlap is breathable, so it won’t suffocate plants or create too much humidity. It’s also durable, and if cared for properly, it can be reused for multiple winters. Burlap also blends into the landscape well, giving it an aesthetic advantage for landscapers and retail nurseries.

- Drawbacks: Burlap provides less insulation compared to some synthetic materials, so it may not offer enough protection for very delicate plants or in severe cold. It also needs to be secured properly to prevent it from blowing away in strong winds.

For wholesale growers, burlap can be used to wrap larger trees or shrubs, and even as windbreaks for entire fields. It’s also great for protecting root zones in potted plants.

 3. Plastic Sheeting

Plastic sheeting is a heavy-duty option that offers solid protection from snow, frost, and ice. It's a popular choice for larger growing operations, especially when covering entire rows of crops or protecting plants that can’t tolerate cold weather. Plastic sheeting is typically made from polyethylene and comes in different thicknesses and grades, including UV-stabilized options.

- Best For: Wholesale growers needing row protection, greenhouses, or plants in areas prone to heavy snowfall.

- How It Works: Plastic sheeting forms an impermeable barrier that traps heat around the plants, creating a mini greenhouse effect. It’s especially useful in protecting plants from moisture damage caused by snow and freezing rain.

- Key Benefits: Plastic provides superior protection from the elements compared to fabrics like frost cloth. It’s particularly helpful in wet climates where rain and snow can cause significant damage. It also tends to be more durable and can be reused for several seasons with proper care.

- Drawbacks: Since plastic sheeting isn’t breathable, ventilation is crucial. Without airflow, trapped moisture can lead to mold or mildew growth, which could harm your plants. You'll need to monitor your covered plants closely to prevent overheating on sunny winter days.

Wholesale nurseries often use plastic sheeting for creating poly-tunnels over long rows of crops. For smaller-scale growers or retail nurseries, plastic can be used to cover individual plants or potted arrangements, but care must be taken to avoid excess moisture buildup.

4. Polypropylene Fabric

Polypropylene fabric is a step up from standard frost cloth in terms of durability and insulation. It’s often used for row covers and tunnels, offering more robust protection against winter weather while still allowing some airflow and sunlight through.

- Best For: Wholesale growers or anyone managing large numbers of crops that need long-term protection. It’s also ideal for windy areas where lightweight materials like frost cloth may not stay in place.

- How It Works: This fabric is UV-resistant and durable, making it ideal for use in open fields or large nursery settings. It helps shield plants from frost, wind, and extreme cold while maintaining airflow.

- Key Benefits: Polypropylene fabric is tough enough to withstand extreme conditions, including heavy snow and ice, while still being breathable. It can be reused across multiple seasons, which makes it cost-effective for large operations.

- Drawbacks: Polypropylene is a heavier material, so it may require more labor to install compared to lightweight covers. It’s also less flexible for individual plant protection, making it more suitable for bulk crops or large areas.

Retail nurseries might use polypropylene fabric to protect rows of stock plants or valuable crops, while landscapers could employ it to safeguard large garden beds through the winter.

5. Tree Wraps

Young trees and saplings are especially vulnerable to winter weather, particularly sunscald and frost cracks. Tree wraps are designed to offer specific protection for the trunks of young or delicate trees during winter. They’re usually made of corrugated paper, vinyl, or fabric, and they help regulate temperature and prevent damage caused by rapid temperature fluctuations.

- Best For: Young trees, saplings, and vulnerable species with thin bark.

- How It Works: Tree wraps act as a barrier against sunscald by reflecting sunlight and preventing the tree’s bark from heating up too much during sunny winter days. When temperatures drop quickly in the evening, the wrap helps reduce the risk of frost cracks by keeping the temperature around the trunk more consistent.

- Key Benefits: Tree wraps are easy to apply and highly effective at preventing bark damage. They’re also lightweight and available in biodegradable materials, which is a plus for eco-conscious growers.

- Drawbacks: While they protect the trunk, tree wraps don’t offer much insulation to the rest of the plant, so they need to be paired with other forms of protection for the branches and foliage.

For wholesale tree growers, investing in tree wraps for young saplings can prevent long-term damage and loss, ensuring that stock matures into healthy trees ready for resale.

6. Pop-Up Plant Covers & Plant Jackets

Pop-up plant covers and plant jackets are the ultimate in quick and convenient protection. These ready-made covers are designed to easily slip over plants, providing instant frost protection. Many pop-up covers are collapsible for easy storage and reuse, making them a favorite among retail growers and landscapers alike.

- Best For: Small plants, container gardens, or retail nurseries needing instant protection for high-value plants.

- How It Works: These covers are typically made from lightweight, breathable fabric and include features like zip closures or drawstrings for a snug fit. They create a protective barrier that shields plants from frost while still allowing for airflow and light penetration.

- Key Benefits: They’re incredibly easy to use, requiring no complicated setup or securing. Just pop them over the plant, and you’re good to go! They’re also reusable and can be quickly removed during warmer spells.

- Drawbacks: While convenient, pop-up plant covers and jackets are typically suited for smaller plants or potted arrangements, so they may not be practical for large-scale wholesale operations or bulk crops.

These covers are great for retail nurseries, where staff can easily protect plants in customer-facing areas without extensive labour. Landscapers also use them for delicate garden plants that need occasional protection during frost events.

7. Mulch and Ground Covers

It’s easy to focus on protecting foliage, but don’t forget about the roots! Mulch and other ground covers provide critical insulation for plant roots, which are often the most vulnerable part of a plant during freezing temperatures.

- Best For: Perennials, shrubs, trees, and plants that are ground-rooted.

- How It Works: A thick layer of mulch (3 to 4 inches) acts as an insulating blanket, trapping heat in the soil and preventing roots from freezing. It also helps retain moisture, reducing the need for watering during dry winter periods.

- Key Benefits: Mulch is a natural and low-cost way to protect roots. It’s also easy to apply and enhances soil structure as it breaks down. Organic mulches like straw, bark, or leaf mulch are particularly popular among landscapers and eco-conscious growers.

- Drawbacks: Mulch alone won’t protect the entire plant, so it often needs to be paired with other methods like frost cloth or row covers for full protection.

Wholesale nurseries and landscapers often apply mulch in late fall to prepare for winter, ensuring that roots stay warm and well-hydrated throughout the cold months.

Wrapping Up: Choosing What’s Best for Your Plants

Selecting the right winter protection is about balancing the needs of your plants, your local climate, and your operation’s scale. Wholesale growers might prioritize efficiency and cost-effectiveness, while retail nurseries may look for easy-to-use, customer-friendly solutions. Landscapers and greenhouse managers will want to consider aesthetics, durability, and how well a product can blend into the environment while offering maximum protection.

At JFH, we understand the diverse needs of growers, and we’re here to help you choose the best winter protection for your specific situation. Explore our wide range of products designed to help your plants thrive through winter and beyond!