URBAN PLANTER BOXES

An unexpected frost can spell disaster for your cherished urban garden. Plants in raised planter boxes are particularly vulnerable as cold air settles around them. Don't panic—quick action can save your greenery. First, cover your plants before nightfall when frost is forecast. Use breathable fabrics like frost cloths, old bedsheets, or burlap sacks. Avoid plastic directly on foliage, as it can transfer cold. Drape the material over plants, ensuring it reaches the soil to trap ground heat. Secure it with stakes or rocks. For smaller boxes, moving them to a sheltered spot like against a wall or under an eave adds protection. Surprisingly, watering the soil lightly in the late afternoon can help. Moist soil retains heat better than dry soil and releases warmth overnight. Finally, in the morning, remove the covers once temperatures rise above freezing to let plants breathe and receive sunlight. For future resilience, choose frost-tolerant varieties and group planters together to create a warmer microclimate. With these simple steps, your container garden can survive a chilly surprise.