URBAN PLANTER BOXES

When the weather forecast surprises you with an unexpected frost warning, don't panic for your urban planter boxes. Quick action can save your plants. First, move lightweight containers to a sheltered spot like a garage or against a building wall. For stationary boxes, cover your plants before dusk. Use frost cloth, burlap, bedsheets, or even cardboard boxes—avoid plastic as it can trap damaging moisture against the foliage. Secure the cover to the ground to trap heat radiating from the soil. A simple trick is to water the soil lightly in the late afternoon; moist soil retains heat better than dry soil and releases it slowly overnight. For tender seedlings, consider creating a mini-greenhouse with an upturned pot or jar. Remember to remove the covers once the morning sun has warmed the air above freezing to prevent overheating. By creating this temporary microclimate, you can effectively shield your container garden from frost's bite.