How to protect grapes and trees from spring frosts: expert advice

Although the weather is noticeably warm in April, it is not stable. On any given day, it can get significantly colder, and at night, there can be frosts. It is important for summer house residents to protect their gardens and vineyards at this time.

Expert Taras Yurchenko, who runs the YouTube channel Secrets of Viticulture and Gardening, explained how to do this. First of all, he advises not to hope that the problem of frost will somehow bypass you, that the cold will not return and that your garden will not suffer from frost. You need to be prepared in any case.

The vineyard

Grapes are a heat-loving crop that can be severely affected by frost. That is why the vineyard is covered for the winter. The cover is removed when the sod begins to grow in the spring. If you are late with this, it may be impossible to pull the vine.

In the spring, it is important to keep boxes ready to cover the grapes. You need to dig shallow trenches in the ground in which to put untied plants before the frost along the rows where the vine grows. After that, the trench should be covered with any covering material, or in extreme cases, sprinkled with a thin layer of soil. The soil should not be tamped down as it should only serve as a light cover. Even if you simply cover the vine laid on the ground without a dug box, this will be a good protection.

It is important to keep in mind that the more developed the buds on the vine, the more vulnerable the grapes are to frost. If a leaf from a bud has developed up to 1-2 centimeters, it means that it will freeze even at 0 degrees. Therefore, grapes need careful protection from the cold.

If your vineyard is arranged in such a way that it is impossible to cover it, stock up on high-density (40 or even 50) agrofibre. Cover the trellis with it. It is advisable to put a film on top of them as well.

Peaches, apricots and other fruit trees

Apple, pear, or plum trees can be relatively resistant to frost. But even they should be protected from the nighttime cold. Sensitive fruit trees, such as peaches or apricots, should be wrapped in agrofibre. But do it carefully so as not to damage the buds and flowers. You can also set up temporary agrofiber greenhouses around the trees.

Sprinkling, that is, watering the garden all night long, will also work well. Tap water will be warmer than frosty air as it is rarely colder than 10 degrees. In addition, it will produce steam that is warm compared to air, and it can also freeze, thus protecting the flower. If the plant thaws by lunchtime, it will not be harmed.

Blueberries

Those who grow blueberries on their plots don't have to worry too much as it's a fairly cold-resistant plant. But even it should be covered with a mini greenhouse. Install arc supports near the plants and throw a covering material over them. This will be enough. For more thermophilic crops, such as peppers or cabbage, which have already produced low shoots, you should also put a film on this covering material before a frosty night.

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