Will Water Protect Plants from Frost?

As temperatures begin to drop during the colder months, gardeners know that it's time to protect their plants from frost. Frost can be particularly harmful to plants as it can make the plant tissue freeze and ultimately kill the plant. Many gardeners will use a variety of methods to protect their plants from frost including using protective fabric covering, mulching, and even watering their plants before a frost. But, the question remains, will water protect plants from frost?

The Science Behind Frost

Before we can answer whether water will protect plants from frost, it's important to understand the science behind how frost forms. Frost forms when the temperature of the air drops below freezing and causes the water vapor in the air to condense into ice crystals. As a result, any surfaces that are below freezing will begin to collect ice crystals. In the case of plants, frost will form on the leaves and other plant tissues, freezing the water inside the plant and ultimately causing damage to the plant tissue.

The Theory Behind Watering Plants Before Frost

Many gardeners will water their plants before a frost comes in an attempt to protect them. The theory behind this method is based on the fact that water has a high specific heat, which means it takes a lot of energy to raise the temperature of water. Gardeners believe that by watering the plants, the water will absorb the cold temperature and prevent the temperature of the plant tissue from dropping below freezing.

The Reality of Watering Plants Before Frost

While the theory behind watering plants before a frost makes sense, the reality is that it is not an effective method of protecting plants from frost. The reason for this is because the water from watering the plant will freeze along with the plant tissue, causing even more damage to the plant. Additionally, if the temperatures drop low enough, the water on the leaves can actually cause additional damage to the plant tissue, as the frozen water can cause the leaves to become brittle and break.

Other Methods for Protecting Plants from Frost

So, if watering plants before a frost isn't an effective method of protecting plants, what are some other methods that gardeners can use? One of the most common methods is using a protective fabric covering on the plants to prevent frost from forming on the leaves. Another effective method is mulching around the base of the plant to insulate the roots and prevent them from freezing. Additionally, planting cold-tolerant plants and choosing the right location for a plant can also help prevent frost damage.

Conclusion

While the theory behind watering plants before a frost may seem like a logical method to protect plants, the reality is that it is not effective. The water from watering the plant will freeze along with the frozen plant tissue, causing even more damage to the plant. Instead, gardeners should consider using other methods such as a protective fabric covering or mulching to keep plants safe from frost damage.