Guide to Using Frost Cloth in Jacksonville

Hey plant enthusiasts, Greg Burghardt here from Rockaway Landscaping, bringing you some frosty tips for using frost cloth in Jacksonville and surrounding areas. We’ve got rain, we’ve got sunshine, and yes, we’ve got those pesky frosts and freezes. But don’t let that chill your gardening zen! Today, with my trusty crew, Nate and Mike, we’re tackling Frost Cloth 101 and showing you how to keep your beloved veggies safe and sound.

First things first: Know your veggies. We’re talking prime-time cabbage for that epic sauerkraut, collard greens bursting with flavor, kohlrabi ready for crunchy stir-fries, and bok choy just begging to be steamed. And let’s not forget kale – my mom’s new secret weapon in her kale smoothie diet (she’s down 13 pounds, folks!). I’m also throwing in some purple leaf lettuce – not just for the color, but because they say it’s packed with extra nutrients. Bonus points for health, right?

Now, the frost fight: Have you got a four-hour freeze on the horizon and three hours under 32 degrees for more than three days? That’s dangerous territory. But instead of rolling the dice, pull out the big guns – frost cloth!

Why frost cloth? It’s the lightweight champion of the plant protection world. Unlike plastic, it won’t burn your precious veggies in the morning sun. And unlike blankets, it won’t crush them under its weight. It traps the heat from the soil that protects your plants, creating a cozy barrier against the cold.

Here’s the game plan: We’ve strategically built these raised beds with 4x4s on the corners to drape the frost cloth easily. This frost cloth is six by twenty-five feet, but it comes in various sizes. We are additionally using a staple gun with some easy-on, easy-off staples, which makes getting it secure a breeze. Remember, we’re aiming for maximum snugness without smothering the plants.

Top tip: If the ground isn’t wet from the rain, soak it before covering. That extra moisture holds onto heat like a champ.

Bonus lesson: Did you know a slight frost can benefit some plants? Pears, strawberries, and other plants need “chilling hours” to blossom and fruit properly. So, while that freeze might seem like a bummer, it’s secretly preparing your garden for a bountiful future.

The takeaway: Frost cloth is your garden’s best friend during a cold snap. It’s easy using frost cloth in Jacksonville and surrounding areas, which protects your precious veggies, and might even give your local plants a secret boost come spring. So grab some cloth, grab a staple gun, and get ready to conquer those freezes like a true Rockaway pro!

Remember, this isn’t just about saving your harvest – it’s about nurturing the local landscape and enjoying your labor’s fruits (and veggies!) all year round. Happy gardening, everyone!

Rockaway Inc, with our Atlantic Beach headquarters and convenient satellite locations in Jacksonville and St. Johns County, provides sustainable landscape solutions for commercial, HOA, and residential clients throughout Northeast Florida. We specialize in design, maintenance, lawn care, irrigation, and outdoor living carpentry, serving communities like Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra, Nocatee, St. Johns, and Fernandina Beach.