Frost protection..What's best method?

[plhkarma]

1st time grow and we're doing it in the ground. The girls are looking ok but we don't think they will be done before the 1st few frosts and perhaps the 1st hard frost. My husband and I are learning everyhting here at IC, so after doing some searches and being disatisfied with results...we figured we'd come to the experts. We live in the upper midwest where frosts can come in September . Would large lawn and leaf bags work? Please...any advice will be so appreciated


Peace, Love and Harmony

 

[McDank8O5]

you could just make a quick greenhouse to keep the temperature up for your girls an extra 5-10 degrees

 

[straintester]

1st time grow and we're doing it in the ground. The girls are looking ok but we don't think they will be done before the 1st few frosts and perhaps the 1st hard frost. My husband and I are learning everyhting here at IC, so after doing some searches and being disatisfied with results...we figured we'd come to the experts. We live in the upper midwest where frosts can come in September . Would large lawn and leaf bags work? Please...any advice will be so appreciated


Peace, Love and Harmony

I'm no expert but live in an area where mine need protecting before they are finished also
If they are the clear thick plastic kind yes.
You can build a frame out of wood and add plastic .
Homedepot usually carry 4 to 6 mil plastic.
Just remember that it can also create condensation which can bring about budrot. Make sure air can circulate well.
Do a google search on inexpensive greenhouses

 

[D.S. Toker. MD]

Hey plhkarma

I dont know how cold its going to get for you, but most varieties of cannabis can handle a significant frost without any real problems. Ive had plants survive 3 consecutive nights of 30 degrees. The larger the plant, the more resistant it is.

My average first frost is 10/20, but ive gone into the first week of Nov and done nothing at all, with every night of the last week or more producing frost. In the spring, if its 1' tall or taller, it can handle pretty heavy frost without any problem.

Im just sayin...

 

[straintester]

I agree that most big plants can handle the frost and temps a bit below freezing. I've had many of mine get multiple frosts. One being froze solid to the point of almost transparent and then thawed out perfectly fine, on just observation alone. I've even got some frozen plant pics somewhere....lol
They just didn't seem as potent so I do think it degardes to THC value to some degree BUT in saying that, I also think you can end up with more problems with a plastic covered frame.
Its seems its a half a dozen of one 6 of the other type of thing.
Frozen cannabis plants look freaky and almost makes your heart stop the first time you see it.

 

[D.S. Toker. MD]

lol!

They dont like it much straintester.

Ive had people tell me they thought even heavy frost reduces potency. im undecided on that point but i do think it makes the smoke heavier. If sensi star gets frosted on, you'll be nodding out and burning holes in your new pajamas.

My wifes favorite saying, " youre going to burn the damn house down with that shit"

 

[straintester]

lol!

They dont like it much straintester.

Ive had people tell me they thought even heavy frost reduces potency. im undecided on that point but i do think it makes the smoke heavier. If sensi star gets frosted on, you'll be nodding out and burning holes in your new pajamas.

My wifes favorite saying, " youre going to burn the damn house down with that shit"

They definitely DON'T like it but its certainly not as fatal as some people make it out to be.

I personally love the colours that come out of the frozen buds.
Some lovely shades of purples, reds and sometimes oranges.

Burning holes in pajamas

 

[el dub]

Peaceful Valley Garden Supply carries frost blankets. They have smaller ones, but I'm intrigued by their 26'x26' blanket that runs about $50.

lw

 

[straintester]

Nice site but I only see a 83' x 250' for $50

http://www.groworganic.com/item_SER1005_Agribon_AG19_83_X_250.html

I don't see anything smaller

 

[Grat3fulh3ad]

I've even got some frozen plant pics somewhere....lol
They just didn't seem as potent so I do think it degrades to THC value to some degree

Yup... the frost does the same thing to trichomes that the ice in your bubble bags does... makes them stiff and brittle and easy to be knocked off.

 

[plhkarma]

Thank you all so much for your suggestions!!! Our plants range from 3' to over 6' at this time. They aren't in an area that we could use any kind of greenhouse cover. We need to not draw attention to them so we are looking for something that's a bit stealth. They are planted near a creek. I heard that being planted near water will create fog to keep them from freezing/frosting? Any truth to this?

Thank you all....you all rock


Peace, Love and Harmony

 

[el dub]

Nice site but I only see a 83' x 250' for $50

http://www.groworganic.com/item_SER1005_Agribon_AG19_83_X_250.html

I don't see anything smaller

Its in their fall 2010 catalog that just came in the mail. I'd give them a call.

lw

 

[straintester]

Thank you all so much for your suggestions!!! Our plants range from 3' to over 6' at this time. They aren't in an area that we could use any kind of greenhouse cover. We need to not draw attention to them so we are looking for something that's a bit stealth. They are planted near a creek. I heard that being planted near water will create fog to keep them from freezing/frosting? Any truth to this?

Thank you all....you all rock


Peace, Love and Harmony

There is some truth to it as water stays water than air but if it is a small creek it won't retain that much warmth and the fog still is moisture.
Personally if I were you if you don't want to draw too much attention to them I'd leave them as is.
Most people don't even notice the plants unless they know what they are looking for. Building up a shelter where you are suggesting might bring about hunters since animals stop for water.

Just my 2 cents
Good luck to you

 

[straintester]

Its in their fall 2010 catalog that just came in the mail. I'd give them a call.

lw

 

[Sandnut]

you can use hay or some kind of material consisting of small rocks to have on the ground below the plant, this will stop the moisture vaporating from the ground reaching the plant which can cause bud rot, hope U get the point, this has been working very good and has saved all my late crops

 

[sudsandbuds]

try using freezepruf made my liquid fence, its supposed to lower the freeze of the plant by 10 degrees.i havent used it yet but i did hear some positive feedback

 

[sudsandbuds]

http://www.liquidfence.com/FreezePruf.html

 

[hamstring]

http://www.liquidfence.com/FreezePruf.html

Awesome link. Might be worth trying.

Here’s my 2 cents on frost.

I also live in the upper Midwest with first frost average Oct 15th but have seen it as early as Sept 19th. To be honest haven’t seen those early Sept frosts in many years.

I used to try and lengthen my grow times by using large green/brown tarps and it did work. But your hands turn into canned hams removing those tarps and on top of that huge security breech.

I now try and go for earlier strains (check out UDG they have early strains for your environment) and parroting what StrainTester and DS said I let them get hit by frost.

I have always grown in low lying areas and they tend to see frost first and yes they survive especially the taller plants but you will absolutely see some burning on the buds. That could lead to bud rot but rarely because it’s on the outside of the bud and not internal where the rot starts.

I would only cover if I had no other plants and no other choice. Also keep in mind the traps only provide minimal protection. When I used them anywhere the bud was touching the tarp they still felt the frost. You need some air space between the tarp and the bud which obliviously growing guerilla style can be hard to make happen.

Good Luck

 

[straintester]

http://www.liquidfence.com/FreezePruf.html

This looks to be very promising and the fact that it is biodegradable is great.
It says if used as directed that it is not harmful to humans, pets or the environment. I like the sound of this already.
I think I might give it a try.
Sharing info like this makes these sites so worthwhile.
Good find
Strain selection is defintely crucial to having plants that finish on time for your particular area.
I tend to experiment more in these regards but always learn something new doing it but next year I am going to be much more selective in my choices, since some of them I am now regretting

 

[Yankee Grower]

High brix plants handle frost/cold better. Genetics also play a part. Once the first frost hits they tend to adjust and hold up better. I've woken up to plants dripping icicles and once the sun hits em they perk right up. Below...I think...about 28F you're pretty much screwed unless they are covered. If small enough you can probably cover them to get them through the night. A friend taught me clear sky full moon nights are ones to watch for killer frosts and seems to have held true. Clear nights in general are bad in this case cause no cloud cover to retain any heat.