This doesn't look water permeable, but it could be used to protect from frost. I would cover loosely. FRC's are great because they let light and water through with an added degree of minor frost protection.

I'd consider this a short-term, but workable, solution to impede frost in a pinch.

Prof

Thanks Prof,

I was thinking I would only use it in an overnight situation if need be. Think I will go ahead and replace my FRC.

-StlGirl

I use old bed sheets, blankets, bedspreads, mattress covers... I don't think you have to spend money on anything. Surely you must have old stuff around your house you could use. (also towels, curtains, tablecloths, shower curtains ... the possibilities are endless).

I could cover half of the city with the all the old crappy junk in my house.

Karen

Hi Karen,

Thanks for the input. We are always doing work around our home and use any old cloth to protect surfaces we don't want covered in paint, liquid nail, anything that could and does manage to get everywhere but where you want it. I guess I could always use the dog towels. No we don't buy her special ones, she gets the hand-me-downs - LOL.

-StlGirl

I'm with Karen.
I use whatever's on hand. Old sheets, tarps, and plastic from big purchase items that happen to be left over (I save them for this time of year).
Laundry baskets and Sterlite/Rubbermaid containers turned upside down work good too. I just have to put a big rock on top to make sure the wind doesn't blow it away.

Linda

Hi Linda,

I agree that it is great to use whatever is on hand. Though having to many things around my house can drive me crazy. I am forever donating stuff. I much rather put unused items to good use rather than have them around my home collecting dust. I so hate dusting - yuck! I have never thought about using a tarp, believe the husband has one around here somewhere.

-StlGirl

I save old sheets and blankets and the like specifically for this purpose. Sometimes for a late frost I do seem to cover most of my planting beds as well as wintersown containers.

Karen

I use old towels and put the jugs in a un heated hay trailer, like Tomatos, Peppers etc those are not tolerant of freezes.

ML

I use upside down nursery pots. On some you have to use two pots nested together and turned so the drain holes DON'T line up. Sometimes I put a handful of leaves in the bottom of the pot then slip the 2nd pot inside, then flip them over the plants. However, anytime you use plastic, it should not touch the plant. You could use a towel then plastic on top of that, but plastic touching the leaves will not work. Remember plastic nursery pots, they are the ones you once bought things in before you learned to wintersow. LOL

Ah good to know soonergrandmom about the plastic & leaves - thanks!

Thank you all for your thoughts and input - you have all been so helpful!

I've bought many plants in plastic nursery pots. Had I discover WS years ago I could of saved a lot of money. My small urban yard already had a lot going on before I discovered how much fun WS is. I've always used FRC anytime frost threatened my lettuce or spinach.

Now anytime cold weather threatens my baby sproutlings I just bring them inside. I have so few to move so it isn't a big deal. My lettuce is ready to plant out and I want to make sure it is protected just in case mr. frosty shows up.

-StlGirl

You know, those big plastic "bags" that mattresses come in can cover a smaller hoophouse or row cover. Just call your local mattress shop and ask if they have any, or could save a couple that you could come and pick up. You'll never need to buy drop cloths or mini hoophouse covers again! Also works great because it's heavier than saran wrap for those yogurt containers that you cut out the center of the lids to winter-sow in, and of course they're clear, so plenty of light penetrates. Another way to keep them toasty after you've planted out is to put the shoplight in under the cover and leave it on all night--the heat from the lightbulb will help keep the air inside warmer (keep away from touching anything--that's why you use a shop light). I also read that you can put a bucket with steamy water in under the cover, but if you're like me, there's VERY little room for another bucket under there, and besides, it's gonna cool off faster anyway. Not to mention it might cause damping off to add extra air moisture.
Good luck with those seedlings, and check how hard a frost it is supposed to be--believe it or not, planted-out lettuce is sturdier than you think! They can usually withstand light frosts but not freezes.