The Union of Dacha Farmers told how to protect crops from frosts
In September and October, dacha growers begin to worry about the first frosts, which can cause significant damage to the crop. On September 24, State Duma deputy and chairman of the Union of Dacha Farmers of the Moscow Region Nikita Chaplin told Izvestia several ways to protect dacha crops from cold weather and preserve the harvest before the onset of winter.
"One of the simplest and most effective ways to protect plants from frost is to cover them. Use the following materials: agrofiber or agrotextiles. These nonwovens allow water and air to pass through well, while protecting plants from low temperatures. Regular polyethylene film can also be used for covering. It is important to remember that it must be removed in the morning so that the plants do not bloom in the sun. Old bedspreads, thick tablecloths or even specialized garden blankets are great for protecting plants from short-term frosts," he said.
It is also possible to use greenhouses or greenhouses, said the interlocutor of the publication.
"By providing the right thermal regime, you will prolong the vegetation period of plants. Be sure that the structures are airtight and do not let cold air in. Mulching helps protect the root system of plants from sudden temperature changes. Organic materials such as straw, leaves, peat or sawdust can be used as mulch. Mulch retains heat in the soil and creates an extra layer of protection," Chaplin said.
Paradoxically, watering plants before frosts can help them, the deputy noted. Wet soil retains heat better than dry soil. Water plants early in the morning or in the middle of the day to give the water a chance to soak in before the nighttime chill sets in, he recommended.
"If the forecast promises a hard freeze, it makes sense to harvest ripe crops early. Even if the vegetables or fruit are not ripe, they can be allowed to ripen at home. Autumn fertilization with potassium and phosphorus fertilizers will help strengthen the cell walls of plants and increase their resistance to low temperatures. However, it is worth avoiding nitrogen fertilizers during this period, as they stimulate the growth of young shoots, which are very vulnerable to frost", - concluded the expert.
September 22, expert "VseInstrumenty.ru" Alexandra Chikhrinova told "Izvestia" that fallen leaves are better to collect in the fall, using garden rakes or blowers. The leaves should be dry enough, but not over-dried, so that decomposition takes place faster. To speed up the process, she recommended shredding the leaves using a lawn mower or garden shredder. If they are too dry, they should be moistened before putting them in the compost heap, the expert said.
