Hi

I use PVC pipe with frostcloth held in place with cable ties . . Forms a teepee aound palms to protect my Vanda orchid bed . .The advantage is that with enough joints you can keep the pieces under 3 feet. The frost cloth hhas a super advantage is that in can be left in place until the front passes . It doesn't overheat in the sun that always follows a cold front. as do other materials . I finally wised up and rolled the frostcloth onto a carpet roller instead of folding .Eliminates the creases which weaken the cloth. You can get this materal in several degrees as well as ones that produce heat. I opted for the light weight and use an Infra red heater with thermostat.

My 10 by 12 teepee cost under 25 bucks minus the lamp of course lol. and stores under the bed . Another advantage if I lose a part you can just get replacements at any HD gary

I'm using 2x4s only because we have lots of it given to us free. Otherwise I too would prefer the PVC. Ditto the tarps. i want buy some frostcloth for my flowerbed So like u i can leave in place if need be for a day or so. Is there a particular one you recommend? For tonight i made a tent with plastic staked up above the plants and pegged down on the ground. I worry that the ground may not be warm enough to remain above freezing tonite because the day temps only reached 48.

Hi

Hopefully someone will jump in with recommendations with a particular "frost cloth" I bought this piece over 25 years ago and besides there are many more types to choose from. now. Have never tried the "heat producing one but seems like an answer to a prayer?? lol

Plastic will work IF you're around the next day to monitor the temps.. better are old bed sheets cheap and easy to store they will not overheat .and contact with the leaves isn't a problem. as plastic.

Funny /sad story with plastic . I used it to cover my shadehouse during a cold front . 1st. morning 32 outside 55 inside . Went to work came home in the evening 62 outside 155 inside lol. needless to say I lost almost everything so then began an adventure with FC and sheets .

Google Frostcloth i'm sure there is a lot of info?? I no longer maintain the shadehouse and about the only thing I protect is the orchid beds and then only when it drops below 40. have a group of Phals attached to trees and the temp right now is 37. Suspect I'll lose them all !! good luck gary

gary, what kind of carpet roller? How do you go about rolling the frost cloth? I ask because I have two 24' by 24' to take down today. I was thinking about storing them in vacuum storage bags.

Gary you're right about the plastic having to be monitored. I'm using for these couple of days because it was handy and I am home to monitor. This AM i just lifted the four corners of the bed while the sun was up. Temp inside remained a toasty 74 while outside temp was 48. I plan to get frostcloth for next year.

I am so sorry about your Phals. That hurts. I too have a collection of them but keep all my orchids inside in my plantroom because up here a greenhouse would require both heating and cooling devices and frankly these in addition to building the greenhouse is cost prohibitive for me.

Hubby works at Lowes so I'll buy my frostcloth there as he gets a small discount.

Shuffles

I found that when I folded the frostclot it weakened over time in the folds and they became permanent I used the cardboard that they roll carpet on .

Would the vacuum prevent the creases?? If so would probably work and a MUCH smaller package to store??

I checked my phals today and there's no obvious damage and a couple have spikes .Time will tell lol. I did bring my terrestrials into the house because they were in pots so portable. They keep telling me that "orchids" are NOT garden plants but they are so beautiful in the trees Oh well give me an excuse to get some more?? lol Good luck everybody!! gary