How to Build an A-Frame to Cover Plants for the Winter

Not all plants can tolerate frost. Even a light frost can damage tender plants, including most summer vegetables, annuals and tropical ornamentals. Covering the plants protects them from light frost damage. The cover traps in heat and prevents moisture from freezing on the foliage. A simple A-frame cover keeps the covering from touching and damaging the foliage. The shape of these covers is suitable for both low-growing plants and taller plants and shrubs.

Stakes
Twine
Frost blanket or plastic sheet

Instructions

- 1
  Lash together the top of two stakes with garden twine. Use stakes that are 8 to 12 inches taller than the plant you are covering. Tie together a second pair of stakes so you have two sets of lashed-together stakes.
- 2
  Set a pair of stakes up on either end of the plant. Spread apart the ends of the stakes that aren't lashed together so the stakes stand upright on their own and resemble an “A.” Push the bottom 3 to 5 inches of the stakes into the ground so they are anchored securely.
- 3
  Run a length of twine between the top of the two A-frames, creating a crossbar above the plant. Pull the twine taut and tie it to the stakes to hold it in place.
- 4
  Drape a frost cloth or sheet of plastic over the top of the A-frame. The frame keeps the cloth from touching the plant foliage.
- 5
  Anchor the bottom edges of the cloth or plastic to the ground with rocks. Open the ends of the covering on sunny or warm days so the hot air that collects under the covering can vent out. Close the covering at night or during freezing weather.

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