As any gardener knows, that first surprise frost can be heartbreaking. One night of freezing temperatures can turn a lush vegetable bed or a thriving shrub into a wilted mess. I recently took a closer look at the ANPHSIN 3-Pack Horizontal Plant Protection Covers, and they might just be the “winter coat” your garden needs.
What Makes These Different?
ANPHSIN 3-Pack Horizontal Plant Protection Covers
- 3 pis Plant Covers Freeze Protection
- long – 19.6in x 39.3in Winter Shrub Plant Protection Bags
- Frost Blankets Cloths with Drawstring for Outdoor Garden Rose Bush Plants,
- Color- Green
- Zippered: Quick access to plants.
Drawstring: Stays secure in wind.
Aesthetic: Blends with green foliage.
Efficient: Fast to install/remove.
Breathable: Prevents plant overheating.
- Short: Only for low plants.
Light-duty: Not for extreme freezes.
Snags: Zipper can catch debris.
Inflexible: Fits only specific shapes.
Slow-dry: Holds water after rain.
Most frost blankets are just giant sheets of fabric that you have to weigh down with bricks or staple to a frame. The ANPHSIN covers take a more “engineered” approach.
These are horizontal bags (roughly 39.3″ long by 19.6″ high), designed specifically for:
- Small raised beds
- Long planter boxes
- Rows of low-profile shrubs
- Barrel planters
Key Features at a Glance
- Horizontal Zipper: This is the game-changer. Instead of lifting the whole cover to check on your plants or do a quick watering, you just unzip.
- Adjustable Drawstring: The bottom features a drawstring that allows you to cinch the cover tight around the base of the plant or the rim of a pot. This prevents the wind from whipping it away and keeps the warm air trapped inside.
- Breathable Non-Woven Fabric: The material is thick enough to block frost and snow but breathable enough to let sunlight and moisture through. You don’t have to take them off every morning when the sun comes out.
Who Should Pick This?
The ANPHSIN Horizontal Frost Covers are a specialized tool rather than a “one size fits all” solution. You should pick these up if you fall into any of these categories:
- The Container Gardener: If you have long rectangular planters or “window boxes” that are difficult to wrap with traditional sheets.
- The Raised Bed Enthusiast: Perfect for gardeners with 4×2 or 2×2 raised beds growing low-profile greens like kale, spinach, or lettuce.
- The Busy Plant Parent: If you don’t have time to “tuck in” your plants every evening with bricks and clips, the drawstring and zipper system will save you significant time.
Why It’s a Necessity for Your Plants
Plants are remarkably resilient, but frost crystals act like tiny knives, piercing the cell walls of your leaves. Once those cells rupture, the plant turns to mush as soon as it thaws.
- Temperature Buffer: These covers create a micro-climate, trapping the heat radiating from the soil to keep the air around the foliage 3–8 degrees warmer than the outside air.
- Windburn Protection: Winter wind can dehydrate a plant faster than the summer sun. This fabric acts as a windbreak, keeping your plants hydrated.
- Light Transmission: Unlike using a heavy tarp or a plastic bucket, these allow photosynthesis to continue during the day so your plants don’t “suffocate” in the dark.
My First Impression as a Gardener
When I first unboxed these, I was struck by the material weight. It feels significantly sturdier than the “paper-thin” frost cloth you often find at big-box hardware stores.
The horizontal orientation is the real “aha!” moment. Most covers are tall and skinny, but many of our garden favorites—like strawberries or herb rows—are wide and short. Seeing the zipper run along the length of the cover told me right away that someone actually thought about the person who has to harvest or water their plants in the middle of January. It’s practical, not just protective.
Conclusion
The ANPHSIN Horizontal Frost Cover is a smart, durable upgrade for any gardener tired of wrestling with loose fabric and clothespins. It bridges the gap between a temporary fix and a permanent cold frame. If your garden consists of low-growing vegetables or decorative planters, this 3-pack offers high-value protection that will likely last you 3 to 4 seasons if handled with care.
FAQ
Q: Can I leave these on during the day?
A: Yes! The non-woven fabric is breathable and allows sunlight to pass through. However, if the daytime temperature rises above 60°F, I recommend unzipping them to prevent overheating.
Q: Is it waterproof?
A: It is water-resistant. Light rain will bead off, but a heavy downpour will eventually soak through. This is actually a good thing, as it allows your plants to get natural moisture.
Q: How do I clean them? A: Simply hose them down at the end of the season and let them air dry completely over a fence or chair before folding them to avoid mold.
