Winter Protection | Cold Frame for Tropical Plants

If you are growing tropicals in a less than ideal zone like me (Arizona USDA zone 9B), winter or cold protection is necessary. Here I share what I'm doing for my mature 6+ year old in ground plumeria. This structure did require a big upfront investment but can be used over and over and can be put up anywhere it is needed and easily taken down and stored when no longer needed.

[terra]

I can't wait for an update on your tropicals. It's been a rough winter for us on the FL panhandle, I almost lost my in ground white sapote despite protection

[daveaz]

Do you still plan on leaving your seedling mango trees unprotected and just under natural microclimate?
I was initially thinking of just using my microclimate for natural protection from frost but I went ahead and built frost protection around them along with the 500 watt work lights on timers for the really cold nights.
I chickened out. Let us know how your mango trees faired. All the best!

[Jenoveryonder]

I saved an old ez up frame for this purpose.

[thegrstm]

Hi Natasha
What an excellent video. My wife clearly understands how aggressive you need to be when pruning figs.
Mind if I share with OC CRFG?
Thanks again… best for Christmas and Happy New Year…
Cheers, John

[neurocognitive]

You have a great collection of fig varieties, and so many other types of trees and plants in that desert oasis you've created. I think I have enough fig varieties at this point, but might try to pick up a couple of Bass's Favorite cuttings and a Crozes. I'm also branching out into avocados which has been fun and interesting, although they are a more long term project before you get significant production. This should be an interesting Winter in terms of the weather. Good luck!!

[-ssch]

Will this be blown away by 15-20 mph wind ?

[paradisusAZ]

Have you come across any non-plastic options for the frost fabric? I'm trying to everything plastic free at my place. The only thing I can think of (at a reasonable cost) is 2 layers of burlap

[neurocognitive]

Hi Natasha - it's been a while since your last post. That's one sturdy looking structure you've built! I have done something similar with my tomato plants during the hot summer months, but I used shade cloth of course. I also used 1 inch pvc pipe instead, and three way pvc corner joints to attach the long poles, so no screws or bolts required. I also take it apart and store it over the winter. I see that the activity is beginning to pick up on FigBid, and Harvey has posted the start date for his annual cuttings sale. Anything you're thinking of adding to your collection? I just gave away a few of my 15 gal fig trees to some folks. It's like giving away my children ;) Any word on the Frankincense cuttings? Thanks for the post!