In the last couple of years, the National Weather Service of the United States issued alerts about extreme winter weather in several regions of the country. It was estimated up to 25 cm of snow, strong winds, and a higher risk of road accidents.
Don’t think only people are affected by this extreme weather, farmers too. When the temperatures are too low, the frost can destroy the crops, freeze the fruit and flowers, and even kill entire plants. However, there’s a simple and affordable trick that thousands of Americans are using to protect their food and crops from the freezing cold: bubble wrap. So, let’s find out more about this trick.
Bubble wrap
With the increase of the cost of energy and the low temperatures that hit hard, many people are trying easy and accessible solutions to protect their plants and keep their homes warm. One of the most unexpected methods but still effective is a very common object that almost everybody has at home: bubble wrap.
According to experts, wrapping windows and exterior pots with bubble wrap helps keep the heat inside and protect the plants from the frost. How is this possible? Because the air inside the bubbles work as an insulation, which keeps the temperature warmer than when using a normal plastic or a cloth.
What’s more, Kate Turner, Miracle-Gro expert, recommends an extra step: placing the pots near a wall or under the trees or bushes. By doing this, you will protect your plants in a better way from freezing winds and abrupt changes of temperature.
States of the U.S. affected by extreme weather
The National Weather Service warned that visibility could be reduced to 800 meters in some moments, due to the combination of snow and wind. This increases the risk of road accidents and can provoke damages on trees, homes, and electric infrastructures.
The frost alerts go beyond Alaska, states in the Midwest and the Northeast are also affected like: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Vermont.
According to the National Weather Service, frosts and freezing conditions can destroy crops, damage sensitive plants, and affect exterior pipes that are not protected. This is why experts recommend following these measures since about 15% of the heat inside homes escape through the windows.
Energy costs
Experts estimate that around 15% of a home’s heat is lost through windows. But with proper insulation — such as double glazing or a layer of bubble wrap — you can cut that heat loss by up to 70%. So, this means you can save about $200 a year on heating costs and also reduce carbon dioxide emissions, which helps the environment. I mean, everything seems to be positive, right?
But, why does this work so well?
Frost happens when the temperature lowers until a freezing point and the water vapor of the air becomes ice. When this ice is formed on leaves or fruits it damages the plants’ cells, making them dry or die. This is why keeping the heat near the plants is the best defense, because bubble wrap creates a soft barrier between the plant and the freezing weather outside. Also, since it’s cheap and easy to find, anyone can use it.
How to protect crops and homes from extreme weather
Basically, extreme winter weather can cause serious damages in the U.S.: from roads and power lines, to farms and food. However, thanks to this simple and affordable trick, thousands of people are fighting the frost in a creative and effective way.
So, next time you see a roll of bubble wrap, don’t throw it away because it could be of great help against harsh winter weather.