Some people think spraying water to create a layer of ice creates insulation for the plant, but experts say that's not how the sprinkler trick works.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Much of the Charlotte region is bracing for freezing temperatures Wednesday morning, threatening to foil overzealous gardeners who planted a little too early.
A Frost Advisory is in effect from 2 a.m. to 9 a.m. Wednesday, meaning tender plants could be at risk. People looking to protect those outdoor plants can bring them indoors or cover them with cloth.
Another trick some green thumbs use is spraying plants with water ahead of the freeze, but does that really work? And if so, how?
OUR SOURCES
Question
Does spraying plants with water ahead of a freeze help protect them from injury?
Answer
Yes, while not a solution for every freezing situation, sprinklers can help protect plants from freezing injury.
In his walkthrough of the proper process, Longstroth writes, "Sprinklers used for irrigation do not protect below 23-24 degrees F," noting that in some cases, spraying water can cause more harm to the plant.
Question
Does spraying water protect plants by creating an insulating layer?
Answer
No, the protection does not come from "insulating" ice. Panovich said that is a common misconception about the sprinkler trick.
While many people assume the freezing water around the plant creates a layer of insulation, Panovich notes that it is the freezing process itself that keeps the plant warm.
The root of the trick's protection is a concept called "latent heat of fusion." When the water on the plant starts to freeze, it releases heat (a necessary process to turn water into ice), and that heat helps protect the plant.
So how does frost form even when the air temperatures are above 32°? It has to do with how temperatures are measured and the radiational cooling of surfaces closer to the ground. #cltwx #ncwx #scwx 3wcnc #weatherIQ pic.twitter.com/6jlfGkO7fO
— Brad Panovich (@wxbrad) April 19, 2022
Panovich said there is also some protection gained when the above-freezing water is soaked up through the roots, keeping the plant warmer from the inside.
Question
Since the sprinkler trick only works in certain scenarios, can people in the Charlotte region use it during Wednesday's freeze?
Answer
Yes, Panovich said the short duration of the frost/freeze, coupled with the projected lows, sets up people using the sprinkler trick for better success.
Temperatures Wednesday will bottom out in the mid-30s in Charlotte and surrounding areas, and they are expected to bounce back to the 70s later that day.
Credit: WCNC
Contact Vanessa Ruffes atvruffes@wcnc.comand follow her onFacebook,TwitterandInstagram.Contact Brad Panovich atbpanovich@wcnc.comor follow him onFacebook,TwitterandInstagram.
VERIFYis dedicated to helping the public distinguish between true and false information. The VERIFY team, with help from questions submitted by the audience, tracks the spread of stories or claims that need clarification or correction. Have something you wantVERIFIED? Text usat704-329-3600or visit/verify.
As a seasoned horticulturist and meteorology enthusiast with a deep understanding of plant protection methods against freezing temperatures, let me shed light on the concepts discussed in the provided article.
Firstly, the article mentions the use of a "Frost Advisory" in the Charlotte region, indicating the potential threat to tender plants due to freezing temperatures. This advisory is a crucial piece of information provided by meteorologists like Brad Panovich, WCNC Charlotte's Chief Meteorologist. It reflects the expertise in forecasting weather patterns and helps individuals take preventive measures to protect their plants.
The article discusses a common practice among gardeners — spraying plants with water before a freeze. To verify this technique, the sources consulted include Brad Panovich and Mark Longstroth, who is associated with Michigan State University Extension's Fruit Education. These experts provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of the "sprinkler trick."
One misconception addressed by Panovich is the belief that spraying water creates an insulating layer of ice around the plant. Contrary to this notion, Panovich explains the actual mechanism behind the protection, emphasizing a concept called the "latent heat of fusion." This demonstrates a nuanced understanding of the physical processes involved in freezing water and how it releases heat during the transformation into ice.
Longstroth adds another layer of expertise by specifying that sprinklers used for irrigation might not provide protection below certain temperatures, emphasizing the need for a proper process.
The article then delves into the question of whether the sprinkler trick is applicable in the specific freezing scenario mentioned for Charlotte. Panovich provides insights into the favorable conditions for the trick, taking into account the short duration of the frost/freeze and the projected lows. This practical application of knowledge showcases a hands-on understanding of how meteorological conditions interact with horticultural practices.
In summary, the article draws on the expertise of meteorologists and horticulturists, explaining the intricacies of protecting plants from freezing temperatures. It highlights the importance of accurate weather forecasting, dispels common misconceptions, and provides practical advice for gardeners facing potential frost damage.
