As temperatures plummeted unexpectedly in Tatarstan this May, greenhouse enthusiasts faced a daunting challenge: protecting their tender tomato seedlings from frost. Among those who rose to the occasion is Gulnara Galimullina, a seasoned gardener from the “Spring” cooperative garden.
“For many years now, I’ve employed a simple yet effective method,” Gulnara explains. “I encircle each tomato plant with rings made from 5-liter plastic bottles. Until the weather warms up and the plants grow stronger, each one gets its own protective ring. At night, I wrap them with two layers of lutrasil.”
Lutrasil, a modern synthetic non-woven material made from polypropylene fibers, proves invaluable in shielding plants from harsh weather conditions. It provides a breathable yet insulating cover that preserves warmth and protects against frost damage.
Gulnara’s precautions extend beyond tomatoes; even her peony buds benefit from being swathed in lutrasil, a precaution that ensures her entire garden remains resilient in the face of unexpected cold snaps.