Q: How long can the white fabric used for frost protection be left on plants?

A: The translucent material commonly called “floating row cover” is very handy stuff. It allows most of the sunshine and rain to penetrate but holds soil warmth to protect plants from cold in spring and fall. Up North they leave it on for months. In the South I think it’s better for the plants if you take it off when there is no danger of a severe freeze. Bring it out and completely cover tender shrubs, like gardenia and newly planted evergreens, when it goes to 15 degrees or below.