Foam vs Frost: Can This New Method Save Spring Crops?

For vineyards, orchards, and berry growers, spring carries a bittersweet tension. Warmer days signal the start of the growing season — but frosty nights can undo months of preparation in a single blow. As climate volatility rises, so too does the risk of late-season frost events, with delicate buds and blossoms particularly vulnerable.

Traditional frost mitigation tools are far from perfect. Wind machines demand high capital investment and work best under specific atmospheric conditions. Sprinkler systems, while somewhat effective, rely on abundant water and come with disease risks. Diesel-fuelled heaters, once common, are increasingly untenable due to cost, emissions, and logistical strain.

Enter Frosco’s biocompatible foam — a novel, rapidly-deployed material designed to insulate crops from temperature drops. This sprayable foam forms a breathable yet thermally insulating layer around fruiting structures, slowing heat loss overnight. Unlike water or plastic, it conforms to the plant’s shape without damaging buds or restricting airflow.

Recent trials at Denbies Wine Estate, one of the UK’s leading vineyards, demonstrate the method’s promise. Vines treated with Frosco’s frost-protection foam maintained internal temperatures above 0°C during critical exposure windows, even as ambient temperatures fell several degrees below freezing. This preservation of internal warmth allowed sensitive buds to remain intact — safeguarding potential yield before flowering even began.

Beyond insulation, growers are drawn to the foam’s ease of use and sustainability. The product is biodegradable, requires no complex infrastructure, and can be sprayed with standard agricultural equipment. It washes away naturally or can be removed the following day with water.

While frost will always pose a threat to spring crops, foam-based protection is emerging as a viable and scalable alternative — not just as a last resort, but as a first line of defence.

As adoption expands, the question shifts from if this works, to how soon it can be rolled out widely. For many growers, that shift can’t come soon enough.

Contact us on info@frosco.io.

Disclaimer:
This article is intended for informational purposes only. While Frosco products undergo rigorous testing, results may vary depending on crop type, environmental conditions, and application practices. Use in accordance with local regulations and guidance.