Originally Posted by bmor

As you can see in the pic, i have some baby pines and young ginkgo's growing. Given the cooler temps of late, i brought them into the unheated shed the other day for the winter. As I like to use snow to water as required during the winter months and for insulation, i put these little pots in aluminum trays as i didn't want any excess water or snow resting on the wood shelves. After this mornings frost, i went into the shed and felt the aluminum which was quite cool to the touch. I didn't think it a good idea to have such a cool surface below for just frosty nights. I know that in the dead of winter, things will be frozen solid but I decided for fall and spring protection (mild days/cool nights) to add some crushed brick in the bottom in the hopes that it would have an almost insulating effect. Is this assertion correct?? any other thoughts??
thanx in advance.