[Vineyard & Winery Elf EN](https://help.vineyardelf.com/index.md) / [VineyardElf](https://help.vineyardelf.com/vineyardelf.md)

# [Frost protection - automatic sprinkling](https://help.vineyardelf.com/ochrona-przymrozkowa/frost-protection-automatic-sprinkling.md)

## What is frost protection about?

Spring frosts are one of the greatest enemies of any winegrower. Young grapevine shoots can freeze at temperatures as high as -0.5 C! VineyardElf helps you protect your vineyard against frost.

## How does it work?

### 1. The system monitors temperature

VineyardElf tracks the temperature from your weather station and checks forecasts. When it detects a threat, you get an alert.

### 2. You receive a warning

**24 hours before** a forecasted frost, you receive the first alert. That gives you time to prepare your equipment.

**2-3 hours before**, you receive a second warning with the updated forecast.

### 3. Automatic protection (optional)

If you have an OpenSprinkler controller connected, the system can **turn on sprinkling automatically** when the temperature drops below the threshold. As the water freezes on the shoots it releases heat, protecting them from deeper freezing.

## How to set up protection

### Step 1: Set temperature thresholds

Go to **Settings > Frost protection** and set:
- **Warning threshold** - e.g. 2 C (you get an alert)
- **Critical threshold** - e.g. 0 C (automation kicks in)

### Step 2: Configure alerts

In **Settings > Alerts** add:
- Phone number for SMS
- Email address
- The hours during which you want to receive alerts

### Step 3: Connect irrigation (optional)

If you want automatic sprinkling:
1. Go to **Settings > Integrations > OpenSprinkler**
2. Enter the controller's IP address and password
3. Assign zones to vineyard blocks
4. Enable the "Automatic frost protection" option

**IMPORTANT:** Make sure your pump has enough capacity! The system needs about 3-4 mm/h of water over the protected area.

## What you see on the dashboard

The frost protection widget shows:
- **Current temperature** from the sensor
- **Forecast minimum** for the coming night
- **System status** - ready / alarm / protection active
- **History** of recent events

## Tips

- Place the temperature sensor **at shoot height** (about 50-80 cm), not near the ground
- Test the system **before the season** - run sprinkling manually
- Check the **forecast in the evening** - the system will send an alert, but it pays to stay vigilant

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## Related articles

- [Weather station](/kb/vineyard-elf/stacja-pogodowa-monitorowanie-warunkow-atmosferycznych-6n6BaSzX)
- [Zone control (OpenSprinkler)](/kb/vineyard-elf/sterowanie-strefami-opensprinkler-i-nawadnianie-5sgL4pKJ)
- [SMS and Email alerts](/kb/vineyard-elf/alerty-sms-i-email-powiadomienia-w-czasie-rzeczywistym-aEXxifXi)
- [BBCH stages](/kb/vineyard-elf/fazy-rozwojowe-bbch-sledzenie-fenologii-winorosli-riTexK1q)