Choosing Gardening Row Covers

Gardening row covers are a great way to protect your plants, especially if you live in an area where it’s cold at night. They also help to extend the growing season, particularly for cool weather crops.

There are many different kinds of gardening row covers, and you need to choose the best one for your needs. Some are made of a light fabric, while others are heavier and can trap heat, protecting your plants from frost and pests.

A heavyweight cover is ideal for cold climates. These types of covers are made of fabric or plastic, and they can hold heat when temperatures dip below 4 degrees Fahrenheit, providing much-needed protection for cool season crops like broccoli, kale, spinach, lettuce, and chard.

They can also help to keep insects at bay, keeping pests from feeding on the leaves of your plants. The material is also very porous, allowing air and water to pass through.

This type of row cover is usually made of spun-bound polyester, and it can be used to protect a variety of crops from insects while still allowing them to receive sunlight. It’s important to remove it during the day when pollinating insects are active, and prior to fruit setting, as these insects are needed for proper fruit development.

These types of covers can be a little expensive, but they are durable and can last a long time, depending on how much they are used each year. They do require regular maintenance, including replacing support structures every few seasons, but they are worth the investment.

Another great advantage of these types of covers is that they do not block out weeds, so you can easily remove them if you need to. This is important to remember because some weeds can be quite dangerous to your crops, so you’ll want to make sure that they are removed on a regular basis.

Some types of row cover can be reused, but the fabric will degrade over time in direct sunlight and the elements, so it’s important to replace it after a few years. Alternatively, some cover materials are available with integrated support systems that can be anchored in place and left in place all season.

If you plan to use these covers for several years, it is important to consider the size of your garden. This will determine whether you need a large or small piece of fabric.

Floating row covers are a popular option for protecting crops from pests and extending the growing season. They’re lightweight and can be laid directly on the ground, affixed to the edges with stakes or fabric staples, or anchored to heavy bricks or stones.

The material is often made of polypropylene or polyester, which can be a good choice for cold-weather crops. It is not a waterproof material, but it does allow rain and water from irrigation to get through.

These covers can also be re-used over and over again, depending on your growing conditions and how many plants you’re growing. They’re also less likely to be damaged by wildlife, boots, or stakes than heavier materials.