The Benefits of Garden Row Covers

A garden row cover is a plastic sheeting or flexible material used to protect a garden row. It extends the growing season by blocking cold, wind and insects. A garden row cover can help plants grow stronger and more prolifically. These are popular among gardeners and can be used for several reasons. Here are a few of the benefits of using a row cover:

The fabric is often spun bound polyester, which lets in light and water while keeping out insects. However, it is important to remember that row covers will not keep out all insects, and some are essential for fruit development and pollination. If you choose to use a row cover, make sure to remove it when the pollinating insects are active, or when your plants are flowering or developing. Luckily, row covers can be replaced as needed.

Another benefit of row covers is that they prevent birds from eating seedlings. They can also discourage deer, chipmunks, and rabbits. They also help protect your plants from wind damage, which is important for seeds. However, make sure to check for signs of pests every day – look for chew marks, holes, or slime trails.

Row covers can be made of a variety of materials. Some are clear, while others are colored. Polyethylene, for example, is a good choice for many applications. These fabrics are often inexpensive and easy to use. They can pay for themselves after just one growing season. Polyester fabric will generally last for three to five years before it becomes too worn out to be effective.

If you want to protect your plants, you can use lightweight, flexible row covers. They can be secured to the soil with stakes or anchors, or you can use wire hoops to keep the cover on. However, you should make sure there is sufficient slack between the row cover and the crop. This will help your cover expand or contract with the crop as it grows. In addition, the edge of the row cover must be buried so that it cannot be accessed by insects or weed seeds.

You can also make your own garden row cover. These covers are simple to create and cost under $100. They can be made out of woven fabric or polypropylene fabric. To create a garden row cover, you’ll need a frame to support the row. Then, the polypropylene or woven fabric can be draped over the plants.

If you have a lot of garden row space, you can use garden row covers to extend the growing season. These covers are made of lightweight fabric that allows sunlight, air and water to pass through. They can also protect your plants from insects, and are versatile enough to be used over raised beds. When used correctly, garden row covers can last for years.

Garden row covers are a good way to protect delicate plants from light frost. In addition to providing protection from the cold, they can help prevent plants from bolting. Depending on the weight of the row cover, it can add four to seven degrees to your plant’s temperature. However, keep in mind that row covers have to be regularly monitored to ensure they remain effective.