If you’re looking for a simple way to protect your plants from pests and weather, a garden fabric row cover is a fantastic tool to have. This lightweight material can make a huge difference in your garden’s success, offering a shield that lets in light, water, and air.
Garden Fabric Row Cover
Think of it as a lightweight blanket for your plants. Unlike plastic sheeting, a garden fabric row cover is a permeable, spun-bonded or woven material that you drape directly over your crops. It creates a microclimate that can warm the soil, keep insects off your plants, and even protect against light frosts. It’s one of the most versatile items a gardener can own.
Why You Should Use a Row Cover
The benefits are numerous and address many common gardening challenges. Here’s what a quality row cover can do for you:
* Pest Protection: It forms a physical barrier that stops insects like cabbage moths, flea beetles, and carrot rust flies from reaching your plants. This is a huge win for organic growers.
* Frost Protection: By trapping heat radiated from the soil, it can protect plants from light frosts, extending your growing season in both spring and fall.
* Wind and Sun Shield: It protects tender seedlings from harsh winds and can filter intense sunlight, preventing scorch.
* Improved Growth: The slightly warmer and more sheltered environment can speed up germination and early growth.
* Weed Suppression: By blocking light, it can help supress weed growth around your crops.
Choosing the Right Fabric Weight
Not all row covers are the same. They come in different weights, measured in grams per square meter (gsm) or ounces per square yard. Choosing the right one depends on your main goal.
* Lightweight (0.5 oz or ~17 gsm): This is best for insect protection. It allows about 85-95% of light through and offers minimal frost protection (about 2-4°F). It’s perfect for summer use on crops like squash and cucumbers.
* Medium Weight (0.9 oz or ~30 gsm): A great all-purpose option. It provides good insect protection and better frost protection (about 4-6°F). Use it for season extension in spring and fall.
* Heavyweight (1.5 oz or ~50 gsm+): This is for serious cold protection. It can protect against harder frosts (6-8°F) but allows less light transmission. It’s ideal for overwintering crops or in very cold climates.
How to Install Your Row Cover Correctly
Proper installation is key to it’s effectiveness. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
1. Prepare Your Beds: Plant your seeds or transplants as you normally would. Water the bed thoroughly.
2. Drape the Fabric: Unroll the garden fabric row cover loosely over the crop. It’s crucial to leave enough slack for plants to grow underneath. Never pull it tight.
3. Secure the Edges: Bury the edges completely with soil, or weigh them down with rocks, boards, or landscape staples. For hoops, secure the edges the same way. Make sure there are no gaps for pests to enter.
4. Monitor and Water: You can water right through the fabric. Check under the cover periodically for growth, pests, and soil moisture.
Using Hoops for Support
For taller crops or long-term use, supporting the fabric with hoops is highly recommended. It prevents the material from resting on the plants, which can cause damage or restrict growth. You can make hoops from:
* Flexible PVC piping
* Wire (like 9-gauge wire)
* Pre-made metal or plastic garden hoops
Simply arch the hoops over your row and drape the fabric over them, securing the edges as described above.
When to Remove the Cover
Timing depends on your purpose. For insect protection on crops like broccoli that need pollination, you must remove the cover when flowering begins so bees can access the plants. For frost protection in spring, you can often remove the cover once daytime temperatures are consistently warm and the risk of frost has passed. Some cold-tolerant crops can be covered all season.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced gardeners can run into issues. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for:
* Pulling the Fabric Too Tight: This restricts plant growth and reduces the insulating air pocket.
* Not Securing Edges Properly: A single gap can let in an entire swarm of pests, defeating the purpose.
* Using the Wrong Weight: A heavy cover in summer can overheat plants, while a light one won’t protect from a hard freeze.
* Forgetting to Ventilate: On unexpectedly warm, sunny days, heat can build up under even a light cover. You may need to lift one side to let heat escape.
* Ignoring Weeds: While it suppresses them, perennial weeds can sometimes grow through. It’s best to start with a weed-free bed.
Caring for Your Row Cover
With proper care, a good row cover can last several seasons. At the end of the season, remove it gently, shake off any soil, and let it dry completely. Fold it loosely and store it in a cool, dry place away from rodents. Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight when not in use, as UV rays will break down the fibers over time.
FAQ: Your Row Cover Questions Answered
Q: Can I use garden fabric row cover on all plants?
A: Almost all! It’s excellent for vegetables like brassicas, carrots, lettuce, and squash. Just remember to remove it from plants requiring bee pollination when they flower.
Q: How do I water with a row cover on?
A: You water right through it! The fabric is permeable to water. Drip irrigation or a soaker hose works perfectly underneath, but overhead watering is fine too.
Q: What’s the difference between row cover and plastic sheeting?
A: Row cover is breathable fabric, while plastic is not. Plastic can overheat plants quickly and requires careful ventilation. Fabric is much more forgiving and versatile for day-to-day protection.
Q: Can row cover get too hot for plants?
A: Yes, on very hot, sunny days, temperatures underneath can rise. For lightweight covers this is less of an issue, but it’s always good to check and provide ventilation if needed.
Q: Where can I buy garden fabric row covers?
A: They are widely available at garden centers, farm supply stores, and online retailers. Look for brands that specify the weight and light transmission.
Adding a garden fabric row cover to your gardening practice is a simple step that yields reliable results. It gives you more control over the environment, leading to healthier plants and better harvests with fewer chemical interventions. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you gardened without it.