A row cover is a product used to cover plants in a garden. It may be made from a type of plastic known as polyethylene, or a fabric that resembles netting. This cloth may be used to protect plants from extreme temperatures, high winds, or insect damage. It may be attached to support hoops or draped over the top of the plants, depending on the type of covering and its intended purpose.
Many people like to set plants out before the danger of first frost has passed. A row cover can help protect specimens from frost damage and high winds. This is because the material helps hold in heat, which warms the soil, and creates a barrier, which can reduce the effects of wind damage. In the fall, the cover can be placed on top of the plants so they can continue growing after the first frost has set in.
Row cover fabric is typically opaque or transparent. This allows needed sunlight to get through to the plants underneath. Clear fabric is normally used when the desired effect is to retain heat, while semi-transparent material could be best when plants need to be protected from intense sunlight.
This gardening aid is normally attached to wire hoops. Doing so creates a makeshift tunnel, which shelters young specimens. Some gardeners may use a heat lamp underneath the fabric to warm the air around the plants. This is often preferred over using a greenhouse because it is more cost-effective.
In some instances, a floating row cover can be used rather than one that is attached to a support system. This type of cover is usually draped over plants once they are well established. The type of fabric used for this cover normally resembles mosquito netting. It is preferred whenever insects or wildlife damage could become a problem.
An advantage of using a row cover is that plants can be set out earlier in the spring and extends the harvest season in the fall. It is usually easy to install and remove a cover from a garden. Using one of these items can protect crops from damage caused by rodents, hail, or wind.
Row covers can be expensive to purchase, especially for very large gardens. In some cases they might interfere with pollination, so they may need to be removed often. The covers can also be difficult to fold and store when not being used.