Similar products
Types of Plant Covers
Plant covers are an essential tool for any gardener. They help protect plants from frost, wind, hail, and other harsh weather conditions. There are several different types of covers gardeners can choose from depending on their specific needs.
Row Covers
Row covers are lightweight fabric sheets that are draped directly over plants. They come in various weights - the lighter 0.5 oz covers offer frost protection while the heavier 1-1.5 oz covers provide insulation against cold temperatures. Row covers allow air, light, and water through so plants can continue to grow. They are great for protecting seedlings and tender vegetation.
Floating Row Covers
Floating row covers are designed to not touch plant foliage. They are propped up above plants using hoops or frames. This allows air to circulate underneath the cover, preventing moisture buildup. Floating covers provide protection while minimizing disease risk.
Plant Jackets
Plant jackets wrap around the main stem and branches of plants individually. They are made of insulated materials like burlap, paper, or plastic. Jackets shield plants from frost and cold winds. They are ideal for protecting fruit trees, shrubs, and ornamentals during winter.
Cloches
Cloches are bell-shaped transparent covers that sit over top of plants. They are typically made of glass or plastic and create a greenhouse-like environment. Cloches warm the soil and air around plants, allowing them to grow beyond their normal season. They also provide pest protection.
Cold Frames
Cold frames are transparent, box-like structures placed over plants. The sloped lid allows sunlight and rainfall in. Cold frames come in a range of sizes - smaller ones for seedlings and larger ones for mature plants. The enclosed environment traps heat while blocking cold air.
Low Tunnels
Low tunnels are temporary covered rows used to boost growth and yields. These mini greenhouses are made using hoops or wires covered with clear plastic sheeting or fabric row cover. Plants are accessible for care while protected from cold and pests.
Mulch
Though not a traditional cover, mulch acts as insulation for plant roots and soil. Materials like straw, leaves, wood chips, and pine needles can be spread over garden beds to maintain warmth and moisture levels around plants.
The right plant cover can make all the difference for gardeners battling cold weather and frost. Consider the level of protection needed and the type of plants being covered when selecting the best option.
Benefits of Using Plant Covers
Protecting plants with covers offers many advantages for gardeners. Plant covers create optimal growing conditions, extend the growing season, and shield plants from damage.
Temperature Regulation
Covers trap heat against plants providing insulation against cold weather. Plastic or fabric covers create a greenhouse effect, warming the air and soil around plants. This allows gardeners to plant earlier in spring and harvest later into fall.
Frost Protection
On cold nights, plant covers buffer plants from frost forming on leaves and buds. A few degrees of protection prevents frost damage, saving flowers and crops.
Wind Protection
Covers provide a barrier from strong winds which can damage tender growth and dry out soil. Blocking wind prevents excessive transpiration and water loss in plants.
Pest Protection
- Covers keep insect pests off plants physically blocking access.
- Fabric covers have a tight weave that many small pests cannot penetrate.
- Cloches fully seal out pests and create a clean growing environment.
Moisture Retention
Covers slow evaporation losses helping soil stay moist longer. This means less watering and reduced drought stress for plants.
Clean Plants
Covers keep rain, dust, and falling debris off plant foliage. This helps minimize disease by avoiding dirty, wet leaves.
Accelerated Growth
The protected environment under plant covers allows plants to focus energy on growing faster. Higher temperatures, less stress, and pest protection boosts plant performance.
Earlier and Extended Harvests
By getting plants off to an earlier start and maintaining ideal growing conditions, covers enable earlier harvests. They also prevent late season frost damage for continued harvests later into the year.
Leveraging covers in the garden maximizes a plant's genetic potential. Take advantage of these benefits for healthier plants and greater yields!
When to Use Plant Covers
Plant covers are versatile tools that can be used to protect plants year-round. Here are some key times when using covers will benefit the garden.
Spring Frosts
Early spring warm spells may coax plants to break dormancy too soon leaving them vulnerable to damage if frost strikes again. Cover tender new growth overnight if frost is expected.
Planting Out
Newly planted seedlings and transplants are susceptible to temperature fluctuations and drying winds. Cover them for their first week in the ground to prevent shock.
Summer Heat Waves
Extreme heat can bolt leafy greens and flowers and cause vegetables to decline. Add shade covers to filter sunlight and keep plants hydrated in heat waves.
Cool Summer Nights
Warm season crops like tomatoes, peppers, and melons need consistently warm temperatures. Drape covers over them on cool summer nights to retain ground heat.
Frost-Tender Plants
Some plants like basil, beans, cucumbers, and summer squash are damaged by any frost. When cool fall weather approaches, cover them until the end of the growing season.
Overwintering Plants
Certain herbs, vegetables, and flowers can overwinter if protected from freezing. Install season extension structures like cold frames in fall to keep plants alive through winter.
Extreme Cold
Cold hardy plants still need protection when temperatures drop below -10°F. Add extra layers of cover such as burlap over low tunnels during arctic blasts.
Early Spring Planting
Get a head start on the growing season by planting cool weather crops under covers in late winter. Use cloches or cold frames to keep soil warm enough for root growth.
Getting to know your plants' needs and weather patterns will reveal the optimal times to leverage plant covers in your area.
Choosing the Right Plant Cover
Selecting the best plant cover for your situation will ensure your plants get the protection they need. Consider these key factors when deciding on a cover.
Type of Plants
Choose covers suitable for the stature and needs of your plants:
- Low covers like fabric row cover for low-growing plants like strawberries.
- Larger covers like cloches for mature plants.
- Cold hardy covers for ornamentals and shrubs.
Level of Protection
Assess how much insulation and coverage your plants require:
- Thin covers for 1-2 degrees frost protection.
- Heavier covers to shield plants down to 20-30 degrees below freezing.
- Windproof covers if exposure is high.
Durability
Look for durable, weather-resistant cover materials like:
- Reinforced plastic sheeting.
- Polyester fabric covers.
- Double-walled polycarbonate panels.
Ventilation
Allow for air flow to prevent overheating:
- Slitted plastic covers.
- Cloches with roof vents.
- Removable fabric covers.
Light Transmission
Select covers with clarity ratings of 90% or higher to maximize light for plant growth and health.
Size
Measure your plant beds and access paths to select a cover that provides full coverage without impeding access.
Weigh all these factors to identify the ideal plant covers that address needs in your unique garden space and climate.
Caring for Plants Under Covers
Plant covers create a protected environment for growth, but also introduce some additional plant care considerations.
Watering
Check soil moisture frequently, as covers can accelerate drying out of soil. Drip irrigation systems or soaker hoses under covers provide consistent watering. Open covers on humid days to allow airflow and reduce condensation.
Ventilation
Ensure covers do not overheat plants on sunny days. Prop up covers to increase air circulation. Choose covers with vents or flap doors that can be opened to control temperature.
Pest Monitoring
While covers exclude most pests, they can also trap insects inside, allowing rapid population growth. Lift up covers and inspect for aphids, mites, caterpillars or disease spores regularly.
Pollination
Crops like cucumbers, melons, and tomatoes require pollinator access to produce fruit. Either use covers with built-in bee access panels, or remove covers when plants start flowering.
Nutrition
The accelerated growth under covers requires adequate nutrition. Test soil and supplement key nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to maintain plant vigor.
Pruning and Trellising
Prune away excessive leaves and stems to encourage airflow and prevent foliage disease. Trellis climbing plants for support under covers.
Winter Protection
Remove heavy snow accumulation on overwintering covers to prevent collapse, or use reinforcement brackets. Ensure covers are secured well against strong winds.
With a little extra awareness, your plants will thrive under protective covers throughout the seasons!
DIY Plant Covers
Creating your own plant covers allows you to customize protection solutions for your garden at a fraction of the cost of commercial options. With simple materials and basic DIY skills, you can build effective covers.
PVC Pipe Cloche
For a basic cloche to shield tender seedlings, use:
- 1⁄2 inch PVC pipes cut into arcs for the frame
- PVC connectors to join the ends into a dome shape
- Plastic sheeting or greenhouse film secured around the frame
Use thin 2-3 mill plastic for maximum light transmission into the cloche.
Wire Hoop Row Cover
Protect entire garden rows with covers supported by:
- 9 gauge wire bent into wide hoops
- 8-12 inch landscape staples to anchor the hoops
- Fabric row cover draped over the hoops
Use hoops every 3-4 feet down the row and seal the edges with stones or extra staples.
DIY Cold Frame
Make a sturdy winterizing cover from:
- Scrap lumber for the frame
- An old window for the top panel
- Weather stripping to seal any gaps
- Insulation like straw bales around the outside
Choose a south facing location for maximum sun exposure and warmth inside the frame.
Upcycled Plant Jackets
Give tender shrubs added protection by repurposing:
- Burlap coffee bags
- Old blankets or quilts
- Cardboard lined with bubble wrap
- Plastic jugs with the bottom cut out
Wrap these materials around shrubs, secure with twine, and use them as inexpensive but effective insulated plant jackets.
With creativity and readily available materials, you can meet all your garden's protective covering needs.
Top-Rated Plant Covers
Quality plant covers withstand the elements and protect plants through all kinds of conditions. Here are some of the top-rated options on the market:
Agfabric Plant Cover
This lightweight polypropylene fabric offers frost protection down to 25°F and 50% UV resistance. The breathable material won’t obstruct light and air flow. It comes in various widths perfect for row covers.
Gardman Low Tunnel Cloche
This polytunnel cloche creates the perfect microclimate for seedlings and tender plants. The heavy duty polyethylene cover lasts through harsh weather. It ventilates through side vents and roll-up doors.
Jiffy Hotkap Plant Protector
This cone-shaped cover promotes fast seedling establishment and plant growth. The recyclable paper prevents frost damage and provides shelter from wind, animals, and insects.
Outdoor Plant Protection Umbrella
This umbrella canopy supported by a sturdy plastic coated steel frame shields up to 3 feet diameter. Use it to guard potted plants and gardens beds from sun, wind, hail, and snow.
Flower House Pop-Up Plant Greenhouses
These portable pop-up polygreenhouses provide instant protection for backyard veggie patches and flower beds. The zippered door offers easy access. Steel frame withstands gusty winds.
Easy Gardener Tabletop Greenhouse
This mini greenhouse features cedar framed windows and a galvanized steel base. Perfect for starting seeds and overwintering small plants. Fits neatly on patios and decks.
Gro-Therm Plant Insulators
These domed insulation caps fit snugly over transplants for cold protection. Made of perforated polyethylene, they allow air and water flow while insulating plants.
Invest in a quality cover that meets your garden’s needs, and enjoy the benefits of protected, thriving plants for years to come.
What is the use of Amazon Prime for a regular buyer of Plant Covers?
For gardeners who frequently purchase plant covers and other gardening supplies, an Amazon Prime membership can be extremely valuable.
Free Two-Day Shipping
Amazon Prime offers free two-day shipping on millions of eligible items. This means plant covers can arrive right when you need them for an upcoming cold snap or frost event, without paying extra for expedited shipping.
Free One-Day and Same-Day Delivery
For Prime members in certain areas, Amazon offers free one-day shipping on qualifying orders over $35. This faster delivery ensures you get covers in time for emergency weather situations. Same-day delivery is also available on a growing selection of items in certain cities.
Free Release-Date Delivery
Pre-order upcoming releases of new plant cover products and get them delivered on their official release date at no additional cost with Prime.
Access to Lightning Deals
Take advantage of Lightning Deals offering short term discounts up to 30% on plant covers and accessories. These limited time sales are exclusively for Prime members.
Prime Day Discounts
Amazon Prime Day is an annual event with special bargains just for Prime subscribers. Look out for markdowns on plant covers and garden items during this mega sale.
For gardeners needing frequent deliveries of plant covers, cold frames, cloches and other protective equipment, the unlimited fast free shipping and exclusive access to deals with Amazon Prime provide huge value and convenience.
"Plant Covers: The Ultimate Solution For Your Indoor Gardening Needs"
Plant covers are a versatile solution for indoor gardening needs. They can protect your plants from harsh weather conditions, pests, and other potential troubles. Here are some ways plant covers can help you with your indoor gardening needs:
By using plant covers, you can ensure that your indoor plants are well-protected and healthy.
Another interesting products
What Are The Different Types Of Plant Covers Available?
There are several types of plant covers available to protect your plants from different weather conditions and pests. Here are some of the most common types:
- Row covers: There are two types of row covers: fleece and plastic. Fleece covers help insulate frost-sensitive plants, while plastic covers are better for areas with very cold climates.
- Plant protectors: These are lightweight covers that protect individual plants from pests and harsh weather conditions.
- Shade cloth: This type of cover protects plants from sun and frost.
- Plant pot soil covers: These covers repel cats from plants and protect indoor plants.
- Tree freeze blankets: These blankets protect plants from freezing temperatures.
- Garden netting: This type of cover keeps plants strong and healthy by protecting them from pests and other potential troubles.
Plant covers are made from a range of materials, and many come in different sizes. Some plant covers protect individual plants while others protect multiple plants at the same time. It is important to choose the right type of plant cover for your specific needs to ensure maximum protection for your plants.
