Ethan Clarke
Plastic covers are used in gardening to protect plants from extreme temperatures, pests, and other environmental factors. They are particularly useful for extending the growing season for warm-season crops such as cucumbers, snap beans, tomatoes, and sweet corn. In this article, we will explore the benefits of using plastic covers for vegetables and provide tips on how to choose and use the right type of plastic cover for your garden. We will also discuss the environmental implications of using plastic in gardening and explore alternative options, such as fabric covers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Extend and enhance the field growing season |
| Vegetables that benefit | Warm-season crops such as cucumbers, snap beans, tomatoes, sweet corn, zucchini squash |
| Cole crops (cabbages) and other vegetables suited for colder climates | |
| Benefits | Increase in yield, earliness of harvest |
| Types of covers | Plastic mulch, row covers, low tunnels, cloches, garden mesh, frost cloth, plastic tarps |
| Advantages | Increase in temperature, protection from wind, cold air temperatures, pests |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic mulch and row covers for vegetables
Plastic mulch and row covers can be used to grow a variety of vegetables, extending and enhancing the field-growing season. Warm-season crops such as cucumbers, snap beans, tomatoes, and sweet corn benefit the most from plastic mulch and row covers. Cole crops (cabbages) and other vegetables suited for cooler climates, such as broccoli, can also benefit, although the increase in yield and earliness may be less significant compared to warm-season crops. For example, cabbage and broccoli grown with plastic can be harvested about a week earlier, while zucchini squash yields can be two to five times greater and harvested 10 to 14 days earlier.
Row covers made of plastic are used to increase the temperature for seedlings and transplants, aiding their establishment. They can increase soil temperature by 3 to 6 degrees Celsius, depending on the type and design. Clear plastic is commonly used, and it may have perforations or slits to facilitate moisture and air circulation. Perforated plastic has small holes to provide ventilation, while another option is to use plastic with several slits instead of holes.
Plastic mulch and row covers also provide protection from cold temperatures, pests, and wind. They can help you start the growing season earlier in spring and extend it later into the fall, allowing you to harvest your vegetables earlier. Floating row covers, garden mesh, or even fabric can be used to protect vegetables from pests without resorting to chemical sprays. For larger pests, fencing or covers made of thicker nets can be employed.
Garden bed covers made of plastic are also used to protect vegetables from extreme temperatures, pests, and other environmental factors. These covers can be placed over raised garden beds to ensure the plants remain healthy and flourish for multiple years. Greenhouse plastic is a type of plastic sheeting that is UV-treated and thus more durable than other types of plastic sheeting. Shade cloth is another option for raised garden beds, used during hot weather to delay bolting in salad crops like arugula, lettuce, and spinach.
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Extending the growing season with plastic tunnels
Plastic tunnels, row covers, and mulches can effectively extend the growing season for vegetables, offering numerous benefits. Firstly, they increase the soil temperature by 3 to 6 degrees Celsius, providing a warmer environment for seedlings and transplants to establish themselves. This is particularly advantageous for warm-season crops, such as cucumbers, snap beans, tomatoes, and sweet corn.
Plastic tunnels also provide protection from cold air temperatures, pests, and wind, creating a microclimate that enables earlier planting and an extended growing season. For example, in Alaska, cabbage and broccoli grown with plastic can be harvested seven to ten days earlier, while zucchini squash yields can be two to five times greater.
To construct plastic tunnels, wire hoops are often used to support clear plastic strips, forming a small tunnel over the vegetable bed. Perforated plastic or slits in the plastic provide ventilation, ensuring adequate air circulation for the plants. This system is especially useful for frost protection during moderate frosts, with temperatures ranging from 28°F to 32°F.
Additionally, plastic tunnels can be employed during extreme heat to provide shade and protect plants from excessive sunlight. Gardeners can utilise various materials for row covers, including transparent polyethylene plastic film, shade cloth, or garden mesh, depending on their specific needs.
By utilising plastic tunnels, gardeners can enhance the growth and yield of their vegetables while also protecting their crops from environmental factors, ultimately extending the growing season and enjoying a more productive garden.
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Plastic protection from extreme temperatures
Plastic protection is an effective way to shield vegetables from extreme temperatures. Gardeners use plastic covers to protect their plants from the cold and heat, allowing them to extend their growing season.
Plastic row covers are a common method to increase the temperature around seedlings and transplants. They can increase soil temperature by 3 to 6 degrees Celsius, providing a warmer environment for plants to thrive. This is particularly beneficial for warm-season crops, such as cucumbers, snap beans, tomatoes, and sweet corn. For example, in Alaska, cucumbers grown with plastic mulch and row covers yielded eight times more than those grown in adjacent fields without plastic.
Plastic covers also provide insulation during colder months. In regions with frost, covering plants with plastic tarps or frost cloth helps protect them from freezing temperatures. For instance, vegetables like kale and cabbage, which are typically frost-hardy, benefit from being covered during severe frosts.
Additionally, plastic garden bed covers are used to protect raised garden beds from extreme temperatures. These covers come in various materials, including construction-grade films and UV-treated greenhouse plastic, which is designed to withstand sunlight without breaking down. Gardeners can choose from a range of pre-cut sizes or customise the plastic sheets to fit their specific needs.
The use of plastic protection allows gardeners to start planting earlier in the spring and continue later into the fall, providing a longer growing season for their vegetables. By utilising plastic covers, gardeners can better manage the impacts of extreme temperatures and improve the overall health and productivity of their gardens.
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Plastic covers for pest control
Plastic covers are an effective tool for pest control in vegetable gardens. They can be used to protect plants from insects and other pests, such as aphids, caterpillars, and beetles, without the need for chemical sprays. Floating row covers, garden mesh, or even fabric can be used to keep pests away from vegetables.
There are various types of plastic covers available, including clear plastic row covers and plastic garden bed sheets. Row covers are used to increase the temperature around seedlings and transplants, and they can also provide protection from wind, cold air temperatures, and pests. Wire hoops are often used to support the cover and form a small, low tunnel over the bed. With row covers, the soil temperature can increase by 3 to 6 degrees Celsius, depending on the type and design. Perforated plastic or plastic with slits can be used to provide ventilation and moisture circulation.
Garden bed covers are another option for pest control. These covers are typically used for raised garden beds and can protect against extreme temperatures, pests, and other environmental factors. Bird nets or chicken wire can be placed on top of the hoops to prevent damage from larger animals such as rabbits or deer. Greenhouse plastic is a common material for garden bed covers, as it is UV-treated and more durable than other types of plastic sheeting.
Plastic covers can also be used in combination with other materials for added protection. For example, a plastic tarp can be placed over old blankets or frost cloth to protect plants from frost damage. Additionally, in extreme heat or sunshine, garden covers can be used to provide shade and protect plants from excessive sunlight.
Overall, plastic covers are a simple and effective strategy for pest control in vegetable gardens. They can help protect plants from insects, extreme temperatures, and environmental factors, leading to a healthier and more productive garden.
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Pros and cons of plastic vs. fabric covers
Using row covers is a critical technology for many small farms, allowing them to continue operating and generating revenue during off-seasons. Row covers can be used to increase the temperature of the air and soil inside, extend the growing season, grow cool-weather crops, keep pest insects off plants, and improve seed germination.
When deciding between plastic and fabric row covers, there are several pros and cons to consider for each option.
Plastic Row Covers
Plastic row covers, typically made from clear polyethylene, offer several benefits. They can increase soil temperature by 3 to 6 degrees Celsius, provide protection from wind, cold air temperatures, and pests, and help retain soil moisture. Plastic covers are also durable, providing better weed suppression, and can be purchased at most hardware and home improvement stores.
However, there are some drawbacks to plastic row covers. They need to be continuously monitored and vented on sunny days to prevent excessive heat buildup, which can be detrimental to certain crops. Plastic covers may also become too brittle or "foggy" over time, reducing their effectiveness and optimal sunlight transmission.
Fabric Row Covers
Fabric row covers, on the other hand, are permeable to air and self-venting, eliminating the need for constant monitoring and venting. Fabric covers can last for several years before becoming worn out, and they are a good option for those who experience milder winters, with temperatures rarely dipping below 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
However, fabric row covers also have some potential disadvantages. They may not provide the same level of protection from pests and cold temperatures as plastic covers. Additionally, fabric covers can build up heat on sunny days, so they may need to be removed if the daytime high exceeds 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
In conclusion, both plastic and fabric row covers have their advantages and disadvantages. The best option depends on the grower's lifestyle, hardiness zone, the crops being grown, and the local climate. Experimentation with different combinations of row covers can help determine the most successful setup for a particular garden or farm.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic covers can help extend the growing season for vegetables by increasing soil temperature, protecting against wind, cold air temperatures, and pests. They can also help crops grow earlier and increase yields.
Warm-season crops such as cucumbers, snap beans, tomatoes, and sweet corn benefit from plastic covers. Cole crops (cabbages) and other vegetables suited for colder climates can also benefit, though the impact may be less significant.
Plastic covers should be in continuous contact with the soil to facilitate effective heat transfer. Wire hoops are often used to support the cover and form a small, low tunnel over the bed. Various types of plastic covers are available, including transparent polyethylene plastic film, perforated plastic, and polyethylene covers with slits.
