![]() Of course, you could keep the crop covered for its entire life span, although this isn't a good option for crops that require insect pollination. Use floating row covers as temporary barriers to get plants past critical stages, such as when they are seedlings or while the pest you are deterring is most active. ![]() (Brag your love of gardening with the Organic Life 2018 Wall Calendar, featuring gorgeous photographs, cooking tips and recipes, plus how to eat more-and waste less-of what's in season.) Important: You must secure the edges of the row cover with soil, U-shaped pins (either commercial or homemade ones crafted from wire coat hangers), boards, bricks, or rocks. You cut it to the length you need, then drape it over metal hoops, attach it to wooden supporting frames, wrap it around wire tomato cages, or simply lay it directly on your crops like a blanket. The material is sold by the yard, generally in rolls 4 to 8 feet wide. The heavier reportedly traps more warmth and so is better for season extending. ![]() You can buy either lightweight or heavyweight types-you’ll want to use the lighter one for controlling pests in summer, because it will keep out bugs without cooking your plants. ![]() This translucent, white, porous polyester fabric acts as an insect barrier, while letting in up to 80 percent of the available light. ![]() Here are the major types of products you can buy and how to use them to your best advantage. This story originally appeared on Rodale’s Organic Life in December 2017. ![]()
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