Modern man is ready for any whims of nature. We have long learned to protect ourselves from both severe frosts and forty-degree heat. But our favourite seedlings in such conditions are much more difficult to survive. Therefore, our task is to come to their aid at the right time and use greenhouse covering. The best plant protection product is a greenhouse covering material. And if you want to appreciate all greenhouse materials benefits, then this article is for you.
Table of Contents
- Why do you need a greenhouse covering material
- How to choose a greenhouse covering material
- Types of greenhouse covering materials
- How to use the greenhouse covering material correctly
Why do you need a greenhouse covering material
Any experienced gardener will say that you should not count on an early and abundant harvest without greenhouse covering material. For decades, backyard owners have been helped out by plastic wrap. But, with all the advantages of the film, non-woven greenhouse covering material is much more popular today. Consider the main advantages of non-woven greenhouse covering material:
- It has a unique porous structure that allows air and moisture to pass through, maintain a good microclimate;
- Possesses excellent heat-saving properties;
- Protects from direct sunlight;
- When watering, you can not remove it from the garden;
- Unlike film coating, nonwoven fabric protects plants from sudden temperature fluctuations;
- The material is extremely durable. It contains an ultraviolet stabilizer. This allows you to increase its service life up to several seasons.
Next, I will talk in more detail about situations in which you cannot do without greenhouse covering material.
- The period of spring frosts. Spring is a wonderful but very moody season. Home-grown favorite seedlings have already been planted in the ground and suddenly there are frosts on the soil up to minus five. Surviving in such conditions is not an easy task. But only if we have not protected our plants in a timely manner. Almost weightless and translucent material can work wonders. It will perfectly keep warm and will not let the frost inside.
- Sharp changes in night and day temperatures will not ruin our seedlings if you use non-woven greenhouse covering material. On a cold night it will warm them, and on a sunny day it will protect them from burns.
- The moisture deficit on a hot day will not be so noticeable. The soil under the coating will not dry out for a long time, even in conditions of prolonged absence of watering.
- Excess sunlight. Sometimes plants really need shade. It is very easy to create it with a covering material. Sometimes it’s enough to just throw it on top. Although, if necessary, it can be easily fixed on arcs or in any other way.
- Weed and pest control. This is a unique property of the black greenhouse covering material. Spread on the ground, it will let moisture through, but will stop the sunlight. Without it, biochemical reactions cannot take place in the tissues of the weeds, and they will die very quickly. Pest insects will begin to experience difficulties with orientation in space and will stop reproducing.
- An excellent option to save time and effort. Although, of course, it is not worth covering the entire area with sheeting for greenhouse. The dark material will retain its UV-stabilising layer for two months before becoming ineffective.
Also Read: How to protect crops from birds 2020
How to choose a greenhouse covering material
The range of greenhouse sheeting material is wide enough. It differs:
- by density;
- by color.
White greenhouse sheeting covering material is bought much more often than black, and the most important parameter of the greenhouse sheeting covering material is its density.
- The thinnest and lightest white greenhouse material has a density of up to 30 g / m2. It is used to protect crops from spring frosts and abundant sunlight. They cover young seedlings, berries, flower beds. It is fixed around young seedlings of fruit trees.
- White linen sheets for greenhouse, with a density of 30-60 g / m2 will help protect fruit and ornamental crops in winter. If a canvas of this density is pulled over a frame made of arcs or a greenhouse, then the plants under such a shelter will be able to withstand frosts up to 10 degrees.
- Black sheeting for greenhouse is intended primarily for the destruction of weeds and pests. Its density is 50-60 g / m2. Most often, it is spread on garden strawberry plantations. Although, if desired, you can apply this method of weed control in vegetable beds, borders and garden paths.
- If necessary, you can find a yellow covering material. It is of interest to those who are involved in the cultivation of nightshades.
- Another option is a two-layer covering material. The bottom and top surfaces are not only painted in different colors, but also serve different purposes. The underside is painted black and serves as a mulch. The white, yellow or foil face reflects light. With its help, plants receive additional lighting.
The covering material is sold in rolls or packaged lengths. The width of the web in a roll varies from 1 to 6 meters. You choose the length yourself, based on your needs. The cut size is indicated on the package. The width can be from 0.8 to 3.2 m, and the length is up to 10 m.
Types of greenhouse covering materials
The most popular types of best greenhouse covering material today are:
- Spunbond. White or black material with a density of 20 to 60 gsm. White works well for protection from spring frost and summer shelter for shade-loving plants. Black is a reliable weed control. It has a very high puncture resistance.
- Agril. Designed specifically for weed control. The material is breathable, so the soil under it always remains loose and saturated with oxygen. The roots of cultivated plants retain access to nutrients. Used for mulching in strawberry and vegetable beds, protects plants from cold weather.
- Lutrasil. Performs the same functions as agril. Available in black and white. Density options are different.
- Geotextile. Versatile and very durable polyester fibre fabric. It is characterised not only by good covering properties, but also by a very long service life.
- Agrotex. Designed to kill weeds and pests. Has a perforated structure. Very lightweight. Resistant to temperature fluctuations. Available in black and yellow.
- Lumitex. Soft corrugated agricultural canvas, capable of reflecting harmful and transmitting beneficial rays of the sun to plants.
Also Read: Using Insecticides And Fungicides In The Garden
How to use the greenhouse covering material correctly
There are probably no special subtleties when using a sheeting for greenhouse in an open area. Strong, durable and easy to use. You just need to decide on the number of square meters required for your needs, and the density of the fabric. But if you decide to use it to cover the greenhouse, then you should pay attention to the following points:
- High density material is suitable for greenhouses and greenhouses. The reinforced version is best suited.
- It is better to fasten the covering material to a greenhouse made of plastic pipes with the help of special clamps (you can also use suitable clamps for water supply or office binders).
- The fit of the material to the frame should be tight enough so that the fabric does not strain in the wind and does not tear.
- It is better to remove the cover for the winter. This will extend its service life.
To the advantages of the covering material, you can also add much less harm to nature, which we inflict in the process of its disposal, in comparison with the film.
If you have not yet experienced this unique, versatile and at the same time very inexpensive material in your garden, do it. Your plants will certainly reward you with an early and abundant harvest.
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