Ground cover and low tunnels help growers transition between seasons with ease. Gardeners can prepare for late cold snaps and early heat waves that would otherwise devastate their crops.
Fortunately, ground cover and low tunnels make it easier to manage these changes, as well as offer other benefits. Growers can extend their growing seasons for warm or cool season crops easily
Ground cover and low tunnels are available in multiple widths, lengths and thicknesses to suit a variety of needs. With properly secured edges and careful maintenance between seasons, many covers will last through two growing seasons.
Many growers live in climates that have at least one or to harsh weather months each year. Learn about the types of protection available for your crops and plants and protect your investments year round.
Ground Cover for Heat Retention
If you need more time for warm season crops, plastic, heavy weight row covers will help to trap heat and maintain ground moisture levels. By trapping heat and moisture in the soil, plant roots will grow more quickly. This type of cover is also great for reducing weed growth by blocking the sunlight on the surface of the soil. Rolls of plastic ground cover, plastic mulch and paper mulch are all types of heat retaining covers.
Ground Cover for Heat Protection
Crops like lettuces, broccoli and squash need long-term protection from harsh heat. Growers can use low tunnels to achieve this protection. A low tunnel consists of a set of wire hoops that bend over the plants. Plastic sheeting is then placed over the hoops to filter out UV rays while still allowing proper air flow. Low tunnels are available with solid sheeting, or with slitted sheeting for more ventilation.
Your low tunnel hoops can also be covered with protective shade cloth. This adds another layer of protection for your most tender plants. Shade cloth can block up to 80% of the sun’s harsh UV rays creating a much cooler growing area. This is particularly great for seedlings and young plants that require more soil moisture to thrive.
Whatever your reason for using ground cover, we can help! Contact us at 1-800-531-4769 or visit www.GothicArchGreenhouses.com so we can assist you with your order