Row cover
/roʊ ˈkʌvər/
Definition
Row cover is a lightweight sheet of fabric, plastic, or mesh placed over crops or seedbeds as a protective horticultural covering. It is usually laid directly on plants or supported by hoops, unlike greenhouse plastic fixed to a frame. Depending on the material, it reduces cold, wind, insect pressure, or excess sun while still allowing some light, air, and water to reach the plants.
Use in Gardening
- Season extension: row cover helps warm the air and soil around crops, which can support earlier planting and continued growth during cool weather.
- Insect exclusion: When edges are sealed, row cover can block common pests such as flea beetles, cabbage worms, and cucumber beetles before they reach leaves or stems.
- Pollination timing: On crops that need insect pollination, row cover is usually removed at flowering so bees and other pollinators can reach the blossoms.
- Light and moisture balance: Most row cover materials let light, air, and water pass through, so plants stay protected without creating the closed, humid conditions of solid plastic.
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