Greenhouse toppers at Aldi fit SFG

PVC pipe is no longer cheap for covering frames. This is our temp solution.

This week's "Aldi Find" is a greenhouse cover (in our area at least).
Sale started yesterday.
$19.99 about 3ft by 2ft, just under... photo at
https://www.aldi.us/en/weekly-specials/this-weeks-aldi-finds/this-weeks-aldi-finds-detail/ps/p/gardenline-mini-drop-over-greenhouse-1/

Standard greenhouse cover. 

This just fits two rows of 3 squares, placed in either direction on our 3 x 4 garden.
So two of them would cover a whole bed, or with mindful planting...
one can cover only the north or south half of a bed for pests,
while leaving the others open for pollinators. 

Actually, we planted green beans on both the north and one
side of two of our beds, with an arch between them.  Tried one of these
this morning and the beans left a 2x3 square that just fits this frame.

I figure it'll provide a frame for tulle for now, and maybe some extended season
with it's own cover.  Fits pretty compactly in its own little drawstring bag when not in use.

Some members have used these.  How much are replacement plastic covers?  How are they held in place during strong wind events?  Any comments or endorsements from those who do or have used them?

In CA, I can make a 2' x 4' ID gable frame for $17.84 plus tax.  Two (2) 10-foot 1/2" pipes, four (4) 45* elbows and two (2) 3-way fittings.  One does have to have a hack saw to cut the pieces, whereas the kit is pre-measured.



Winter bridal tulle Secured with large and small binder clips.  I buy the 108" width, as I would rather trim than piece together. For hard freeze protection I use 4 mil plastic, pre-cut, labeled and stored for quick use.

sanderson wrote: One does have to have a hack saw to cut the pieces, whereas the kit is pre-measured.

Years ago I bought a PVC pipe cutter, similar to the link below. It works much fast, better, and cleaner than a hacksaw, while keeping the edges smooth.   

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-1-1-4-in-PVC-Cutter/1002600024

OhioGardener wrote:

sanderson wrote: One does have to have a hack saw to cut the pieces, whereas the kit is pre-measured.

Years ago I bought a PVC pipe cutter, similar to the link below. It works much fast, better, and cleaner than a hacksaw, while keeping the edges smooth.   

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-1-1-4-in-PVC-Cutter/1002600024

I use one just like that also.  Works perfect

Oh, man, I could have used one.  Lots and lots of cutting.

sanderson wrote:Oh, man, I could have used one.  Lots and lots of cutting.

Yes, you could have!  That is a lot of cutting! 

I think my reply from my phone was lost -- often happens.  This is the first I've gotten back to a desktop computer. 

I appreciate the suggestion of making the frames out of pvc pipe.  I'm a real DIY'er and normally I'd do that. But for the increased cost of pvc pipe here nowadays, $19.99 for this Aldi frame,  vs $17+ DIY, and it already has a cover for Fall to extend the season...  I need to save time right now.  We bought some more of these. They just were not that expensive. I can look at building better frames later when I decide how big/where I need them. 

Also, there might be an advantage with being able to either put two frames in one of my beds to cover all 3x4 squares, or only covering half of the squares in one bed.