How much covering for hoops - my algebra is non-existent

I got the 1/2" x 10' PVC pipe for a couple of my 4 x 4's like the book suggests, putting the ends in the corners of the box. I can't do algebra so can't figure how big a cheesecloth to get to (or anything else) for the cover. I see that Lowe's has 2-sq. yards of cheesecloth in a package, which I know isn't enough because it has to go up to cover the hoops. My boxes are 4 x 4 and the hoops are 47" high measuring from the ground. Also, where can I get cheesecloth that big or do I have to sew some together? What have any of you done? I'll probably throw some blankets over them tonight for a little protection from the cold. I hope the blankets will be big enough. I don't have plastic. I can't believe it's May 17 and it's supposed to get to around 41 tonight. It's been about 45 and raining all day. I know they won't freeze but I don't want the growth of the seedlings and small plants that I just planted Sunday to slow down. Thank goodness I haven't planted them all yet. What didn't get planted I brought in the house.

Thanks for any help you can give me.

Bec, why are you using cheesecloth, is it for shade or pest protection?

If you are looking for pest prevention go to JoAnn Fabrics and try the bridal veil, tulle or illusion netting. (very fine holes)
You can buy that at 108 inches width (actually 9 feet wide). The price is $2.99 per yard, but they usually have a coupon available for 40% to 50% off of a single item.

Using the dome method, where your PVC is inserted in each inside corner of the box, 108 inch tulle works fine to go from front to back. I did cut my length at 4 yards, which is longer than necessary. 3 1/2 yards would have been long enough. so, 108 inch width and 3 1/2 yd length would be good and would cost about $10.50. If you have the discount coupons, about $5.25 to $6.50 for one cover.

Thanks Furbalsmom. I was looking for cheesecloth because that's what Mel said in his book for pest protection. But I'm open to whatever works that's the cheapest. Shade cloth is a possibility this summer - I don't know. I can also use them in the fall or early spring with heavy plastic for frost protection. But now I'm just thinking protection from bugs until the plants start blooming. I had an awful time with bugs last year without the domes.

Oh - and where would I get a hold of one of those 40% to 50% off coupons?

Joanne's usually keeps some extras at the registers. Ask. I've also gotten them in stuck in my bag when I make a regular purchase. Usually for the next sale date.

Also try Hancock Fabrics if there is one near you.

The 108" tulle is also what I'm using.

Kay

Thanks. We have a Hancock's but I don't think there is a Joanne's. I'll check it out. Thanks.

Oops - I just checked. We have both stores.

Bec,

Go to joann's website & sign up for their mailers the will e-mail you coupons. Also Joann's takes competitor's coupons. They take michael's and hobby lobby coupons. If you are buying fabric they won't take a michael's coupon because michael's does not sell fabric.

Margarita

Thanks.

Walshevak, did you agree with my suggested measurements?
I know you had several of your table tops covered, but you used the covered wagon shape instead of the dome shape. How do they compare for the amount of fabric required?

A lot more for my tabletops because the pvc was sitting on top of the bed edge and not down in the soil and were really high. More like 10 ft per.

The Pond beds at my son's house were also covered wagon style but the pvc sat down at the base of the beds and were not so high in the air. I used 5 ft for them.

But the tulle is working. Have not had to spray for any bugs YET. No promises for later in the year.

Next year I'm going to change the configuration and use less tulle.

Kay