Best covering for a hoop frame

1orangething 10/6/2011, 9:24 am

I just added a new bed w/ hoop frames. What is the best material to use for potential frost or to use as shade? I live in zone 9a:?:

**sfgteachers** 10/6/2011, 9:51 am

I just put light blankets on my vegies last night. For shade you can buy an actual shade cloth from a nursery.

BackyardBirdGardner 10/6/2011, 10:01 am

There are so many things you can use. It all depends on your purpose.

- For frost, just about anything will do.
- For freeze, you may need two layers of plastic/bubble wrap with an "air cushion" in between. If the layers touch, they act as a single layer. When done correctly, this really helps.
- For critters, netting will do.
- For shade, you can likely find shadecloth, as already mentioned.

Most of us use contractor's plastic (found near painting dropcloths in hardware stores). The thicker the better....look for 6mm plastic. If you are continuing to keep things covered during daylight hours, buy the clearest plastic you can find. Even the clear plastic cuts sunshine intensity to plant leaves even though it really heats things up inside.

Hope that helps.

1orangething 10/6/2011, 11:33 pm

Thank you Backyard Bird Gardner for the advice. I will probally go w/ 6 mil from HD

We don't get many chances for a freeze where my beds are hopefully sheltered !!

I will be hitting up goodwill for some old sheets in case of frost Thanks:)

1orangething 10/6/2011, 11:36 pm

Thank you sqfteachers for advice on how to protect my precious SFG !

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Best covering for a hoop frame