In agricultural use, a row cover is a transparent or semitransparent material that is used over crops (typically vegetables) for a variety of purposes. As an integrated pest management tool, row covers act as a physical barrier that prevents the movement of pests such as insects, birds, and mammals, to host plants. This form of management is popular in organic production to avoid chemical application. Row covers are also used to shield crops from environmental factors like cold or hot temperatures, and wind. Commonly used methods of application include floating row covers, hoop-supported row covers (also called low tunnels), and plastic-covered trenches. This fact sheet reviews materials, construction, pest prevention, maintenance, and the advantages and disadvantages of row covers

Volesky, Nick

Wagner, Katherine

English

DigitalCommons@USU

Published by Utah State University Extension and Utah Plant Pest Diagnostic Laboratory November 2020IPM-020-20-PRRow CoversNick Volesky, Vegetable IPM Associate • Katie Wagner, Horticulture Extension Agent (Salt Lake County)What You Should Know• Row covers provide both frost protection anda form of mechanical control within integratedpest management.• Row covers are generally made of spunbond ornetted synthetic materials, such as polyethylene,polyester, or polypropylene.• Support row covers by hoop structures or bylaying directly over the tops of crops needingprotection.• For effectiveness, coordinate applying rowcovers with the targeted pest’s life cycle and thegrowth stage of the crop. MATERIALSIn agricultural use, a row cover is a transparent or semitransparent material that is used over crops (typically vegetables) for a variety of purposes (Fig. 1). As an integrated pest management tool, row covers act as a physical barrier that prevents the movement of pests such as insects (Table 2), birds, and mammals, to host plants. This form of management is popular in organic production to avoid chemical application. Row covers are also used to shield crops from environmental factors like cold or hot temperatures (Table 1), and wind. Commonly used methods of application include floating row covers, hoop-supported row covers (also called low tunnels), and plastic-covered trenches.Row covers are generally made of polyester, polypropylene, or polyethylene (poly). Polyethylene may be clear or pigmented and either stretched across a trench or supported by hoops (Fig. 2). Row covers may be vented or unvented. Lightweight materials are effective as an insect barrier starting in late spring. Other fabrics that are heavier in weight are used to extend the growing season by protecting the crop from early or late frosts. All materials are fabric-like and generally spun-bonded or nonwoven (Fig. 2). Both may be left to lay on the surface of the soil or can be supported by wire hoops (Fig. 3). A few common brands of the spunbond fabrics include Agribon® and Reemay®. Lightweight row covers tend to rip easily, and thus, have a short life span (up to a few months). Woven materials include thicker fabric or a plastic mesh. For example, the Proteknet brand of mesh is available in six grades ranging in sizes from 0.85 mm2 to 0.85 mm x 1.4 mm. Select the mesh grade to ensure the target pest cannot pass through the material. Plastic-covered trenches allow for early seeding and plant growth and provide some frost protection (Fig. 5). Polyethylene is generally stretched across a trench about 7 inches deep. Use a mechanical mulch layer attachment to lay the plastic and mound the soil along the edges of the bed to keep the plastic in place. Fig. 1.  Row covers, a mechanical control method for pest management, being used for commercial flower production in Salt Lake County, Utah.Fig. 2.  Materials used in row cover construction.Page 2UPPDL, 5305 Old Main Hill, Logan UT 84322, utahpests.usu.edu Row covers may be purchased online through garden supply and seed companies or at some selected garden centers. When selecting the support structure for row covers, consider whether it will be used for a single season or multiple uses. Options include 3/4-inch bendable PVC, metal hoops, or small wire hoops (Fig. 3).Characteristics Lightweight material Mediumweight material Heavyweight materialWeight 0.45 oz/yd2 0.50 – 0.55 oz/yd2 0.90 – 2.0 oz/yd2Light transmission 90% 85% 30% – 50%Frost protection --- 28°F 24°F – 28°FSpecies0.0138 in.² (0.35 mm²)0.0335 in.² (0.85 mm²)0.05 in. X 0.07 in.  (1.2 mm X 1.9 mm)0.19 in. X 0.12 in. (5 mm X 3 mm)Aphids XFlea beetles XLacewings X X XLadybugs X X XLeafhopper X XLygus bugs X X XMoths X X X XRoot maggot flies X X XStink bugs X X X XSpider mites XSquash bugs X X X XThrips XWhitefly XTable 1. Row Covers Vary in Weight, Light Transmission, and Heat RetentionTable 2. Insects Excluded From Various Insect Netting Mesh Opening Sizes (Adapted from Proteknet Insect Netting brochure)Fig. 3.  Row cover constructed with metal hoops and insect netting.Fig. 4.  Spunbond material laid directly on crops for insect protection.Fig. 5.  Plastic-covered rows trenches.Page 3UPPDL, 5305 Old Main Hill, Logan UT 84322, utahpests.usu.edu CONSTRUCTIONWhen constructing row covers, first decide which crops to cover. Then, identify the purpose of the cover. For insect exclusion, be aware that timing is important. Understand when the pests can be most destructive to the crops and plan to leave the covers up for that duration of time. Also consider crop growth timing and size for the height of the row cover (Table 3). Next, decide the length and width of row cover you will need. Remember, you will need enough row cover to reach and cover both ends of the row. The structure can be built over existing beds and rows with plastic mulch and drip line. First, install the PVC, metal, or wire hoops, then lay the cover over the frame and secure with binder clips (Fig. 6). Completely cover the crop on all sides. Cut row covers easily to size using scissors. Allow extra room for crop growth. Finally, secure the row cover edges with soil, rocks, or other heavy objects (Fig. 7). Shovel soil or place large rocks every 3 feet or so along each side of the row cover to exclude insect pests and to keep the wind from lifting the cover. Landscape staples are available to help secure row covers along the edges; however, they have the potential to tear the row cover.PEST PREVENTIONTo effectively protect crops from insect pests, lay the row cover over the plants before pests are evident in the area (Fig. 8). It is critical to protect seedlings in early spring when most adult pests become active and again in late July and early August. Inspect seedlings prior to transplanting to ensure there are no insects in the soil or on the transplants. Also, rotate crops by family to avoid laying row covers over plants where eggs may have been laid the previous year. Regularly check under the row cover for pest problems. If pests are found, treat infested plants with an approved insecticide, or remove and discard the infested plant material.MAINTENANCEWeeds grow quickly under row covers; therefore, weed barriers may be helpful. Another option is to occasionally pull back covers to hoe and hand-pull weeds. If not using drip irrigation, lift the row covers to allow watering. Deer and other animals can damage row covers, so it may be necessary to set up fences to keep them away from covered plants. Clean row covers may last longer since soil particles can abrade and tear these covers. Row covers can be hosed down with water to clean, but it is important to let them dry completely. Store row covers indoors in plastic bags or containers. Mice may nest in row covers if left in sheds, barns, or garages.Fig. 6.  Ensure length and height of row covers will accommodate plants for intended duration of their growth.Fig. 7.  Secure row covers with heavy objects like bricks or sand bags.Fig. 8.  Excluding an armyworm by using insect netting. Page 4UPPDL, 5305 Old Main Hill, Logan UT 84322, utahpests.usu.edu Family Crop When to cover When to remove Pests preventedSolanaceae: nightshade familyTomato Pepper Eggplant• Upright, warm-season crops.• Cover when transplanted.• Remove cover when plantsbegin to flower.• Tomato and pepper will abortflowers to some degree whendaytime temperatures top 90ºF.• Temperatures under the covermay be 5º-15ºF higher.• Reducing the air movementneeded for pollination may alsocontribute to reduced fruit set.• Disease problems may beworse if covers are left in placethrough the summer monthsbecause of increased humidityand reduced air movement.• Spring: flea beetles, cutworms, Colorado potato beetle, aphids.• Use frame to raise the cover above the plants. Floating row covers will speed the growth of these plants and protect them from damage.Cucurbitaceae: gourd familySummer squash Winter squash Cucumber Pumpkin Watermelon Muskmelons Cantaloupe• Warm season crops.• Cover when seeded ortransplanted.• Remove row cover onceplants begin to flower, thisallows insects to pollinateflowers and produce fruits.• Cucumber beetle, squash bug, aphids, grasshoppers, thrips, and sow bugs.Asteraceae:  sunflower familyLettuce• Cool-season crops.• Cover in March-Mayand mid-September to late November.• Row cover can be used for entire duration of leafy greens.• Significantly speeds the growth and increases the productivity of these crops.• Regularly check temperaturesunder the covers if these cropsare growing from mid-Junethrough August.• Rabbits, imported cabbageworm, cutworms, cabbage aphids, flea beetles, leafminers, diamondback cabbage moth, cabbage looper, cabbage maggot, and armyworms.Chenopodiaceae: goosefoot familySpinachBrassicaceae: mustard familyArugula Radish Broccoli Cabbage CauliflowerApiaceae: parsley familyCarrotFabaceae:  pea or bean familySnap BeansBrassicaceaeMustards Kales Collards• Cover when seeded ortransplanted.• Row covers offer a strongstart and protect against earlyor late frost.• Grow through the hottest partof the growing season. It maybe necessary to remove thecovers by mid-June to preventheat build-up and diseaseproblems.• Row covers can becomedifficult to use when these cropsget tall.• Rabbits, aphids, Colorado potato beetle, cutworms, flea beetles, potato psyllid, wireworm (click beetles), cabbageworm, cabbage moth, cabbage looper, and armyworms.ChenopodiaceaeSwiss Chard BeetsSolanaceae PotatoFabaceae:  pea or bean familyPole BeansTable 3. Row Cover Recommendations for Various Vegetables (Information adapted from University of Maryland Extension)Page 5UPPDL, 5305 Old Main Hill, Logan UT 84322, utahpests.usu.edu Constructing an A-Frame Row Cover (Instructions from University of Maryland Extension) For a raised bed: 3 feet wide x 8 feet long x 4 feet high.1. Drive a 6-foot metal fence post 2 feet into the ground at either end of the raised bed and connect the posts with a piece of wire.2. Fasten pieces of wire from the top of each post to the corners of the raised bed to create the “A” and provide support for the row cover.3. Cut a 12-foot x 10-foot piece of row cover and drape it over the top wire and pull the excess fabric around to close off the ends.4. The top of the wire is 4 feet from the ground so you can drive plant support stakes next to each plant directly below the row cover. Secure the row cover with sod pins or boards.5. Alter dimensions and construction techniques to accommodate specific situations. Cut costs by reusing and recycling materials around your home. The useful life of PVC pipe and rebar is at least 10 years.6. Build a reusable frame from wood, PVC pipe, #9 wire, or other available materials to support floating row covers. This works well for single rows of tomato, pepper, and eggplant.Example: a 6-foot-wide roll can cover a 3-foot-wide plant bed, while providing enough room for seedlings to grow upright.Constructing a PVC Low Tunnel (Instructions from University of Maryland Extension)For a planting bed: 2 feet wide x 18 feet long (42 inches to top of hoops).1. Hammer ten, 2-foot-long pieces of 3/8-inch rebar, 10 inches into the ground along each side of the planting row.2. Drive the rebar 10-12 inches into the ground, leaving about 14 inches above ground, sliding the PVC down over the rebar. The five sets of rebar are there to support five PVC bows. To give the first and last plants a little extra room, add one foot to each end of the low tunnel. This gives a5-foot space between the first and second bows and the fourth and fifth bows, and 4-foot spacing between the second and third, and third and fourth bows.4. Cut ten, 10-foot-long pieces of 1/2-inch PVC water pipe into 8-foot-long pieces and insert them over the rebar to make five bows.5. Connect the bows at the top with stretchy clothesline and along each side with some nylon twine.6. Drive one stake next to each tomato or pepper plant for support and cover the tops with duct tape to prevent tearing of the row cover. The stakes should be no more than 40 inches above ground level. Cut and drape a piece of 22-foot-long X 10-foot-wide row cover over the frame, and secure it to the ground with sod pins.Fig. 9. Covers used for season extension in Weber County, Utah. Fig. 10. Covers used in kale production in Uintah County, Utah.Fig. 11. PVC low tunnels used for commercial leafy green production in Cache County, Utah.Fig. 12.  Row cover supported by wire hoops.Page 6UPPDL, 5305 Old Main Hill, Logan UT 84322, utahpests.usu.edu ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES• Frost protection. Heavier materials (spunbondedpolypropylene) provide better frost protection but willexclude more light. Use row covers on sensitive crops inthe fall for late frost protection (Fig. 13).• Early yields. Row covers can create a “greenhouseeffect” which warms the air surrounding the plant andthe soil temperatures. When combined with black plasticmulch, many crops may mature earlier than othergrowing practices.• Increased yields. Vegetables that tend to respond wellto row covers include cole crops, leafy greens, tomatoes,peppers, eggplant, and peas.• Pest control. Row covers exclude insect pests (Fig. 14).This leads to less insecticide use and fewer insect-vectored diseases. Row covers protect plants from birds.• Water conservation. Less irrigation may be requiredunder row covers since water collects as condensationon the inside of the cover and returns to the soil. Lesscrusting occurs since wind movement and waterevaporation are reduced. However, overall water usemay increase since crop growth is earlier and greaterand occurs over a longer period of time.• Cost. Row cover costs depend on the crop, row spacing, and row cover material. The costs for the additional labor may be significant.• Wind. Depending on location and construction of the row covers, wind may cause tears in the material or lift and carry away row covers (Fig. 15).• Pests. Even though row covers are used to exclude insects, any insects that manage to enter the covered area can reproduce rapidly in the protected enviornment. Weeds may also grow well, therefore row covers should be pulled back often for hand weeding.• Labor. Row covers require more labor earlier in the season than traditional production methods (Fig. 16)-- especially when removed to weed, apply pesticides, or allow for pollination.Fig. 13. Row covers used for frost protection.Fig. 14.  Excluding an adult squash bug with insect netting. Fig. 15.  Row covers blown away by wind in Davis County, Utah.Fig. 16. Setting up row covers in a commercial field in Summit County, Utah.Precautionary Statement:  Utah State University Extension and its employees are not responsible for the use, misuse, or damage caused by application or misapplication of products or information mentioned in this document.  All pesticides are labeled with ingredients, instructions, and risks.  The pesticide applicator is legally responsible for proper use.  USU makes no endorsement of the products listed herein.In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law. The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regula-tions and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies: Executive Director of the Office of Equity, Alison Adams-Perlac, alison.adams-perlac@usu.edu, Title IX Coordinator, Hilary Renshaw, hilary. renshaw@usu.edu, Old Main Rm. 161, 435-797-1266. For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit equity.usu.edu,or contact: U.S. Department of Education, Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 800-421-3481, ocr@ed.gov or U.S. Department of Education, Denver Regional Office, 303-844-5695 ocr.denver@ed.gov. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Kenneth L. White, Vice President for Extension and Agriculture, Utah State University.REFERENCES AND FURTHER READINGDaughtry, M., & Gaster, R. (2020, May 12). Row covers for garden defense. North Carolina State University Extension. https://lee.ces.ncsu.edu/2020/05/row-covers-for-garden-defense/Mahr. S. (2010, March 26). Floating row covers. University of Wisconsin Extension Master Gardener Program. https://wimastergardener.org/article/floating-row-cover/Nair, A. (2014 ,January 27). Lettuce season extension with row covers. Iowa State University Extension. https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=WELQ2Bbn4k8&feature=emb_logoParker, J., Miles, C., Murray., T., & Snyder, W. (2012). How to install a floating row cover. Washington State University Extension. s3.wp.wsu.edu/uploads/sites/2071/2014/04/Install-a-Floating-Row-Cover-FS089E.pdfToscano, K. (2013 ,May 22). Constructing row covers. Oklahoma State University Extension. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vI_BNPqyv4ETraunfeld, J. (2014). Floating row cover: An organic gardening tool that improves plant growth and excludes pests. University of Maryland Extension. https://extension.umd.edu/sites/extension.umd.edu/files/_docs/programs/hgic/HGIC_ Pubs/Edibles/GE004_2018_Floating_Row_Cover.pdfTrimble, J., & Volesky, N. (2020, June 11). Mechanical control: Row covers. Foodscaping Utah and Utah State University Extension. https://www.facebook.com/247917008631142/videos/1563699230456124Volesky, N. (2019, July). Your guide to row cover installation. Utah Pests Quarterly. Utah State University Extension. https://utahpests.usu.edu/files/up-newsletter/2019/UtahPestsNews-summer19-2.pdfVolesky, N. (2020, June 5). How to make row covers to protect your plants from pests. Utah State University Extension. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LS2HWl3VnY4Walker, S., & Dickerson, G. (2019, October). Row cover vegetable production techniques. New Mexico State University Extension. https://aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/_h//H251/welcome.htmlFIGURE PHOTO CREDITS1 Amanda Theobald, SLC Top Crops2, 6 Dennis Hinkamp, Utah State University Extension3, 4, 8, 14 Nick Volesky, Utah State University Extension5, 13 Utah State University Extension7, 12. 16 Ranui Gardens9 John Trimble, Foodscaping Utah10 Mason Taggart, Heritage Family Gardens11 Penny Trinca, First Frost Farms15 Andrew Swain, Utah Agricultural Experiment StationSOURCES FOR ROW COVER MATERIALSRow Covers and Accessories (Johnny’s Selected Seeds) Row Covers for Growers (Harris Seeds)Floating Row Covers (Arbico Organics)Garden Fabric (Row Covers) (Gardener’s Supply Company)Row Covers & Frost Blankets (Grower's Supply)

Row Covers

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Row Covers

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