I purchased some row covers from Gardens Supply last year. I used some briefly last fall to extend the season in one raised bed. I am hoping to use them again this year to prevent infestation of my zucchini. If you have used them what feedback would give me about how to best use them. I have the smaller roles, in medium and light weight, but as I have a small space -2 raised beds and some containers, I'd like to use them as much as possible, as I have quite a bit leftover.
Tips for row covers with veggies?
Weight/thickness - thicker is less light more insulation, thick probably best for spring and fall nights only. Thinner is less insulation, more light. For an insect barrier during warm days, you want the least insulation possible.
You will need a simple method of battening down the edges that is wind tight, but easy to move when you need in there. Board(s)? Rebar?
Don't forget, your row cover will also exclude flying pollinators, and ants are a little sporadic at the job. You will need to hand pollinate.
Thanks both of you; good information. The board sounds easy, I may incorporate that.
I hadn't thought about the pollination. I have hand pollinated before, so thanks for the reminder.
http://www.johnnyseeds.com/p-5455-agribon-ag-15-118-x-50.aspx
I am using this Agribon on my zucchini.
It is very light and it is keeping all the bad insects away.
It is also very wide, so I can cover more area.
Most of my zucchini are parthenocarpic varieties , there is no need to pollinate ... but still I like to hand-pollinate the female flowers. I can easily see the yellow flowers on the inside
I do harvest the male to eat them in salads or to fry them.
Thank, that's exactly why I bought the stuff! I have had incredibly bad luck with zucchini; first mildew and the the dreaded squab borers. I have tried numerous treatments; all of which work a little, but frankly it's a race to bring in a megar harvest. I want to grow and harvest more.
Drthor, it looks like your zucchini is much closer together, how do you space them to start, and do you pick any specific varieties. Mine have sprawled, but I confess that lately I have been picking for mildew tolerant not compact.
This message was edited May 9, 2014 2:40 PM
martyr,
yes you are right ... closed together because I am a "squeezer" gardener.
It works for me so far. The stronger plants always seems to survive and produce.
I don't have much experience with zucchini varieties yet ... because the SVB always came and ate them !!!
So far I am very happy this year ... maybe I found a way to grow squash !
Oh me too, we'll have to compare notes after this harvest.
I am thinking since it's gotten so warm, and my peas just sprouted and I was only now able to get my beets, onions, and chard in a raised bed that the light weight would help shade them as it gets hotter so I can get some harvested before summer?
Drthor,
Which parthenocarpic varieties are you growing. I grew Partenon last summer in a pop up tent from Gardens Supply and had the best crop I have had in years. The Partenon just kept pumping out little squashes and no squash borers. I have used the row covers as well but find them more of a nuisance to open and close. They do work well for my lettuce, though, when it get s too hot. The pop up tents are also great for broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and Brussel sprouts as it also keeps out the cabbage moths so I have nice clean crops! They are tall enough to accommodate the Broccoli, which grew to 4 ft last summer.
I also like the light row covers to lay lightly on the ground when I plant peas, beans, carrots and lettuce as it protects them from birds and other critters when they first germinate.
I agree PARTENON is a great parthenocarpic variety. First to make fruit too.
I think the other variety is Sultan.
Johnny's is very good with parthenocarpic varieties
Oh I do love Johnny's seed, and so much information in the catalog! A big thumbs up - green that is!