What you'll need

• Garden hoops

  Hold row cover, netting, or shade cloth above the plants, so it never presses on the leaves.

  See it on Amazon: Garden hoops (opens a new tab)
• Floating row cover

  Light fabric that lets in sun and rain but keeps out bugs, and adds a few degrees on frosty nights.

  See it on Amazon: Floating row cover (opens a new tab)
• Row cover clips

  Clip covers to the hoops so wind can't tear them off. Open and close in a second when you need to get in.

  See it on Amazon: Row cover clips (opens a new tab)
• Garden staples

  U-shaped pins that hold down row cover edges, soaker hoses, and drip lines.

  See it on Amazon: Garden staples (opens a new tab)

Amazon links are affiliate links: we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.

You'll also need

• Bricks, rocks, or sandbags for windy spots

Steps

1. Push the hoops into the ground across the bed every 3 to 4 feet. The row cover should clear the tallest plants by a few inches.
2. Drape the row cover over the hoops, with at least a foot extra on each side and end.
3. Clip the cover to the hoops, then pin the long edges down with staples or weigh them with bricks.
4. Gather each end, twist it, and pin or weigh it down, so it closes like a candy wrapper.
5. To get in, unclip one side and fold it over the top.

Tips

• Lightweight cover is for bugs and adds a couple of degrees of frost protection. Heavier frost cloth adds more, but lets in less light.
• Uncover squash, cucumbers, and melons when they flower, so bees can reach them.
• On a sunny spring day, open the ends so plants don't overheat.

Use it in Planting Year

• Check your frost dates →

More projects

• Water on autopilot with soaker hoses An hour
• Build a cold frame An afternoon
• Put your pots on drip irrigation An hour or two