One effective method to prevent hail damage to low growing plants is by using row covers. These covers act as a protective barrier against hail, slowing down or even stopping the impact from reaching the plants. By employing this technique, you can minimize the potential damage caused by hailstorms.
Row covers made from materials such as Agribon or Tufflite are commonly used in gardening to safeguard plants from various threats, including hail. These covers are lightweight and allow sunlight, air, and water to reach the plants while providing a shield against hailstones. When properly secured over the plants, they create a barrier that absorbs the impact of hail, reducing its damaging effects.
It is important to note that while row covers offer reliable protection, they may not be completely impervious to large or prolonged hail. In such extreme cases, hailstones can potentially rip through the cover and cause some damage to the plants beneath. However, even when the hail breaks through the cover, the resulting impact will be less severe compared to not using any protection at all.
To maximize the effectiveness of row covers in preventing hail damage, it is crucial to ensure they are securely fastened over the plants. This can be achieved by using stakes or weights to anchor the covers to the ground, preventing them from blowing away during strong winds or being displaced by the hail itself.
In my personal experience, I have found row covers to be highly effective in protecting low growing plants from hail damage. During a severe hailstorm, my vegetable garden was spared from significant harm due to the row covers I had in place. Although some hailstones managed to break through the cover, the overall impact on the plants was significantly reduced, allowing them to recover more quickly.
In addition to using row covers, there are a few other measures you can take to further minimize the risk of hail damage to your plants. One such approach is to strategically position your garden in a location that offers natural protection, such as near a wall, fence, or tall trees. These structures can act as a barrier, reducing the intensity of hail impact.
Furthermore, if you have the option, consider planting low growing plants in areas with overhead coverage, such as under trees or in a greenhouse. This provides an extra layer of protection against hail and other potential hazards.
To summarize, using row covers is a practical and effective method to prevent hail damage to low growing plants. While they may not be completely impervious to large or prolonged hail, row covers significantly reduce the impact and allow plants to recover more quickly. By securely fastening the covers and considering additional protective measures, you can further enhance the resilience of your plants against hailstorms.
