Row cover and shade cloth are not the same. While both are used in gardening to provide protection to plants, they serve different purposes and have different characteristics.
Row cover, also known as floating row cover or frost blanket, is a lightweight fabric made from spunbonded polypropylene or polyester. It is mainly used to protect plants from frost, insect pests, and harsh weather conditions. The fabric allows sunlight, air, and water to penetrate while creating a barrier against pests and extreme temperatures. Row cover is typically laid directly on top of plants and can be anchored with rocks or soil to prevent it from blowing away.
On the other hand, shade cloth is specifically designed to provide shade and reduce the amount of sunlight reaching plants. It is made from a durable nylon mesh material and is available in different weaves that offer varying degrees of shade. Shade cloth is commonly used in areas with intense sunlight or during hot summer months to protect plants from excessive heat and sunburn. Unlike row cover, shade cloth is too heavy to lay directly on top of plants and needs to be supported.
To support shade cloth, you can use PVC pipes. PVC pipes are inexpensive and easy to work with. You can create a simple frame using PVC pipes and fittings to hold the shade cloth above the plants. The size and design of the frame will depend on the specific area you need to shade and the height at which you want the shade cloth to be positioned.
Personally, I have used shade cloth in my garden to protect delicate plants from scorching sunlight. In the peak of summer, when the sun’s rays can be intense, I found that certain plants were suffering from sunburn and heat stress. By installing a shade cloth frame using PVC pipes, I was able to provide the necessary shade and reduce the temperature around the plants. This helped them thrive and continue to grow without the risk of damage from excessive sun exposure.
Row cover and shade cloth are not the same. Row cover is a lightweight fabric used for frost protection and pest control, while shade cloth is a heavier nylon mesh used to provide shade and reduce sunlight. Shade cloth can be supported using PVC pipes to create a frame above plants.
