As a market gardener, maximising your growing season is crucial for profitability and crop diversity. One of the most effective and economical tools at your disposal is horticultural fleece.
This versatile material can help you protect your crops from the cold, extend your growing season, and even improve your yields. In this blog post, we'll explore how to use horticultural fleece effectively in your market garden, ensuring that you make the most out of every growing opportunity.
What is Horticultural Fleece?
Horticultural fleece is a lightweight, non-woven fabric made from polypropylene. It is designed to cover plants, offering protection from frost, wind, pests, and other environmental challenges. This material allows light, air, and moisture to reach your plants while creating a microclimate that is a few degrees warmer than the ambient temperature.
You can find high-quality horticultural fleece and other plant protection products on our Plant Support & Netting page.
Why Use Horticultural Fleece?
Market gardeners often face the challenge of weather fluctuations, which can shorten the growing season or damage crops. By using horticultural fleece, you can mitigate these risks in several ways:
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Frost Protection: Late spring and early autumn frosts can be devastating, especially for tender crops. Horticultural fleece provides a protective barrier that can shield plants from temperatures dropping to as low as -3°C, extending your growing season by weeks or even months.
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Pest Control: The fleece acts as a physical barrier against insects and other pests, reducing the need for chemical interventions. It is particularly effective against aphids, cabbage root flies, and carrot flies, which can be a significant issue in market gardens.
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Wind and Weather Protection: Strong winds and heavy rains can damage young plants and seedlings. The fleece helps to buffer against these elements, ensuring that your crops grow in a more stable environment.
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Enhanced Growth: The microclimate created under the fleece encourages faster growth, as the slightly warmer and more humid conditions are ideal for many crops. This can result in earlier harvests, giving you a competitive edge in the market.
How to Use Horticultural Fleece in Your Market Garden
Now that you understand the benefits, let’s delve into the practical aspects of using horticultural fleece.
1. Preparation and Installation
Before installing horticultural fleece, ensure your soil is well-prepared. The fleece should be laid directly over your crops, with the edges secured to prevent it from blowing away. You can use soil, stones, or pegs to anchor the edges. Make sure the fleece is loose enough to accommodate plant growth but taut enough to avoid contact with the plants, which can lead to frost damage.
For row crops, you might want to consider using wire hoops to create a tunnel. This method not only provides better protection but also allows for easier access when tending to your plants.
2. Timing and Application
Timing is crucial when using horticultural fleece. Early in the spring, fleece can be applied as soon as seeds are sown or seedlings are transplanted. This early application can help to warm the soil, promoting faster germination and growth.
In autumn, apply the fleece as the temperatures start to drop, ensuring your late-season crops continue to thrive. Remember, the goal is to keep the fleece on until the danger of frost has passed or until you are ready to harvest.
3. Maintenance and Monitoring
Once the fleece is in place, it requires minimal maintenance. However, regular checks are essential. Ensure the fleece remains securely anchored and check underneath for any signs of pests or disease. If the fleece becomes damaged, it should be repaired or replaced to maintain its protective qualities.
It’s also important to remove the fleece periodically to allow for weeding, watering, and fertilising. While the fleece does allow some moisture to pass through, additional watering may be necessary during dry spells.
4. Removing and Storing the Fleece
When the risk of frost has passed and the weather stabilises, it's time to remove the fleece. Do this carefully to avoid damaging the plants. Once removed, the fleece should be dried if it’s wet and then stored in a cool, dry place, ready for the next season. With proper care, horticultural fleece can be reused for several years, making it a cost-effective solution for market gardeners.
Choosing the Right Fleece
When selecting horticultural fleece, it's important to consider the thickness, which is measured in grams per square metre (gsm). A thicker fleece (30gsm or higher) provides better insulation and durability, making it ideal for early spring and late autumn use. Lighter fleece (17gsm) is more suitable for pest control during the warmer months.
At REAG Tools, we offer a range of high-quality horticultural fleece that is durable and effective. Visit our Plant Support & Netting page to explore our products and find the right fleece for your needs.
Horticultural fleece is an indispensable tool for market gardeners looking to extend their growing season and protect their crops. By understanding how to use this material effectively, you can enjoy earlier harvests, better yields, and a more resilient garden. Whether you're battling frost, pests, or unpredictable weather, horticultural fleece provides a simple yet powerful solution to keep your market garden thriving all year round. Don't miss out on this essential tool – check out our selection on the REAG Tools website today.