Harvest Guard Protective Covers are a convenient and easy way to protect smaller gardens from cold temperatures in the fall and winter. The Protective Covers, sometimes called "garden blankets", protect foliage and fruit from insect and bird damage in the spring and summer. These lightweight covers are excellent for seed starting and increase germination rates by trapping heat and moisture. The 1.6 oz. reemay fabric makes the Protective Covers effective in any plant hardiness zone.
These covers are extremely helpful when planting seedlings in difficult areas such as hillsides and slopes. Protective Covers diffuse sunlight, reduce ambient temperatures, maintain humidity levels and limit adult pest encroachment. The combination of these benefits reduces plant stressors, allows normal plant development to occur and helps limit inputs from the grower.
The Harvest Guard Plant Protection Bag provides similar protection from weather and keeps pests off plants by wrapping the canopy loosely. The easy-to-use drawstring provides adjustable closure for a custom fit and helps keep the cover closed in brisk winds. It is ideal for use on shrubs and small trees.
Directions for use:
Harvest Guard Protective Covers (floating row covers) provide protection from frost in the early season or in the fall to temperatures as low as 29° F (26° F if you use a double layer). They are also excellent for use in protecting seedlings or to support early seed germination in spring, summer or fall.
Protecting Plants from Cold Temperatures:
Harvest Guard Protective Covers are flat and you will need to straighten them before use. Simply drape loosely over the area that needs protection. Allow plenty of slack for plants that grow upright. Use stakes, nails, clothes pins to keep the product in place during windy conditions. To shield the seeded plot or plants from wind, secure the cover every 6-8 ft. using stakes, nails, rocks, etc. If you use pegs or nails, double the fabric before securing. Try our Biodegradable Ground Stakes!
For Seedlings and Seed Germination:
Harvest Guard retains warmth and moisture while venting excess heat, which increases and speeds seed germination. Keep the Harvest Guard in place for a minimum of 3 to 4 weeks is recommended for increased crop benefits. It may stay in place longer, but one should remove Harvest Guard periodically during blossom-time when plants need to be pollinated. Remove the cover from tomatoes and peppers, etc., when mid-day temperatures consistently reach 80° F or higher.
To Protect your Garden from Insect, Bird or Animal Damage:
Secure the edges thoroughly after wrapping or placing the protective cover. There are many ways to ensure a complete seal around the plants, one option is to bury all edges 2-4 inches under the soil on each side. Tamp the soil down to secure Harvest Guard. If easy access is required, substitute lengths of lumber (like 2"x4"s) to weigh down the sides of the cover on 3 sides; the 4th side should be buried.
To use Harvest Guard for Germinating Grass Seed:
In the spring or fall, whether for new lawns or spot seeding; apply the seeds as recommended. Spread the Harvest Guard Protective Cover evenly over the area, but do not stretch it tight. Secure it every 6-8 ft, (as above) and water thoroughly through the cover. Keep the soil moist for 5-7 days. To fertilize your new grass, after it has substantially germinated, use a hose-end sprayer to apply liquid or water-soluble fertilizer without removing the cover.
If your grass begins growing through the cover, gently lift it straight up to free the blades from the fabric. If the grass pulls up, stop and wait a week until the roots are more firmly established. The cover can be left on until the grass is several inches high. As with all plants, remove the cover altogether if the daytime temperatures reach 85° F.
Environment: Use outdoors to protect plants down to 29° F. Doubling the layers provides protection to 23° F.
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Harvest Guard Protective Cover
May 30, 2020 | By Jane Saliture
