Covering material for plant care: features of use

Spring is a busy time for all gardeners and summer residents. During this period, unexpected frosts often occur, requiring protection for young shoots. In addition to standard film, advanced devices are used for this purpose, preserving healthy vegetation in open ground. Any covering material will protect the garden bed from weeds and is suitable for mulching.

General concept

Spunbond is the name given to a manufacturing process for non-woven agrotextiles. The raw material is polypropylene, the threads of which are woven using various methods and secured to a special canvas. The finished surface retains small pores that allow sufficient moisture, air, and light to pass through.

The density of the resulting material directly depends on the method of thread fixation, and its properties, in turn, determine the material's intended use and its physical properties. Nonwoven covering material is sold in cones or covers, in sheets over 20 meters long, or in rolls. Regarding density, it is determined by the weight of propylene (grams) per 1 square meter:

1. The lightest and thinnest fabric weighs between 17 and 30 g/m². It can withstand temperatures down to -3 degrees Celsius, protecting plantings from light frosts, and is considered a temporary cover. However, with careful use, it can last for several seasons. This material is typically draped over the protected area of ​​the garden immediately after sowing. However, the height of the plants that will be growing must be taken into account. If working with crops that are not susceptible to pollination, they remain uncovered until harvest. Agrofibre is convenient. protect strawberries from freezing temperatures, securing its edges with available heavy objects. Fertilizing and watering are carried out through the cover, which remains dry.
2. A higher density material, with values ​​ranging from 30 to 42 g/m², can withstand temperatures down to -6 degrees Celsius and hail. This fabric is typically used to line unheated greenhouses and hotbeds. When winter arrives, the fabric should be removed and stored until the next season.
3. The most durable covering fabric is considered to be the 60 g/m² variety, commonly used for greenhouse protection. This type of cover, used year-round, is designed to withstand temperatures down to -10 degrees Celsius. This type of agrotextile is used for mulching paths and garden beds. In some cases, ants can nest under this material, but they don't cause any significant damage.

Benefits of using

Gardeners recently began using non-woven material, but it quickly gained widespread popularity due to its versatility. This is due to its breathable structure, which is lacking in conventional film.

High-density black agrofibre is the ideal option for preventing active weed growth. This eliminates the need for weeding, which is convenient when growing strawberries. In spring, the soil warms up quickly, and there's no need to loosen the top layer, as there's no dry crust to prevent air from reaching the roots. In winter, this covering material for plants:

• will help protect fragile plantings from severe frosts, performing the function of snow in nature;
• after heavy rains, the harvest remains completely clean and does not rot;
• The whiskers do not have time to take root and are easily removed.

The sprouts are placed in the soil through special slits in the material, which allow moisture to enter during watering. This method is suitable for mulching trees.

This prevents wood from rotting and decaying, allowing it to breathe properly. The plant is wrapped in several layers of cloth, or arches are constructed around it, and a protective device is stretched across them.

Low-density white covering material is suitable for protecting planted crops from spring frosts. It allows moisture and light to pass through easily, but does not provide a habitat for pests and insects. Earlier harvest ripening is observed. This material is used to cover heat-loving shrubs and grape clusters. A dense agrofibre with UV protection is also available and is used in greenhouses and hothouses.

Some materials with very high density serve as geotextiles in farming. They do not lose their properties during sudden temperature fluctuations and are non-toxic. As a result, experienced agronomists achieve high yields without the use of chemicals.

Polyethylene films

These materials have long been popular in the gardening industry. They are primarily affordable, but they don't last more than one season, as they deteriorate under sunlight. Manufacturers have gone further and improved these products by adding special stabilizers to the raw materials. Light-stabilized films are available in a variety of colors, which doesn't degrade their quality but merely determines the type of film. In practice, the following varieties are used:

1. EVA ethylene vinyl acetate coating has a shelf life of up to 5 years. It's easily recognizable by touch, resembling rubber, and offers increased elasticity and durability, excellent light and air permeability, and frost resistance.
2. Hydrophilic covering material for beds, distinguished by its characteristic blue color, provides UV protection. It contains components that prevent condensation. The resulting excess moisture, which could lead to rotting, simply runs off in streams across the surface.
3. The greenish-tinted film has heat-retaining properties, which is especially useful at night. The temperature under this coating is 5 degrees higher than the outside temperature.
4. Orange or red garden coverings have a unique ability to convert ultraviolet radiation into infrared, which has a beneficial effect on vegetative growth. This type of film is often used in northern latitudes where sunlight is scarce. This is due to the high scattering coefficient of the material.
5. A multilayer film protection with bubbles sealed between the layers and excellent heat retention. This provides enhanced thermal protection, essential in greenhouse conditions. It should be noted that while larger bubbles allow better light transmission, they reduce strength.
6. This versatile product consists of a film infused with fiberglass reinforcement. It's ideal for greenhouse construction, blocking approximately 30% of ultraviolet radiation. If the film is damaged, the fiberglass prevents the material from unraveling.

Comparison of materials

It is difficult to say exactly which covering material is best for beds and greenhouses. Each type is designed for specific purposes and objectives.In some cases, coverings are combined to provide greater protection for plants. Don't make a drastic choice between spunbond and film and discard the other option. These materials have different characteristics, and when used correctly, they create optimal conditions for plants.

If your garden is only visited on weekends, using plastic film is not recommended. It creates a strong greenhouse effect, and without periodic uncovering, plants may die. Agrofibre is a better choice in this situation. Experience shows that young shoots develop faster under plastic, but their growth levels out later.

Speaking of spunbond, moisture permeates well, so the planting doesn't have to open up during watering. This significantly saves time on plant maintenance. Furthermore, leaves don't rot when in contact with this material and retain their original appearance.

It's also important to understand that agrofibre is not suitable for covering tomatoes or grapes. These plants need to be protected from seasonal precipitation, which can lead to mold and fungal growth. In this situation, it's best to use film.

The beds under the polyethylene material warm up quickly, so it's best to cover the entire greenhouse with it. To ensure a comfortable internal temperature, it's recommended to drape spunbond over the arches, which can simply be placed over the plants. In the latter case, polyethylene is not suitable, as it will suffocate the seedlings.

It's best to protect plantings from precipitation in open ground and from overheating in a greenhouse using a film roof. In this case, it's better to cover the side sections with a breathable covering.

Shading net

It is a covering material made of acrylic and polypropylene. It often contains a UV stabilizer. The mesh is available in white or green. The standard length is 4 meters, but custom-made mesh is available upon request. This product is used to protect vineyards, greenhouses, young seedlings, and fruit trees from the scorching sun. It is often used during harvesting, acting as a base layer.

The main criterion to be followed when making a decision is which canvas to chooseThe key to mulching is the expected result they should deliver. Black spunbonds are indispensable for mulching. White versions provide reliable frost protection. These devices are expensive. However, with professional crop cultivation, the investment quickly pays for itself. Furthermore, you won't have to purchase new materials or build new shelters and greenhouses every year.