Hail storms can be a major threat to your garden, causing significant damage to plants and ruining months of hard work.
To protect your garden from hail damage, it is important to invest in a hail cover. But with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your needs.
Here is a complete guide to help you select the best hail cover for your garden.
3 Main Types of Hail Covers for Protecting Plants
There are several types of hail covers available, each with its own set of pros and cons.
1. Hail netting
Hail netting is a type of hail cover that is designed to protect plants from hail damage. It is made of a translucent, porous material that allows light and rain to pass through, but not hail.
This makes it an effective way to protect your plants from hail storms. Hail netting is suitable for a wide range of plants, including small potted plants and large trees, and can be used as a permanent or temporary solution.
One advantage of hail netting is that it is relatively easy to install and remove, making it convenient to use in the event of a hail storm.
However, it may not be as durable as some other types of hail covers, so it is important to consider the severity of hail in your area when deciding which type of cover is best for your needs.
2. Row covers
Row covers, also known as floating row covers or garden fabric, are a type of hail cover that is specifically designed for low-growing plants such as roots and greens.
They consist of a lightweight, breathable fabric that is suspended a few feet above the ground using a framework or hoops.
This allows the fabric to form a protective barrier around your plants, while still allowing light and rain to pass through.
One advantage of row covers is that they are easy to install and remove, making them a convenient option for temporary protection.
They are also lightweight and flexible, which means they won’t weigh down your plants or interfere with their growth.
However, row covers may not provide as much protection as other types of hail covers, especially for larger or more vulnerable plants.
They also may not be as durable as some other options and may need to be replaced more frequently.
3. Burlap rolls
Burlap rolls, also known as hessian rolls, are a common choice for temporary hail protection. They are made from a rough, woven fabric that is often used for sacking or erosion control.
When it comes to protecting plants from hail, burlap rolls can be mounted on the side of your house and unrolled as needed.
It’s important to secure the burlap with heavy objects, such as wooden blocks or stones, to prevent it from being blown away by the wind.
While burlap rolls are a relatively inexpensive option, they may not provide as much protection as other types of hail covers.
They are best suited for short-term protection or for use in areas with moderate hail activity.
Others
Other materials that can be used to protect plants from hail include shade cloth, hardware cloth, woven aluminum mesh screen, tarps, and even cardboard, wood sheets, and cloth sheets.
These materials may offer more protection than hail netting or row covers, but they may be more difficult to install and remove.
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4 Tips to Choose Hail Cover for Your Plants
Tip 1. Consider the size and type of your plants
When choosing a hail cover for your plants, it’s important to consider the size and type of the plants you are trying to protect.
For example, shade cloth or hardware cloth with wooden posts may be suitable for large trees, while woven aluminum mesh screens or tarps with stakes may be more suitable for small potted plants.
To determine which hail cover will work best for your plants, consider their size, shape, and growing habits.
For example, if you have tall, upright plants, choose a hail cover that can be suspended above the plants to provide maximum protection.
Tip 2. Think about the severity of hail in your area
The severity of hail in your area is another important factor to consider when choosing a hail cover.
If you live in an area with large, frequent hail storms, you may want to invest in a more durable and long-lasting solution.
Options such as shade cloth or woven aluminum mesh screens may be more suitable for these conditions, as they are more resistant to damage from large hail. On the other hand, if hail is a rare occurrence in your area, a temporary solution such as cardboard or cloth sheets may be sufficient.
Tip 3. Consider the aesthetics of the hail cover
If the hail cover will be visible in your garden, it’s important to choose a material and design that will blend in with your garden. This can help the cover blend in and not be an eyesore.
To find a hail cover that fits in with your garden’s aesthetic, consider the cover’s color, pattern, and style.
You may also want to choose a hail cover made of a translucent material so that it allows light to pass through and doesn’t block the view of your plants.
Tip 4. Choose a hail cover that is easy to use
When choosing a hail cover, it is essential to consider how easy it is to install and remove.
If you live in an area with frequent hail storms, you will likely need to put your hail cover in place and take it down frequently.
Therefore, it is important to choose a hail cover that is easy to use and not too time-consuming to install and remove.
There are several factors to consider when evaluating the ease of use of a hail cover.
Firstly, consider the weight and bulk of the cover. If the cover is heavy or cumbersome, it may be difficult to handle and install.
Secondly, consider the installation and removal process.
Some hail covers may require special tools or equipment to install, while others can be easily placed over your plants by hand.
Finally, consider the storage requirements of the cover. If the cover takes up a lot of space when not in use, it may be inconvenient to store.
To ensure that you choose a hail cover that is easy to use, be sure to read reviews and ask for recommendations from other gardeners.
You may also want to try out different hail covers on a small scale before making a larger investment.
This will allow you to evaluate the ease of use of the cover and ensure that it is suitable for your needs.
Where to Buy Hail Covers for Plants?
One option for purchasing hail covers is to visit a store located nearby. This can allow you to easily select a hail cover that meets your needs and preferences.
Alternatively, you can find a good selection of hail covers at a store specializing in gardening supplies.
Another option is to buy hail covers online, which can be convenient if you don’t have a store that sells hail covers in your area.
If you have a large farm or garden, you may also want to consider buying directly from a manufacturer, such as INSONSHADE.
This can give you access to a wider variety of options and potentially allow you to get a better price on the product.
To sum up
In conclusion, choosing the best hail cover for your garden plants is a crucial step in protecting them from damage caused by hail storms.
There are several types of hail covers available, each with its own set of pros and cons.
By following these tips and doing your research, you can find the hail cover that is best suited to your needs and will help keep your garden plants safe from hail damage.
