thumb|Row covers in a field
thumb|Horticultural fleece
thumb|Strawberry crop showing row covers and their support structure
In agriculture and gardening, row cover is any transparent or semi-transparent flexible material, like fabric or plastic sheeting, used as a protective covering for plants, usually vegetables. Covers are used to extend growing seasons, and reduce undesirable effects of cold, wind and insects. Row covers can reduce the drying effect of wind, and can provide a small amount of warming in a similar way to unheated cold frames, greenhouses and polytunnels, creating a microclimate for the plants.
The first commercial-scale use of polyethylene row covers in the US was in the 1950s, and by the 1980s their use was widespread.
Row covers provide better frost protection in the fall than spring because the heat built up in the soil over summer will help to raise the temperature a few degrees under a cover. Fleece covers can protect against certain destructive insects but must be removed when the crop is flowering if insect pollination is required.
See also
- Horticultural fleece
- Plastic mulch
- Cloche (agriculture)
- Technical textile