We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Materials

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How Do I Choose the Best Crop Covers?

By Amy Rodriguez
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 4,832
Share

Choosing the best crop covers depends on the material type, resistance to ultraviolet (UV) sunlight damage, and density. In fact, some crop covers are available in a reflective type for the most sunlight deflection away from sensitive plants. If you order a specific shade size, such as for a particular crop field, added grommet accessories can be attached by the manufacturer for easier installation and longer durability.

Crop covers are subjected to heat and cold, especially if they are used on a daily basis. The best choice of cover should be a synthetic material, including polypropylene, polyethylene, and polyester. Each of these materials allows rainfall to permeate through the cloth for adequate plant watering. In addition, using these specific cloth materials allows the plants to remain cool during the summer and warm during the winter; crop covers work as effective blankets from the outside weather elements to encourage the plant's successful growth.

Sunlight is a common culprit of damage to crops. In response, you can choose a cloth cover that has a UV resistant coating. This coating reflects damaging UV rays while allowing some sunlight to infiltrate the material for plant warmth and growth. Not only does the coating protect the plants from UV rays, it also forms a barrier against material weakening. Crop covers without a UV coating may become brittle and cracked over time from sunlight damage.

Quality crop covers have varying degrees of fiber densities which allow only certain amounts of light to shine through. Covers can have a thick density where the material fibers are closely intertwined for the most sun protection; these covers will typically only allow about 20 percent of light to pass through to the plants below. Loosely woven fibers will allow more light through the material for sun hardy plants. Each crop type requires a different amount of sunlight for the best growth; many growers consult crop cover dealerships for personalized advice regarding material density choices.

Although many crop covers are colored in basic white for sunlight reflectivity, some cover accessory choices give you the opportunity to select a highly reflective material that resembles aluminum foil. These extremely reflective covers are used mainly in very sunny areas that are prone to heat waves. Another accessory that is commonly requested is grommets, or protected eyelets. Each cover can be customized in size and grommet placement, especially if the cover is to be attached to a small frame that surrounds the plants. The grommets allow safe connection to a metal or aluminum frame so the fabric is not torn.

Share
About Mechanics is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.aboutmechanics.com/how-do-i-choose-the-best-crop-covers.htm
Copy this link
About Mechanics, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

About Mechanics, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.