Winter can be tough on your garden, but with the right protection, you can keep your plants healthy and thriving through the cold months. One of the most effective tools for shielding your plants from frost, wind, and pests is garden fleece. In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about garden fleece: what it is, why it’s useful, and how to make the most of it in your garden.
What is Garden Fleece?
Garden fleece is a lightweight, permeable material used to protect plants from harsh weather conditions, pests, and even birds. At Harrod Horticultural, our fleece is made from UV-stabilised polyester yarn, making it tear-resistant and durable enough to last for multiple seasons. The 30gsm heavy-duty fleece we offer is strong, easy to use, and most importantly, incredibly effective at keeping your plants safe.
Why Use Garden Fleece?
There are several reasons why garden fleece should be part of your winter gardening toolkit:
• Frost Protection: The primary use of garden fleece is to protect plants from frost. As temperatures drop, frost can damage or even kill your plants. Fleece acts as a protective barrier, trapping heat around your plants while still allowing air and moisture to circulate. This helps prevent frost from settling directly on the plants and causing damage.
• Wind and Hail Protection: Winter often brings strong winds and occasional hailstorms, both of which can harm your plants. Garden fleece offers a layer of defence, preventing damage from these harsh elements.
• Insect and Bird Deterrent: During winter, certain pests and birds can still wreak havoc on your garden. The fine mesh of garden fleece acts as a physical barrier, keeping insects and birds away from your plants without using harmful chemicals.
• Warming the Soil: Garden fleece is also useful in early spring to warm up the soil before planting. By covering the soil, it retains warmth and encourages faster germination, giving your crops a head start for the season.
How to Use Garden Fleece
Using garden fleece is simple and effective, but there are a few key tips to get the best results.
• Drape Over Plants: For individual plants or small rows, you can simply drape the fleece over them. Make sure the fleece is securely pegged down or weighed down at the edges to prevent it from being blown away by the wind. Be careful not to trap too much moisture under the fleece, as this can lead to mould.
• Build a Structure: For larger areas or more delicate plants, you can use support structures like fleece frames or hoops to create a covered tunnel. This provides protection without pressing directly onto the plants, which can sometimes lead to damage.
• Anchor Properly: Whether you’re draping the fleece or building a tunnel, it’s essential to secure the edges. Use garden pegs, clips, or even small stones to keep the fleece in place, especially during windy conditions.
• Remove Periodically: While garden fleece allows light, air, and water to reach your plants, it’s still a good idea to lift the fleece occasionally to check for pests or signs of rot. Removing the fleece on milder days also helps prevent overheating.
Choosing the Right Garden Fleece
Not all garden fleece is created equal. At Harrod Horticultural, we’ve designed our garden fleece to offer maximum protection and longevity. Here’s why our fleece stands out:
• Heavy-Duty Material: Our 30gsm fleece is stronger and more tear-resistant than cheaper alternatives. It can withstand harsh conditions and last for several seasons, making it a more cost-effective choice.
• UV Stabilised: Unlike many imitations, our fleece is UV stabilised, meaning it won’t degrade quickly under sunlight. This ensures you can reuse it year after year.
• Available in Multiple Sizes: Whether you need to cover a few small plants or a larger section of your garden, we have a variety of sizes available. Choose from 2m or 4m width rolls, and save with larger packs if you need more coverage.
Why Garden Fleece is a Winter Essential?
Garden fleece is an invaluable tool for any gardener looking to protect their plants during winter. From safeguarding against frost to deterring pests and birds, it offers a simple and effective solution to keep your garden healthy during the colder months. At Harrod Horticultural, we provide high-quality, durable fleece that you can rely on, ensuring your garden is prepared for whatever winter throws at it.
Prepare your garden today by exploring our range of garden fleece options, and ensure your plants make it through the winter unscathed.
Happy gardening!
