GCI Lightweight Frost Protection

Follow these steps to securely drape and fasten your lightweight row cover for maximum benefit:

Step 1: Water the Bed
Thoroughly water your soil before covering the plants. Wet soil acts as a thermal mass, absorbing heat during the day and radiating it outward under the blanket at night.

Step 2: Drape the Fabric
Unroll the fabric and drape it loosely over your crops (as a floating cover) or stretch it taut over PVC or wire support hoops. If floating, leave enough slack so growing plants are not restricted.

Step 3: Secure the Edges
Pull the perimeter of the fabric tight against the earth and pin it to the ground every 2 to 3 feet using wire hold downs. You can also bury the edges entirely in the soil to seal out cold drafts and crawling insects.

Can I leave the GCI Lightweight Frost Protection on my plants during hot summer days?
While the 0.5-ounce GCI Lightweight Frost Protection is breathable, it still traps heat. It can be used for temporary pest control in early summer, but should be removed during peak heatwaves to prevent plant stress.

Even at an 85% light transmission rate, the microclimate underneath will run significantly warmer than the ambient air. In the heat of summer, switch to a dedicated shade cloth or light insect netting.

How much temperature difference does the GCI Lightweight Frost Protection provide?
This 0.5-ounce fabric provides up to 4 degrees Fahrenheit of thermal protection. It is perfect for guarding vulnerable seedlings against light, early frosts or extending your fall harvest without blocking too much sunlight.

If you are expecting a severe freeze, consider upgrading to the 1.1-ounce Mediumweight fabric or doubling up the layers of your lightweight blanket for extra insulation.

Can rainwater pass through the GCI Lightweight Frost Protection fabric?
Yes, the GCI Lightweight Frost Protection is made from permeable, non-woven fabric. Rainwater and overhead irrigation will gently seep through the material to water your crops, meaning you do not need to remove it.

For the most efficient watering, however, we recommend running a drip irrigation line or soaker hose directly underneath the fabric.

Should I let the GCI Lightweight Frost Protection float or use support hoops?
You can drape the GCI Lightweight Frost Protection directly over sturdy crops like cabbage. However, for delicate seedlings, we highly recommend stretching the fabric over support hoops to prevent physical damage.

Using hoops also creates a larger pocket of warm air, slightly increasing the frost protection capacity compared to a cover that is laying directly against the foliage.