GCI Mediumweight Frost Protection

Follow these steps to securely drape and fasten your row cover for maximum thermal retention:

Step 1: Prepare the Bed
Before covering your plants, water the soil thoroughly. Wet soil absorbs more heat during the day and releases it steadily at night, enhancing the frost protection of the cover.

Step 2: Drape the Fabric
Unroll the fabric and drape it directly over your plants (as a floating row cover) or stretch it over PVC or wire support hoops. Leave a little slack in the fabric so your plants have room to push upward as they grow.

Step 3: Secure the Edges
Pull the edges of the fabric taut and pin them firmly to the ground every 2 to 3 feet using wire hold downs. Alternatively, you can weigh down the edges with heavy rocks, bricks, or by burying the edges tightly with soil to seal out cold drafts.

Can I leave the GCI Mediumweight Frost Protection on my plants during hot summer days?
No, we recommend removing the GCI Mediumweight Frost Protection during the peak summer heat. While it offers 70% light transmission, it traps heat beneath it, which can cause severe heat stress to your plants.

This fabric is designed to extend your growing season in the chilly spring and fall months. In the summer, switch to a lightweight insect netting or shade cloth to keep pests away without overheating the crops.

How much temperature difference does the GCI Mediumweight Frost Protection provide?
The 1.1-ounce GCI Mediumweight Frost Protection provides between 4 and 6 degrees Fahrenheit of thermal protection, making it ideal for guarding against late spring frosts or extending your fall harvest.

By capturing the radiant heat evaporating from the soil overnight, it creates a gentle microclimate. Always water the soil before a frost event, as wet soil retains heat much better than dry soil.

Can rainwater pass through the GCI Mediumweight Frost Protection fabric?
Yes, the GCI Mediumweight Frost Protection is a breathable, permeable fabric. Rainwater and overhead sprinkler irrigation will slowly seep through the material to water your crops without needing to remove the cover.

However, the absolute best way to water row crops under a frost blanket is by using a sub-surface drip irrigation system, keeping the foliage dry while delivering water directly to the root zone.

How should I secure the GCI Mediumweight Frost Protection in windy weather?
To keep the GCI Mediumweight Frost Protection from blowing away, secure the edges tightly every two to three feet using heavy-duty wire hold downs, heavy rocks, or by burying the edges in the soil.

If cold wind can get underneath the fabric, you lose the thermal insulating properties. Ensuring a tight seal along the entire perimeter is crucial for both wind and frost protection.