We previously discussed how to make tunnel frames but lets talk about the fabric that you can use. In the winter time, I am using All Purpose Fabric from Gardener’s Supply Company and 8 mil plastic sheeting from Lowes. The All Purpose Fabric advertises that it transmits 70% of light and protects plants from frost damage down to 28⁰F. Now in Pittsburgh, PA, it does drop below 28⁰F from time to time and we do get snow so I added 8 mil plastic sheeting on top of the fabric. The plastic sheeting adds warmth and allows the snow to slide off the hoop tunnel. If you get a sunny day, you will need to vent the plastic, even in the winter. When we are going to have quite a few days of warm weather and some rain, I will take the plastic off but leave the fabric on the hoop. The fabric allows the plants to breathe and the water to reach the plants.
In the summer time, I use the Summerweight Fabric that I also purchase from Gardener’s Supply Company. I use this fabric to protect certain plants from some of the bad bugs. In particular, I like to use it to protect the cabbage family of vegetables from cabbage worms. This fabric advertises that it transmits up to 85% of light. I find that it works well providing some shade for lettuce and other greens. The only negative is the fabric is more sheer and delicate.
Both of these fabrics come in 12′ by 20′ which is perfect for the raised beds that are 4′ by 6′. See my post on building hoop tunnels version 2 and version 3. The fabric width of 12′ fits nicely over the 8 ft hoop leaving 2 ‘ over each side. I cut the fabric length of 20′ in half so the fabric would extend 4’ over each end of the bed.
Also, I use deer or bird netting over the hoops that cover my strawberry beds in the spring and summer so the birds and chipmunks don’t devour the berries! The netting comes in different sizes. The smaller the spacing the better. I found netting with 1/4″ spacing.
In the next post, we will chat about connecting the fabric and plastic to the hoop tunnels.
