Horticultural fleece for protecting seeds
|
Author |
Message |
Yorky Rank attained: Silver Birch Tree

Joined: 17 Apr 2007 Posts: 196
|
Posted: Sun Apr 19, 2009 11:47 am Post subject: Horticultural fleece for protecting seeds |
|
|
I sowed some seeds directly yesterday and was concerned about frost last night so I covered the raised beds with individual pieces of fleece held in place with pegs.
Can the fleece be left on during the day (to save laboriously removing it each morning) as light does seem to penetrate it. Also, can it be watered over? |
|
Back to top |
|
 |
Liparis Rank attained: Orchard owner

Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Posts: 651 Location: Co. Meath
|
Posted: Sun Apr 19, 2009 1:01 pm Post subject: |
|
|
It can be left on, depending on it's grade and thickness. Watch out for hot days though! The fleece will reflect a lot of the heat, but maybe not enough. If left on, watering shouldn't be a problem as it won't evaporate from the soil as quickly. Watering over the fleece won't allow enough through so would be a wast of time. The light frosts we would get at the moment shouldn't damage the majority of the seeds, the danger is the seedlings that have germinated. Being sown in the ground, most seedlings will deal with very light frost as they germinate, although things like Beetroot might run to seed, so you need a variety like 'Boltardy'. You might, depending on the type of seeds you've sown, be in danger of molly-coddling them with the fleece.
Bill. _________________ Earth is the insane asylum of the Universe.
http://www.species-specific.com/orchid-forum/ |
|
Back to top |
|
 |
Yorky Rank attained: Silver Birch Tree

Joined: 17 Apr 2007 Posts: 196
|
Posted: Sun Apr 19, 2009 5:35 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Thanks. The fleece is 20gsm which I've been told is the optimum. Perhaps I'll just remove it after reading this post! |
|
Back to top |
|
 |
michael brenock Rank attained: Chlorophyll for blood
Joined: 12 Aug 2008 Posts: 1275 Location: cork
|
Posted: Fri Apr 24, 2009 8:50 am Post subject: |
|
|
leave the fleece on day and night until first week of may, enough water and light can get through it encourages more weed seedlings.
michael brenock horticultural advisor (retired) |
|
Back to top |
|
 |
Yorky Rank attained: Silver Birch Tree

Joined: 17 Apr 2007 Posts: 196
|
Posted: Fri Apr 24, 2009 11:07 am Post subject: |
|
|
Quote: | encourages more weed seedlings. |
I don't understand this - is that desirable? |
|
Back to top |
|
 |
cooler Rank attained: Sessile Oak Tree


Joined: 15 Jun 2006 Posts: 292
|
Posted: Fri Apr 24, 2009 12:32 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Yorky wrote: | Quote: | encourages more weed seedlings. |
I don't understand this - is that desirable? |
Not in your case. _________________ 'Unemployment is capitalisms way of getting you to plant a garden'.
Orson Scott Card |
|
Back to top |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum You can attach files in this forum You can download files in this forum
|
Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2005 phpBB Group
Privacy Policy | Copyright © 2006 - present IrishGardeners.com (part of GardenPlansIreland.com)
|