With cold weather in mind, this month we take a look at a range of crop protection options
BEST BUY
TUNNEL WITH FLEECE COVER
Available in 2m, 3m, 4m, 5m and 6m lengths, the kit comes with semi-circular aluminium garden hoops with the cover of your choice, Veggiemesh insect netting, ultra fine Veggiemesh, protection butterfly netting, 30g fleece, polythene or soft butterfly netting covers. Clips for securing the cover and steel pegs are also included.
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KG VERDICT
The hoops are 1.15m wide x 68cm high (approximately 3ft 9in x 27in) and need to be pushed into the ground to a depth of 8cm (3in), with each hoop placed about 1m (39in) apart. These are an excellent way of protecting any overwintering or early spring crops from the worst of the weather. The clips and pegs are an excellent feature and very effective in fixing the fleece securely into the ground.
GARDENING NATURALLY
www.gardening-naturally.com
TEL: 01285 760505
PRODUCT CODE: RHSTK
PRICE FROM: £31.19
TOP PICK
FLEECE BLANKET
This Thermogro garden fleece can be used for covering plants or wrapping shrubs and fruit trees. At 35gsm it will protect against frost, wind, hail, insects and birds, but is also light enough to be placed directly on plants and shrubs. It is also permeable to allow air and moisture in. Size 1.8m (6 x 33F).
KG VERDICT
This fleece is extra-thick and a good size, giving you plenty of options to suit your needs. Lay it directly over crops you want to protect or cut it into bespoke pieces to wrap around taller potted plants, fruit trees and shrubs, over raised beds and for overwintering greenhouse plants. It can also be used in spring to protect from early and late frosts. Excellent value for money.
GREENHOUSE SENSATION
www.greenhousesensation.co.uk
TEL: ORDER ONLINE
PRODUCT CODE: N/A
PRICE GUIDE: £11
TOP PICK
STRULCH
Manufactured in Britain, strulch combines locally sourced quality wheat straw with iron minerals to produce a mulch suitable for borders, raised beds, around cultivated fruit and on vegetable plots. This product can be bought in single bags from a wide number of garden centres and online retail outlets. Go to the main site www.strulch.co.uk for stockists or for bulk orders.
KG VERDICT
Strulch is an excellent product and can be used throughout the garden as a means of protecting the soil from harsh winter weather. It also inhibits weed germination, deters slugs and snails, aids moisture retention in the soil and is biodegradable, providing organic matter where it is laid and encouraging earthworm activity. A good one to put down pre-winter or early spring either on bare ground where you intend to plant or in and around existing plants.
STRULCH
www.strulch.co.uk
TEL: 01943 863610
PRODUCT CODE: N/A
PRICE GUIDE: £12.49- £369.50
