A tarpaulin or tarp is a large sheet of strong, flexible, waterproof material used to cover goods or to protect structures from the elements. Tarpaulin sheets are very effective in shielding your garden from sun, rain, wind, and many other conditions. Using the right types of tarpaulins, you can provide a suitable environment for your plants to thrive. In this article, you will learn what type of tarp is most recommended and how to properly utilize it in your garden.
Types of Garden Tarps
As mentioned earlier, there are different types of tarps in the market. The most common tarps used in gardens are:
- Plastic Tarps – These are made of polyethylene or vinyl plastic. There is a variation in their size and coloring. The plastic tarps are waterproof and offer good protection against the rain. They are also very cheap up to date and with all the enhanced features it provide nowadays compared to what it used to have. However, they are prone to tears as compared to other fabric materials available in the market.
- Canvas Covers – These are thick and woven from cotton material. They are comfortable, long-lasting, and friendly to the environment. It provides the passage of air and moisture through it. This helps to ensure that there is not too much heat building up under the tarp. However, canvas tarps are costlier than plastic ones.
- Mesh Tarps – These are the tarps that are made from the net-like material that offers shade as well as air circulation. These cover the plants from direct sunlight while still permitting air and water to reach the plants. Mesh tarps are ideal for shading small gardens as well as protecting young plants from different environmental factors.
Choosing the Right Size
To ensure that the tarp is appropriate for your garden, make sure that the tarp is large enough to cover your garden. It is important to measure your garden space when not in use. You need to add 3-4 feet in length and breadth on all sides so that tarps will be able to securely anchor to the ground. It is advised to round up when it comes to the estimation of size. In this case, it is always preferable that a tarp is slightly larger than required rather than slightly smaller. Big tarps can always be adjusted.
One of the more creative approaches to the utilization of tarps involves applying their shade properties in sun protection.
The problem of scorching sun can harm plants. Some plants prefer shade. Mesh and canvas tarps let air through but protect against direct sun rays. This is beneficial to sensitive, fragile plants.
Tie the Canvas Tarpaulin over the plants to shield them from the sun. To maintain the cover, you should consider using stakes, poles, or trellises. Ensure that there is proper ventilation so that plants do not overheat. Ensure the ground is damp before covering it to help regulate the temperature.
Tarps for Rain and Wind Protection
It is also important to note that storms can be destructive to gardens. Ripe fruits and vegetables that need to be harvested are adversely affected by heavy rains. Gusts may pull out plants and shrubs from the ground. Waterproof plastic or canvas tarps are ideal for protecting your garden from additional rainfall and strong winds.
Secure the tarp down tightly so that it does not fly away due to wind especially when it is gusty. Add stones, bricks, or boards on the center to counterbalance the structure. Ensure that water is draining away from the middle of the structure and not accumulating on the tarp. Well-anchored tarpaulins protect plants from harsh weather conditions and also from getting wet.
Caring for Your Tarps
Follow these tips to make your tarps last longer:
- Check for holes and repair with tape or patch as soon as possible
- Wash away grime using a brush and mild soap solution
- Permit to dry naturally to the optimum storage level before storing.
- Lay flat rather than wrapping tightly
- It is best to store the appliance in a place where it will not be exposed to direct sunlight when not in use.
Certain tarps with the right care can serve your garden for several years, it is therefore advisable to consider how to go about it.
Conclusion
Tarps are great and cheap coverings that shield your valued garden from the worst throughout the year. They protect plants from sun, rain, and wind as well as give gardens the ability to endure different forms of weather conditions. Select tarps in the right size and the right material that you require for your choice. When properly used and maintained, a good tarp will effectively protect your landscape for the next couple of seasons. In this case, use a tarp to help create the right environment and your garden will keep on growing as planned.
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