I use row cover over my lettuce and spinach, though I use the lightest row cover available (ag-12 equivalent) since my goal isnÂt to extend the growing season. I find that the rain penetrates the fabric with no problems. There can be some runoff but a good rain usually penetrates it.

As for handling it, I staple the edge of the row cover to a piece of 1x2 lumber and roll the fabric around the 1x2 to control or adjust it if necessary. I staple the other side to a 1x2 as well. (picture in your mind a large scroll). The fabric is hung over some wire hoops with the length of the 1x2's running parallel to the row of veggies, one board on each side. The wood makes it easier to pick up and keeps the wind from making it flap all over. Of course, 1x2Âs may not be your best option if you have really long rows. I grow everything in raised beds so the 1x2Âs work for me.

One note about RC though. It does a pretty good job keeping most things out but it by no means keeps everything out. I find that aphids will find their way in (over time), no matter how careful I am. With my recent spinach harvest, I found that I had lots of aphids under my RC and they were thriving because they were in a well protected spot. They didnÂt do any major damage and I simply rinsed them off and harvested my spinach. It wasnÂt until my 4th harvest though that I noticed them. Same thing with my lettuces. The first few harvests are pretty bug free but after a few weeks, I notice more aphids moving in.

Enough rambling. Good luck and keep us posted on your results.

Thanks John,

I thought about sewing a pocket on the edge to slide in
some pvc pipe as my rows will be 25' long.
I just ordered a salad spinner for spinnach and lettuce
hoping this will help with the aphids.

been using row cover for about 12 years now. I use rocks and heavy bricks to weigh down the edges. Boards tend to rip holes in the fabric over time. And I would think sewing them into the fabric would make it hard to remove and store the covers. not to mention what would happen if you get 30mph+ winds picking up a 2 x 4.

Rain will go through all covers though if you are getting less than a 1/4" the covers will absorb most of the moisture. We generally run drip irrigation under our covers especially in the hot summer because we do not get a lot of rain. The covers tend to hold any moisture in the soil in hot weather (we use them even in 110ËF conditions and very successfully I might add)

Here is a link that might be useful: Boulder Belt Row Cover Page

Lucy's correct. If you are gardening on a larger scale like the Boulder Belt Farm, and you are more prone to winds, then you need something more practical and heavier than a simple 1x2. Even though water penetrates the cover as I stated previously, I second the idea of using drip irrigation underneath. That is what I use under most of my row cover.

P.S. Check out the Boulder Belt Blog link! Nice site.

Here is a link that might be useful: Boulder Belt Blog Site

Thanks for the info.... boulder belt is very informative
Lucy writes with great experience....Lots of great tips.