During the winter months, particularly from December through March, fierce winds often disrupt the garden. Gusts reaching 40 mph (64 kph) or more are not uncommon, but thanks to thoughtful planning and the right materials, my vegetable bed covers stay secure and effective.
Securing Plastic with Wiggle Wire
Wind can turn sheet plastic into a hazard, easily tearing it off frames or blowing it away. After several failed attempts using staples and weights, I found a solution that works: wiggle wire. Three years ago, my partner Roger built sturdy frames for four of our vegetable beds using bent conduit pipe from a local hardware store. He then equipped them with metal U-channels designed for wiggle wire. This springy wire, invented in Japan 20 years ago, is ideal for attaching plastic to frames without risk of tearing or displacement.
Wiggle wire presses the plastic into the U-channels that are screwed onto boards. To secure the plastic, you simply rock the wire up and down into the channel, catching the edge of the plastic. This method is quick and easy to master, and on calm days, I can transform a resting bed into a mini greenhouse in just 15 minutes by securing three sides with wiggle wire. I then finish by adding snap clamps to tighten the front, which remains open for ventilation.
These plastic covers are invaluable during early spring, allowing me to start harvesting lettuce three weeks before the last frost. After the season ends, I store the wiggle wire and plastic until needed the following winter.
Using Row Covers for Cold-Hardy Crops
While hardy crops like spinach and kale can survive winter without plastic, they benefit from lighter row covers, such as garden fleece, to protect them from wind and animals like deer. Row covers allow some wind to pass through, reducing the risk of them being blown away compared to plastic.
Instead of using wiggle wire for securing row covers, I’ve found snap clamps to be an easy and effective option. These clamps hold the fabric tightly to the pipe frames of my beds, preventing the covers from lifting in gusty winds. You can purchase snap clamps or easily make your own using old garden hose cut into strips. I prefer brightly colored ones as they are easy to locate if dropped in the grass. Beyond securing row covers, snap clamps are also useful for other tasks like attaching shade cloth or bird netting during the growing season.
Weighing Down Row Covers
In early spring, about six weeks before the last frost, I plant a variety of cool-season crops like lettuce, cabbage, and parsley. I then cover them with a row cover tunnel supported by wire hoops. This setup shields the plants from hail and pests while also helping to retain warmth.
To prevent the row cover from being blown off by spring winds, I use long boards as weights along the edges of the tunnel. While bricks or water-filled jugs can work at the ends, I’ve found they’re not reliable along the sides where the wind can find gaps. Long boards, on the other hand, stay in place and provide a much more stable solution. They also make it easy to lift the cover for tasks like weeding and quickly put it back in place.
Final Thoughts on Windproof Covers
Windproof covers are essential for winter and early spring vegetable gardening, but they require careful planning and the right materials. With the help of wiggle wire, snap clamps, and weight boards, I’ve been able to protect my crops from the elements and enjoy an earlier harvest. This approach not only keeps my plants safe but also makes gardening more efficient and manageable during the colder months.