Storing Row Covers: Folding plus Sealed Bins
Storing row covers with care lets the fabric come back out next spring. University of Maryland Extension notes row cover can be reused for 2 to 3 years, plus mice can nest in stored material, so a sealed container matters.
The short answer
Bring covers in soon after use, fold them neatly plus seal them away. UMass Amherst advises storing covers away from direct sunlight as soon as they come off the field. UMD advises tightly sealed containers, indoors or out, since mice can nest in stored fabric.
Why does row cover storage matter?
UMD notes the useful life of row cover is typically 1 to 3 years, depending on weight, use plus weather. Weathering, UV light plus contact with surfaces wear down the fibers over time. Storing covers out of sun limits that wear between seasons.
When should row covers come in?
UMass notes covers should be stored away from direct sunlight as soon as they are removed. Many resist UV, yet they last longer out of extra sun.
| Step | Why | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Bring in soon | Less UV wear | UMass |
| Fold or roll in order | Easy to unfold next year | UMass |
| Seal in a bin | Mice nest in stored fabric | UMD |
| Store out of sun | UV wears fibers | UMD |
Source: UMass Amherst plus University of Maryland Extension.
How should row covers be folded and stored?
UMass advises folding or rolling covers in a systematic way so they can be unfolded carefully for next year. UMD advises sealed containers. UMass notes soil bags on the edges make covers easier to lift plus prolong the life of the material.
How to: step by step
- Lift the cover at the end of the season.
- Shake off soil plus debris.
- Fold or roll it the same way every time.
- Place it in a tightly sealed bin.
- Store the bin out of direct sun.
- Note the cover size on the bin.
Troubleshooting
Holes after storage: mice. UMD notes mice nest in stored row cover.
Fabric brittle: UV wear. UMD notes sunlight degrades the fibers.
Torn edges: buried edges. UMass notes soil edges are hard to unearth.
For season end see fall garden cleanup after cannabis harvest plus frost damage on cannabis. Read mulch for cannabis plus planning an outdoor cannabis garden layout. Kind Seed Co also stocks cannabis seeds.
Sources
- Vegetable garden weather and pest protection, University of Maryland Extension
- Using row covers in the garden, UNH Extension
- Slitted and floating row covers, UMass Amherst New England Vegetable Management Guide
- Extending the garden season, Utah State University Extension
FAQ
How long does row cover fabric last?
University of Maryland Extension notes the useful life is typically 1 to 3 years, depending on grade, use plus weather.
Why do mice matter for stored covers?
University of Maryland Extension notes mice can nest in stored row cover, ruining it for next season.
Does sunlight wear out row covers?
Yes. UMD notes UV radiation plus weathering degrade the fibers, plus UMass advises storing covers out of direct sunlight.
How should covers be folded?
UMass Amherst advises folding or rolling them in a systematic way so they unfold carefully next year.
How should edges be held down?
UMass Amherst notes soil bags make covers easier to lift plus prolong the life of the material.
