What's this Fleece you talk about?

[Feral007]

So, now I'm getting ready to get the garden off to a good start, I don't have a polytunnel and I'm sure it would blow way anyway.
We may try various things for that in years to come, but this year I'd like to just cover a few plants that might get frosted. Since we have been know to have a late frost to december and an early one march - sow after last frost is a load of codswallop.

I googled for Garden Fleece, to see if I could get some. I'm sure a few years ago I saw somethiing along those lines. However, the only one that comes up today is a piece of 1.5x1.5 metre fleece for $A2.72 and postage $20.23c.
Nothing in any of the hardware stores. And the only fleece that comes up otherwise is trackie material and polar fleece for sewing.

It said on one of the UK sites that you can water thru the fleece. Well I don't need to water thru it. I'd just be putting it on at night.

I think a couple of years we just used old sheets. And I remember my mother having some hessian bags she put over a couple of plants that needed it.
Hessian is a bit heavy to cover the whole garden with tho.
Last year we protected the tomato plants by putting two hay bale height, right angle at each top corner so the frost rolled around it and that worked. But putting a lot more plants in this year.

So, what the flipping heck is this d@mn fleece made of?

[Cue the Toms]

Being new this year to all this I also have a problem to face regarding the use of fleece...

I did ask my fellow allotmenteers about using fleece but they said that our site gets too windy and the fleece just gets battered and easily gets torn and blows over everyone else's plot, which will then upset all and sundry.

My spuds are doing so well, I will be a bit gutted if I lose them now even though I knew the risks! Is there anything I can do?

Chris

[veggiechicken]

Here's a selection of fleece to give you an idea what we're on about Feral. If you look at the descriptions it gives the levels of protection. Garden Fleece, For Plant Protection
Some is stronger than others - Cutey

[scarey55]

Look for horticultural fleece Ali, it is like a very thin sheet. It isn't very heavy so I don't know why it would cost that much to post. I bought 2 packets for a euro each in our major supermarket!

[Newton]

I'll bring you some over. Just send me the airfare and ask my boss for the time off!

[Newton]

Cutey! Veggie.....is there something we should know?

[veggiechicken]

Cutey! Veggie.....is there something we should know?

No, I don't think so, Newtie

[zazen999]

Do you have an IKEA over there? I know, I know - you are going to say it's 2 days drive plus a night in the outback.

But I use these from IKEA - they have gone up in price [used to be £2.95 when I first bought them] but they are excellent for keep things not-frosty.

[Feral007]

Well! That's blown what's left of my mind.

Ikea says they have those curtains, and when I press the Check availiability button it says 'Most probably available at that shop.' You know....it flipping is or it isn't! Altho on another page it gives me an estimate of how many curtains it expects to be available over the next 5 days. They like to mess with your mind don't they? Is that just what they do for entertainment in those countries?
I won't need a night in the outback, just a night in the Big Smoke....and possibly a good looking fireman to find me in the shop and lead me out into the country again where I can find my way around.

VC that stuff all looks very interesting. But I'm not sure if it's like our shade cloth? Or that thin foamy stuff they wrap white goods in, I did recognise the bubble wrap but that might be expensive.

I'm going to Ikea to check out those curtains when I goes to Sydney. I can't imagine net curtains that will save my vege's.
My mind is boggling.

[zazen999]

It's not just net curtains! It's creating a micro-climate under that makes the difference. You could use any net curtains, any see through with small holes, or no holes - it's letting the light in and keeping the frost and wind out that makes the difference. Just think of a mini polytunnel, with polythene, nets with tiny holes, or any of the above fleeces.

[veggiechicken]

Feral, the net curtains aren't just to keep the frost away, they're for privacy! You know how shy some veg are..........
Just checked my local IKEA (Wales - we only have one)) for Stock Prognosis levels (sounds rather medical), 176 items. Available for online ordering and delivery - and that costs £5. Can you have them delivered Ali (not from Wales)?

[Feral007]

Ok nets with tiny or no holes. That I can get. Without a trip away.

We were planning to put shade cloth up behind the first bed along the deck anyway, so that might even stop a lot of stuff since it has holes, but because it's woven not big holes at all. And a lot of net to put down over it.
Will need to get some thing tent pegs now too.

Thanks every one I'm on it now.

[Feral007]

Hmmmm in fact, now that you mention it..........maybe I don't need those curtains on my windows.....