What is Tarpaulin and Why is it Useful for Gardening?
Tarpaulin, often shortened to just “tarp”, is a thick, waterproof cloth commonly used for gardening and landscaping. Made from materials like plastic, vinyl, or canvas, Tarpaulin acts as an affordable and effective protective covering for plants.
Tarps provide an invaluable way for gardeners to shield their plants from harsh weather elements like heavy rain, strong winds, extreme temperatures, and excess sunlight. They allow plants to be sheltered from damaging environmental conditions so vital growth and maturation can continue uninterrupted.
Especially for more delicate seedlings or temperature-sensitive varieties, a tarp helps maintain a stable, optimal microclimate within the garden bed. Without proper protection, seed germination can be prevented by saturation or young sprouts may perish due to sudden frost. By trapping valuable heat close to the soil surface, tarps enable a wider growing season even in colder regions.
For established plants, occasional coverage from a Canvas Tarpaulin may mean the difference between life and death. Intense storms carrying hail, tornado-force gusts, or flooding could otherwise wipe out an entire garden. Rather than replacing all lost crops, a single tarp investment can shield entire beds and allow continued production.
Types of Tarpaulin for Gardening
There are a few main varieties of tarpaulin material used in gardening and landscaping applications:
Plastic Tarps
Plastic tarps are an inexpensive, lightweight option that is completely waterproof. Usually made from a thick polyethylene plastic, these are effective for short-term usage where durability is less important. They work well for simple coverage of seed trays or potted plants during watering. However, plastic tarps are not as sturdy or puncture-resistant as other materials. Extended sunlight may also cause the plastic to become brittle or weakened over time.
Vinyl Tarps
A step up in quality from plastic, vinyl tarps are made of sturdier synthetic materials like polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This makes them highly water-resistant while still allowing for flexibility. Vinyl tarps also offer better longevity – they can withstand repeated folding, unfolding, and exposure to weather for multiple seasons. Some are reinforced with scrim cloth layers for higher tensile strength and puncture resistance against sharp objects like sticks or stones. As vinyl blocks harmful UV rays, it is effective at shielding plants from sun damage as well. The thicker the vinyl, the longer it will last.
Canvas Tarps
For the most heavy-duty protection, it’s hard to beat a quality canvas tarp. Woven from thick, natural fibers, canvas is exceptionally durable and breathes better than plastic or vinyl. This breathability prevents trapped moisture and allows desirable airflow around plants. The dense canvas material shelters plants reliably for many years with proper storage and maintenance between uses. Though more expensive initially, canvas tarps may prove more cost-effective long-term due to their lifespan.
When Should You Use Tarps in the Garden?
There are several key scenarios where tarps provide especially valuable cover for plants:
Protecting Seedlings and Young Plants
Delicate seedlings and plants recently transplanted into the garden bed are most vulnerable to environmental damage. Their shallow root systems offer little anchoring against strong winds and rain splashing can bury or dislodge fragile stems. Tarps create a protected microclimate for successful germination and the establishment of a strong root system.
Covering Beds During Winter
Come fall, gardeners in colder climates must prepare beds for freezing winter temperatures and periods of frost. Tarps insulate and guard plants that cannot be fully dug up, like bulbs. They also retain vital heat from the soil when used along with mulch. Without insulation, repeated sub-zero nights can kill all but the hardiest rootstock.
Shading Areas of the Garden
Certain heat-loving plants suffer sunscaling and wilting on exceptionally hot summer days. For these varietals like peppers, melons, and tomatoes, a tarp provides welcome midday shade and respite. It also allows shade-tolerant plants to receive adequate, regulated light.
Moving Potted Plants or Garden Beds
Relocating whole beds or collections of containerized plants requires protection during transit. Tarps securely wrap individual pots or can be used to literally “roll up” an entire plot of plants for effortless moving. This reduces transplant shock.
Tips for Applying and Anchoring Tarps in the Garden
Securing tarps properly is essential to prevent damage from wind whipping or heavy rain displacement. Here are some best practices:
Staking the perimeter:
Drive metal stakes, bamboo poles, or even half of a tomato cage structure into the soil at regular intervals around the tarp edges. This anchors it in place.
Weighting with bricks/rocks:
Laying inexpensive landscape bricks, decorative stones or even water-filled bottles across the outer tarp helps counter air movement.
Using tension lines:
Bungee cords or ropes stretched tightly between perimeter stakes create flexible tension to hold the tarp smoothly against emerging plant growth below.
Folding edges under:
After securing, fold the bottom 6-12 inches of the outer tarp back under itself. This prevents plants from getting trapped or shaded out along the margin.
Checking during severe weather:
Tarps must be monitored for damage or accidental lifting during heavy storms. Staples or ties may require adjusting as plants increase in size and mass over time.
Reinforcing vulnerable corners:
Extra rocks or overlapping layers at the most wind-exposed areas prevent tearing starting points. Proper anchoring is essential to balance protection and not create a new set of problems like restricted drainage, heat buildup, or chafing from flopping edges. With some simple techniques, gardeners can keep tarps reliably serving their purpose throughout changing conditions.
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