Frost Blankets & Row Covers

Frost blankets and row covers are the same product — just different names for spunbound polypropylene fabric used to protect plants from cold. "Row cover" typically refers to the same fabric used over planting rows in a growing season context, while "frost blanket" implies protection during freeze events. Both work the same way: trapping ground heat and blocking cold air while allowing light, water, and airflow through the fabric.

The heavier the fabric, the more frost protection it provides: our 0.5 oz cover provides approximately 2–4°F of protection, the 1 oz provides 4–6°F, the 1.5 oz provides 6–8°F, and the 2.5 oz provides 8–10°F. These figures assume the fabric is laid directly over or around the plant with edges secured to trap ground heat. Elevating the fabric on hoops increases airspace but can slightly reduce heat retention.

It depends on the weight. Our 0.5 oz and 1 oz row covers are designed to be left on continuously — they transmit 75–90% of available light so plants grow normally underneath. The heavier 1.5 oz and 2.5 oz covers reduce light significantly (50% and 30% transmission respectively), so for actively growing plants these should generally be removed on sunny days or whenever temperatures are above freezing.

Yes — all of our frost blankets allow irrigation and rain to pass through the fabric, so plants don't need to be uncovered for watering. This is one of the main advantages of spunbound polypropylene over plastic sheeting, which would trap heat, burn plants on sunny days, and require removal for irrigation.

With proper care, our frost blankets typically last 3–5 seasons. The fabric includes UV inhibitors to resist breakdown from sun exposure. To maximize lifespan, store rolled or loosely folded in a cool, dry place during the off-season and avoid dragging across rough surfaces. The 2.5 oz covers are the most durable and designed for repeated multi-season use.

We stock frost blankets in widths from 3’ to 50’ and lengths from 100’ to 2,000’. Commercial growers can order large rolls like 36’ × 1,000’ or 50’ × 1,000’ for field-scale applications. Homeowners and smaller operations will find sizes like 7’ × 100’ or 12’ × 300’ more practical. All seams are sewn (not glued) for added strength at the fold lines.