Missouri summers can be tough on your precious raised garden beds! The scorching sun beats down, the wind whips, and pesky critters are always on the prowl. Are you tired of watching your hard work wilt or get eaten before you can even enjoy it? Choosing the right cover for your raised garden bed in Missouri during the summer months is a challenge many gardeners face. You want something that protects your plants from the harsh elements and hungry pests, but you don’t want to trap too much heat or make it difficult to access your garden.
Finding that perfect balance can feel like a puzzle. Too little protection, and your plants suffer. Too much, and you might create a mini-greenhouse that cooks your tomatoes! But don’t worry, we’re here to help you navigate the options. By reading on, you’ll discover the best ways to shield your raised garden beds from the summer’s fury, ensuring a bountiful harvest and a healthier, happier garden.
Let’s dive into the world of raised garden bed covers and find the ideal solution for your Missouri garden this summer.
Our Top 5 Cover For Raised Garden Bed In Missouri For Summer Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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2 Pack Garden Netting for Raised Beds | 9.2/10 | Check Price |
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EJW Summer Outdoor Plant Shades | 9.4/10 | Check Price |
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32.2″ x 13″ x 14.1″ Garden Row Accelerator Plants Cover | 8.8/10 | Check Price |
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Raised Garden Bed Cover | 8.8/10 | Check Price |
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SUMGROW Raised Bed Cover | 8.9/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Cover For Raised Garden Bed In Missouri For Summer Detailed Reviews
1. 2 Pack Garden Netting for Raised Beds
Rating: 8.6/10
Keep your precious plants safe and sound with this 2-pack of Garden Netting for Raised Beds! These rectangular mesh covers are designed to shield your vegetables, fruits, and flowers from hungry pests and curious critters. They fit perfectly over most standard raised garden beds, acting as a reliable barrier against birds, squirrels, and insects while still letting in sunlight, air, and rain.
What We Like:
- Perfect Fit for Raised Beds: Each netting measures 59.1 x 27.6 x 17.7 inches, making them ideal for 4 x 2 x 1 foot raised garden beds.
- Fine Mesh Protection: The 0.05-inch mesh effectively blocks insects without blocking essential sunlight, air, and rain.
- Durable and Reusable: Made from UV-resistant HDPE material, these covers are built to last for many years and can withstand harsh weather.
- Easy to Install and Secure: Double drawstrings on both sides make installation a breeze. They firmly attach the netting, preventing wind from blowing it away and keeping small animals out.
- Versatile Garden Shield: Protect a wide variety of plants, from blueberries and tomatoes to flowers and shrubs, in your garden, patio, or greenhouse.
What Could Be Improved:
- Garden Bed Not Included: Remember that the raised garden beds shown in pictures are not part of the product.
This garden netting offers excellent protection for your plants. It’s a simple yet effective way to ensure a bountiful harvest.
2. EJW Summer Outdoor Plant Shades
Rating: 9.1/10
Keep your garden thriving all summer long with the EJW Summer Outdoor Plant Shades! This garden bed cover is designed to protect your precious fruits, vegetables, flowers, and herbs from hungry squirrels, birds, and other pesky critters. It also shields them from the harsh summer sun, creating the perfect shady environment for healthy growth.
What We Like:
- This kit comes with everything you need: garden mulch, fiberglass tubing, ground spikes, and ties for easy setup.
- The cover is made of durable PE plastic connectors and breathable fiberglass tubing, ensuring longevity.
- It effectively blocks pests like insects, birds, and animals while still allowing water and light to reach your plants.
- The ultra-dense mesh won’t stop your plants from making food through photosynthesis.
- It’s super easy to assemble and secure into the ground without needing any extra tools.
- Perfect for a variety of plants, from tomatoes and strawberries to lettuce and cabbage.
- The breathable mesh creates a good shady spot and a warm, suitable growing environment for delicate seedlings and fruits.
What Could Be Improved:
- The size is fixed at 47.2 * 23.6 * 23.6 inches, so it might not fit all garden bed sizes.
- While the mesh is breathable, very intense sun might still require additional shade for extremely sensitive plants.
This garden cover is a fantastic way to protect your plants and help them grow strong. It’s an easy and effective solution for any gardener looking to keep their harvest safe.
3. 32.2″ x 13″ x 14.1″ Garden Row Accelerator Plants Cover
Rating: 8.7/10
Keep your precious garden plants safe and growing strong with this innovative Garden Row Accelerator Plants Cover. This clever protector shields your vegetables, fruits, and delicate seedlings from harsh weather, while still letting in the sun, air, and moisture they need to thrive. It’s like a cozy, breathable blanket for your plants, helping them grow faster and produce an earlier harvest.
What We Like:
- It protects your plants from bad weather but lets in sunlight, air, and moisture for healthy growth.
- The cover folds up easily for storage and doesn’t need any tools to set up.
- Made from strong PVC grid with sturdy yellow edging, it’s built to last and withstand windy days.
- It comes with ground nails to keep it secure in your garden.
- You can use it for all sorts of plants, from vegetables and fruits to flowers and seedlings, in gardens, yards, or raised beds.
- It keeps pesky animals away from your plants.
What Could Be Improved:
- The size might be a bit small for very large or sprawling plants.
- While sturdy, the material could potentially be damaged by very sharp objects or extreme animal teeth.
This plant cover is a fantastic way to give your garden a head start and protect your hard work. Your plants will thank you for it with a bountiful and early harvest.
4. Raised Garden Bed Cover
Rating: 8.9/10
Get ready to extend your growing season and give your plants the best protection with this Raised Garden Bed Cover, Garden Row Plants Cover Accelerator. This handy greenhouse cover is designed to shield your precious veggies and seedlings from the cold and wind. You can plant earlier in the spring and help your young plants grow faster. It’s a simple way to give your garden a boost!
What We Like:
- Keeps your plants safe from cold and wind, letting you plant earlier.
- Speeds up the growth of young plants.
- Made from strong PVC and breathable mesh for lasting protection.
- Easy to set up with zippers for ventilation and access.
- Folds up for simple storage and can be used again and again.
- Protects a variety of plants like vegetables, fruits, flowers, and seedlings.
- Keeps pesky animals away from your garden.
What Could Be Improved:
- The size might be a bit small for very large garden beds.
- While durable, extreme weather might still pose a challenge.
This two-pack of garden covers is a smart investment for any gardener looking to get more from their plants. It provides excellent protection and makes gardening easier.
5. SUMGROW Raised Bed Cover
Rating: 9.2/10
The SUMGROW Raised Bed Cover is a handy tool for any gardener. This crop cage protects your plants from hungry birds and small animals. It also shields them from too much sun. The mesh netting tent is easy to set up and take down, making gardening simpler.
What We Like:
- It pops up easily, so you can set it up in seconds.
- The 30% sunblock shade cloth protects plants from harsh sunlight.
- A handy roller window with a zipper lets you check on your plants without opening the whole tent.
- Air and water can easily get through the mesh, keeping your plants healthy.
- Six metal spikes help to keep the tent steady and secure in the ground.
What Could Be Improved:
- The size might be a bit small for larger raised beds.
- While it offers some sunblock, very hot climates might need more shade.
This SUMGROW Raised Bed Cover is a great way to give your plants a safe and comfortable growing space. It’s a practical solution for protecting your garden.
Your Missouri Summer Raised Garden Bed Cover: A Smart Gardener’s Guide
Summer in Missouri brings sunshine and growth, but it also brings challenges for your raised garden beds. Intense heat, hungry pests, and sudden downpours can all threaten your hard work. A good cover is your garden’s best friend during these months. This guide will help you pick the perfect one.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a raised garden bed cover for Missouri summers, keep these important features in mind:
- UV Protection: Look for covers that block harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. This stops your plants from getting sunburned.
- Breathability: Plants need air to grow. A breathable cover lets water and air pass through, preventing mold and mildew.
- Durability: You want a cover that lasts. Strong materials resist tearing and wear from weather.
- Water Permeability: While some covers block rain, others let it through. Decide if you want your plants to get natural rainfall or if you plan to water them yourself.
- Pest Barrier: A good cover keeps out insects and small animals that want to eat your plants. Fine mesh is excellent for this.
- Ease of Use: The cover should be easy to put on and take off. Simple attachments or a good fit make gardening chores easier.
Important Materials
The material of your cover greatly affects its performance:
- Polyethylene (PE): This is a common and affordable plastic. It offers good UV protection and is usually waterproof. Thicker PE is more durable.
- Polypropylene (PP): Similar to PE, PP is also strong and UV-resistant. It’s often used for woven covers.
- Shade Cloth: This is a mesh fabric that blocks a percentage of sunlight. It’s great for reducing heat stress and preventing sunburn. Shade cloth comes in different percentages (e.g., 30%, 50%, 70%) to control how much sun gets through.
- Nylon or Polyester Mesh: These are strong, lightweight materials often used for insect netting. They offer excellent breathability and pest protection.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things make a cover better or worse:
- Stitching and Seams: Strong, reinforced stitching means the cover won’t fall apart easily. Double-stitched seams are a sign of good quality.
- UV Treatment: Many covers are treated with UV inhibitors. This coating helps the material last longer in the sun. Covers without this treatment will degrade faster.
- Thickness (Denier for Mesh): For plastic covers, a thicker material is generally stronger. For mesh, a higher denier number means a tighter weave and better pest protection.
- Frame or Support: Some covers come with a frame or hoops. This keeps the cover off your plants, preventing damage and allowing more airflow. Covers without support might sag and touch your plants.
User Experience and Use Cases
Gardeners in Missouri use covers for many reasons:
- Protecting Delicate Plants: Young seedlings or heat-sensitive plants like lettuce and spinach benefit from shade cloth to prevent wilting.
- Keeping Pests Away: Tomato hornworms, cabbage moths, and slugs can be a real nuisance. Fine mesh covers act as a physical barrier.
- Preventing Sunburn: Intense summer sun can scorch the leaves of many plants. A cover can diffuse the sunlight, protecting them.
- Controlling Water: If you have issues with too much rain or want to control watering precisely, a waterproof cover is useful.
- Extending the Growing Season (less common for summer, but possible): While primarily for protection, a cover can slightly moderate temperature swings on cooler summer nights.
Choosing the right cover means happier, healthier plants and less worry for you. Happy gardening!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best type of cover for extreme Missouri heat?
A: For extreme heat, a shade cloth cover with a 50% to 70% shade rating is often best. It blocks enough sun to keep plants cool but still lets in light for growth.
Q: Will a cover keep out rabbits and deer?
A: Most standard covers will keep out smaller pests like insects and slugs. For larger animals like rabbits or deer, you’ll need a very sturdy, tall cover that is securely anchored to the ground.
Q: Can I water my plants through the cover?
A: If you choose a breathable mesh or shade cloth cover, you can typically water your plants directly through it. Waterproof covers will require you to lift them for watering.
Q: How do I secure a raised garden bed cover in windy conditions?
A: Many covers come with ties, clips, or grommets. Use these to attach the cover to the raised bed frame or stakes driven into the ground. Ensure it’s pulled taut to reduce wind resistance.
Q: My cover is getting moldy. What should I do?
A: Mold can form if the cover isn’t breathable or if it stays damp. Make sure the cover is well-ventilated. If it’s washable, clean it with mild soap and water and let it dry completely before putting it back on.
Q: How long do these covers typically last in the summer sun?
A: The lifespan varies by material and UV treatment. Good quality polyethylene or polypropylene covers with UV inhibitors can last for several summers. Shade cloth may last 3-5 years depending on quality.
Q: Can I use a cover that completely blocks out light?
A: No, plants need light to grow. A cover that completely blocks light will prevent photosynthesis and kill your plants. Always choose covers that allow some light to pass through.
Q: What size cover do I need for my raised garden bed?
A: Measure the length, width, and height of your raised garden bed. Choose a cover that is slightly larger than your bed to ensure it fits easily and can be secured properly.
Q: Are there covers specifically designed for different types of plants?
A: Yes. For example, insect netting is great for protecting vegetables like broccoli from pests, while shade cloth is ideal for leafy greens sensitive to heat.
Q: How do I store my raised garden bed cover when it’s not in use?
A: After the summer season, clean the cover if needed. Fold it neatly and store it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, to protect it from damage and prolong its life.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.