Insect & weed exclusion practices

---

Row covers with hoops

Fabric row covers are lightweight blankets made of spunbonded polypropylene which is sunlight, rain and air-permeable. They offer 4 benefits: 1) Capturing warmth, resulting in healthier plant growth and earlier yields. 2) Protecting plants from damaging winds. 3) Most effective, least toxic, form of insect control. 4) Protecting your plants from light frost, thus extending the growing season. Row covers are a commonly used organic technique and are reusable for many years. 

---

---

---

Plastic mulch with raised beds

Black film over the soil tends to warm the soil, reduce evaporation and prevent weed growth. Each of these effects is beneficial to crop plants.  

---