Garden fleece, also known as horticultural fleece, is a lightweight fabric used to help plants cope with frost and cold weather. It’s a breathable, soft material that can be placed directly over or around plants to maintain warmth while still allowing sunlight, air, and moisture to reach the soil.
Its use is common across the UK gardening season from late autumn to early spring. It’s especially useful for seedlings, potted fruit trees, and greenhouse crops that are sensitive to low night temperatures.
How Garden Fleece Covers Protect Garden Plants
Garden fleece works by trapping a layer of warmer air around the plant. This buffer reduces overnight temperature drops and prevents frost from settling on leaves and stems. It can be used on open beds or potted containers. Since the fleece is permeable, it prevents overheating and moisture build-up. In windy areas, secure it with ground pegs, staples, or stones to keep it in place.
Using Fleece Rolls for Beds, Borders, and Greenhouses
Fleece rolls are ideal for larger growing areas, as they can be cut to size and shaped to fit over hoops, cloches, or directly on crops. Rolls are particularly useful for row planting and allotments where multiple crops need frost protection.
For greenhouse use, cut sections of fleece and attach them to the inner frame using clips or tape. This helps retain warmth during cold nights and reduces reliance on heating systems. Avoid wrapping too tightly so that air can circulate properly.
How to Use Fleece for Garden Plants
Early Spring: Lay fleece over emerging seedlings such as lettuce, carrots, or potatoes to protect them from late frosts. Loosely drape the fleece and weigh down the edges with stones or pegs.
Frost Forecasts: Wrap fleece around individual shrubs or fruit trees overnight. Remove it during the day when temperatures rise to prevent moisture build-up. Fleece bags are also available for easy coverage.
Wind Protection: Stretch fleece over support hoops to create low tunnels. This reduces wind chill on delicate crops while allowing rain and airflow.
Temporary Shade: During cold snaps, use fleece to shield plants from harsh wind and bright early sun, which can scorch frost-bitten leaves.
Reusing Fleece: Shake off soil, rinse with warm water and mild soap, then air dry. Fold and store flat in a sealed container away from pests.
Garden Fleece Alternatives
Maintaining your fleece properly means you can reuse it for several seasons. After cleaning, check for tears and repair small holes using greenhouse tape or a quick stitch. Store rolls in a dry, sealed bin or hang them in a shed to avoid moisture damage. If you use fleece often, pre-cut sections can save time during frost warnings.
For a longer-lasting alternative, heavier fabrics like Thermacrop Garden Fleece can last for over five years and offer enhanced insulation and durability.
Key Features
- Heavy-duty, lightweight 30g garden fleece provides frost protection down to –5°C
- Cut rolls to length for greenhouses, raised beds, and containers
- Allows light, rain, and air through while retaining warmth
- Supports early crop protection and fruit tree care
- Effective from early spring through autumn and mild UK winters
Customer Benefits
- Prevents frost damage to tender and young plants
- Simple to apply, shape, and secure with common garden tools
- Enables early planting of crops such as carrots and potatoes
- Maintains healthier roots by moderating cold soil temperatures
- Reduces the need for artificial greenhouse heating