Garden fleece, also known as horticultural fleece, is a lightweight material used to help plants cope with frost and cold weather. It is a breathable, soft fabric placed directly over plants or around them to maintain warmth while still allowing sunlight and moisture to reach the soil.
Its use is common throughout the UK gardening season from late autumn to early spring. It is particularly helpful for seedlings, potted fruit trees, and greenhouse crops that are sensitive to low night temperatures.
How Garden Fleece Covers Protect Garden Plants
Garden fleece covers work by trapping a layer of warmer air around the plant. This buffer reduces temperature drops overnight and prevents frost from settling on leaves and stems.
It can be used on both open beds and potted containers. Since the fleece is permeable, it avoids overheating or moisture build-up. In windy areas, secure it with ground pegs, staples, or stones to prevent it from lifting.
Using Fleece Rolls for Beds, Borders, and Greenhouses
Fleece rolls provide flexibility, especially in larger growing areas. 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 maintain internal warmth during cold nights and reduces reliance on heating systems. Avoid wrapping too tightly to ensure air movement remains balanced.
How to Use Fleece for Garden Plants
Early Spring: Lay fleece over emerging seedlings such as lettuce, carrot, or potato to shield 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 the temperature rises to avoid trapping too much moisture. Fleece bags are also available
Wind Protection: Stretch fleece over support hoops to create low tunnels. This helps reduce wind chill on sensitive crops while allowing air and rain to reach the soil.
Temporary Shade: During sudden cold snaps, use fleece to block wind and filter intense early morning sun, which can damage frost-bitten leaves.
Reusing Fleece: Shake off excess soil, rinse with warm water and soap, and allow to air dry. Fold and store flat in a sealed container away from mice or insects.
Garden Fleece UK Alternatives
Maintaining garden fleece properly ensures it can be reused for several seasons. After cleaning, inspect it for tears and repair small holes using greenhouse tape or stitching.
Fleece rolls can be kept in dry, sealed bins or hung in sheds to prevent moisture damage. If frequent use is expected, pre-cut sections can save time during frost warnings.
For a longer-lasting option, heavier materials like Thermacrop are available for extended use beyond five years.
Key Features:
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Heavy Duty Lightweight 30g garden fleece for use down to -5°C frost protection
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Cut fleece rolls to length for use in greenhouses, beds, and containers
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Allows light, rain, and air through while retaining essential warmth
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Garden fleece covers help early crop protection and support fruit trees
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Effective across spring, autumn, and mild winter weather in the UK
Customer Benefits:
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Helps prevent frost damage to sensitive or young plants
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Easy to apply, shape, and secure using common garden tools
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Supports early planting of vegetables like potato and carrot
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Maintains healthier roots by moderating cold soil temperatures
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Reduces need for artificial heating in greenhouses