Our Row Cover workshop was fun and productive for everyone who attended!  In case you missed it, here are the step-by-step instructions on how to build your own folding 4-foot row cover to get a head-start on this year’s growing season.   Also check out these helpful handouts on Types of Row Covers and Extending Your Growing Season (plants & planting)

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

2 pieces – 2″ x 4″ x 22″ lumber with ends mitered at 22.5 degree angle (short end piece)

2 pieces – 2″ x 4″ x 23.5″ lumber with ends mitered at 22.5 degrees angle (long end piece)

3 pieces – 1″ x 3″ x 4ft. lumber (cross piece)

1 piece – 1″ x 4″ x 4ft. lumber (cross piece)

2 pieces – 3″ hinges

2 pieces – 3ft x 8ft heavy plastic

2.5″  #8 wood screws for tacking

1.25″  #8 wood screws for attaching hinges and cross pieces

electric drill

staple gun

INSTRUCTIONS:

1.  To form the two end supports of the row cover, start by tacking together one long end piece onto one short end piece so they form a V.   Repeat.

2)  Screw the hinge into the inside corner each end support.

3) Remove the tacking screws from end supports

4) Fold both end supports closed, place them four feet apart on a flat surface and screw on the three 1″ x 3″ cross pieces – one lined up with the top edge of the long end pieces, another lined up with the bottom edge of the long pieces and the last lined up with the bottom edge of the short end pieces.

5) Line the 1″ x 4″ up so that 1.5″ overhangs the top edge of the short end piece and attach with screws.

6)  Let’s recap.  This is the view from the side of the row cover identifying the placement of each piece.

7) The construction part of the row cover is now complete and ready for plastic.

8)  Cut two pieces of plastic that are 3ft x 8ft – the extra length will allow you to enclose the ends of the row cover and bury the side pieces to keep it nice and cozy inside.

9) Fold your row cover closed and centre the plastic so 2ft extend past each end of the row cover.  Line up the edge of plastic onto the inner side of the top cross-piece.  Staple in place.

10) Flip the row cover over and staple across outside of cross piece.  Then staple the plastic into the two corners where the end pieces meet the cross pieces.  Finished by stapling along the bottom cross piece.

11) The final product!