How to Use Row Covers to Protect Plants from Grasshoppers

Grasshoppers are one of the most persistent and destructive pests in gardens and agricultural fields. These voracious feeders can quickly decimate leafy greens, flowers, and young seedlings, causing significant damage and reducing crop yields. Traditional methods like chemical pesticides may not always be desirable due to environmental concerns and potential harm to beneficial insects. Fortunately, there is an effective, eco-friendly solution: using row covers. In this article, we will explore how to use row covers to protect your plants from grasshoppers, ensuring a healthy and productive garden.

Understanding Grasshopper Damage

Before diving into how row covers work, it’s essential to understand the nature of grasshopper damage and why they are such a challenging pest.

What Are Grasshoppers?

Grasshoppers are insects belonging to the order Orthoptera. They are typically brown or green and have strong hind legs that allow them to jump great distances. Grasshoppers feed primarily on leaves and stems, chewing large holes in foliage or consuming entire plants when populations are high.

Signs of Grasshopper Damage

• Holes in leaves: Irregular holes or notches along leaf edges.
• Skeletonized leaves: Leaves with only veins remaining.
• Seedling destruction: Young plants can be eaten down to the ground.
• Reduced yield: Significant defoliation reduces photosynthesis and growth.

Why Are Grasshoppers Difficult to Control?

Grasshoppers have a high reproductive rate and can migrate from nearby fields or wild areas. They are also very mobile, capable of jumping or flying away from danger. Chemical controls can be ineffective once infestations become severe, and pesticides may harm beneficial insects such as pollinators.

What Are Row Covers?

Row covers are protective fabrics made from lightweight materials such as spunbonded polyester, polypropylene, or polyethylene mesh. They are designed to be placed directly over plant rows or individual plants as a physical barrier against pests.

Types of Row Covers

• Floating row covers: Lightweight fabrics that rest directly on plants without needing support structures.
• Supported row covers: Fabric draped over hoops or frames to create tunnels over crops.
• Insect-proof mesh covers: Fine mesh fabrics with small openings that prevent even tiny insects from passing through.

Each type varies in weight, light transmission, breathability, and durability.

Benefits of Using Row Covers Against Grasshoppers

Using row covers provides several advantages beyond just blocking grasshoppers:

• Physical barrier: Completely prevents grasshoppers from reaching the plants.
• Chemical-free: Reduces or eliminates the need for pesticides.
• Microclimate control: Helps retain moisture and warmth around plants.
• Protects from other pests: Also effective against aphids, cabbage worms, flea beetles, and more.
• Improves plant growth: By reducing pest stress, plants grow stronger.

How to Use Row Covers to Protect Plants from Grasshoppers

Here is a step-by-step guide on effectively using row covers for grasshopper control:

1. Select the Right Row Cover Material

Choose a row cover fabric with the following characteristics:

• Fine mesh size (less than 1/8 inch): To prevent grasshoppers from passing through.
• Lightweight (0.5 – 1 oz per square yard): Allows sufficient sunlight for photosynthesis.
• UV resistant: Ensures durability under sun exposure.
• Breathable: Permits air circulation to prevent overheating.

Popular brands include Agribon®, Reemay®, and Deer Protector® insect netting.

2. Timing Is Critical – Install Early

Grasshoppers lay eggs in late summer or early fall that hatch in spring or early summer. Monitor local hatching times based on your region’s climate. Ideally:

• Install row covers immediately after planting seeds or transplanting seedlings before grasshoppers become active.
• Early installation ensures no opportunity for grasshoppers to access young vulnerable plants.

3. Prepare the Planting Bed

Before placing row covers:

• Remove weeds and debris where grasshoppers may hide.
• Ensure soil is well-prepared for planting to encourage healthy plant growth under covers.
• Plan your planting layout so you can easily cover entire rows or beds.

4. Install Row Covers Properly

There are two common methods:

Floating Row Covers (Directly on Plants)

• Cut the fabric lengthwise according to bed size.
• Lay fabric gently over plants without crushing them.
• Anchor edges securely with soil, rocks, landscape staples, or U-shaped pins to prevent grasshoppers from crawling underneath.

This type works well for short crops like lettuce or cabbage.

Supported Row Covers (Using Hoops)

For taller crops such as tomatoes or beans:

• Insert flexible wire hoops at regular intervals along the bed (2–3 feet apart).
• Drape row cover fabric over hoops creating a tunnel effect.
• Secure ends tightly with soil or anchors.

This method prevents fabric damage by plant contact and allows more light penetration.

5. Maintain and Monitor Regularly

Row covers should be inspected frequently:

• Check for gaps or tears where grasshoppers might enter.
• Repair any holes with fabric tape or patches immediately.
• Ensure edges remain tightly sealed against ground.

If rainwater accumulates on fabric causing sagging, gently lift and drain water off.

6. Remove Covers at Appropriate Times

Row covers also restrict pollinators’ access. For flowering crops requiring insect pollination (e.g., beans, cucumbers):

• Remove covers during flowering stage once grasshopper threat diminishes—usually mid-summer.

Alternatively, hand-pollinate flowers while covers are in place if you prefer full protection.

Additional Tips for Maximizing Effectiveness

Combine With Other Pest Management Practices

Row covers work best when integrated into an overall pest management plan:

• Handpick visible grasshoppers.
• Encourage natural predators like birds and parasitic wasps.
• Use trap crops (plants that attract grasshoppers) away from main crops.

Choose Resistant Plant Varieties

Some plants are less favored by grasshoppers due to tougher leaves or bitter tastes; selecting these varieties can reduce damage further when combined with row covers.

Avoid Overwatering Under Covers

Because row covers reduce airflow slightly, soil may retain moisture longer—water carefully to avoid rot or fungal diseases.

Common Challenges When Using Row Covers Against Grasshoppers

Despite their benefits, gardeners sometimes face challenges:

• Heat buildup: On hot days without ventilation, temperature under covers can rise excessively stressing plants; use lightweight breathable fabrics and remove covers briefly if necessary.
• Access difficulty: Harvesting or maintenance requires lifting/removing covers which can let pests inside—plan work schedules accordingly.
• Durability concerns: Fabric may tear due to wind or contact with tools—inspect regularly for damages.

Success Stories: Real Gardeners Using Row Covers Against Grasshoppers

Many gardeners have reported dramatic reductions in grasshopper damage after using row covers correctly:

“Last summer my lettuce was nearly wiped out by grasshoppers. This year I installed floating row covers right after planting and didn’t see a single chewed leaf!” — Sarah L., home gardener

“I use supported row cover tunnels on my tomato rows every spring until flowering time; it keeps the young plants safe until they get established.” — Mark P., small-scale farmer

These anecdotes highlight the practical benefits of physical exclusion methods for pest control.

Conclusion

Grasshoppers pose a significant threat to many types of garden plants and crops. However, by using row covers thoughtfully—with proper material choice, early installation, secure anchoring, and timely removal—you can create an effective physical barrier that protects your plants without harmful chemicals. Combined with good garden practices and pest monitoring, row covers offer an environmentally friendly way to safeguard your garden’s productivity against these persistent pests.

Investing time upfront in setting up row covers will pay off handsomely by preserving your harvests while maintaining ecological balance in your garden ecosystem. Start planning your row cover strategy today and enjoy healthier plants free from grasshopper damage!