Epic Cover Frame Kit (Birdies Large)

This frame is a great idea and I jumped at the chance to get frames built over my raised beds in advance of cold weather. However, I learned a few lessons on this initial trial. First, I underestimated how cold it would get. I had multiple peppers and eggplants, some basil, big strong chard and healthy thyme, oregano, Mexican marigold and parsley. You can see what is left after temperatures dropped well below freezing and the wind blew for two days. Lots of damage in the garden and across our landscape. I've ordered heavier frost cloth, but I think the frame is too big and leaves too much volume for cold air. Maybe next time I'll cover the individual plants in addition to the frame.

Second, the lightweight frost cloth was not durable enough to withstand stress from the wind or to be effectively held in place by the clips provided with the kit. The clips were difficult to put on and take off (used a screwdriver to pry off) but were not so tight that they held two layers - or even three layers of frost cloth in place. My solution - somewhat too late - was to use folded up plastic bags as an extra layer of thickness. I've also decided to try pipe insulation tubes in addition to the clips. Additional clips are definitely needed in this kit. If I'd built multiple frames as intended, I really wouldn't have had enough clips. Other possible solution would be to buy some PVC snap tees in a size

The frame kit worked. Extremely well. I put my new bed on a very uneven brick patio and the conduits allowed me to level the bed perfectly. Also the trellis and the sunshade when needed will be simple to install. Love it!!