The response to rowcover may vary between years, but in general, the use of rowcover can help to enhance the early production of the crop. This is beneficial since the harvest of 'Heritage', a late season raspberry, is often prematurely terminated by frost. Rowcovers can enhance both early production and yield of strawberries. In gardens experiencing high winds, cold temperatures and inconsistent snowfalls, mulch the strawberries with straw in the late fall. Remove the straw after March 1, and cover the plants immediately with the rowcovers.
Place rowcovers over the plants in the late winter.
Remove the covers as soon as the plants begin to blossom in the spring, or the rowcovers may interfere with pollination. Rowcovers can also reduce injury by tarnished plant bug. Due to accelerated flowering, the insects are present after the susceptible stage of development. The most success using tunnels on vegetable crops has occurred with muskmelon. Ventilated clear plastic is often used.