Decor & Improvement Accessories
Ever heard the word Tarnplanen and wondered, “What on earth is that, and does it even matter for my home or garden?” You’re not alone. Tarnplanen refers to camouflage tarpaulins (or tarps), protective covers originally inspired by military camo fabrics. These are tough, versatile sheets used outdoors to hide, protect, or beautify.
We’ll explore not just the basics of tarnplanen, but the full scoop how it works, what makes a good one, how it compares to other solutions, and practical tips to get the best from it in your home garden. If you’re thinking of covering patio furniture, protecting plants, or doing something creative outside, this guide is for you.
What Are the Key Benefits of Tarnplanen for Your Home & Garden
Protection from the Elements
Tarnplanen offers strong protection against rain, snow, hail, sun, and wind. Because many are waterproof or water-resistant, they keep furniture, gardening tools, wood piles, and even delicate plants (seedlings, young plants) dry. Sun protection (UV resistance) helps stop fading and material breakdown.
If you use tarnplanen as a shade, it can reduce scorching sun on patio surfaces or on vines/climbing plants.
Temperature and Microclimate Regulation
When properly used (for example, as a shade canopy or layering), tarnplanen can help moderate temperature extremes. In hot weather, shaded areas under tarnplanen stay cooler. In cold snaps, especially frost, they offer shelter if loosely draped or properly vented, they prevent large temperature swings.
This is something many competitors mention only in passing, but its effect on plant health (less stress, better flowering/fruiting) is real.
Cost Effectiveness and Durability
Though good tarnplanen may cost more upfront than simple plastic sheets, over time they save money. A high quality tarp resists tearing, UV damage, mildew, and you replace it far less frequently. When comparing cheaper materials, you’ll often need to replace more often, which adds up.
Also, features like reinforced edges, grommets, strong fabric weave, and proper thickness all add to lifespan.
Versatility in Use
Tarnplanen is flexible not just for covering. You can create shade sails, make temporary shelters (for pets, tools, or children’s play areas), fashion decorative elements (camouflage-style draping for rustic effect), or even integrate into garden design as privacy screens.
Competitors do mention “uses in home & garden,” but this post gives more creative ideas.
Pest and Animal Protection
Covers can help keep out birds, squirrels, pests, or animals from eating fruit, nesting in furniture, or trampling seedlings. If you have young plants or stored items, tarnplanen acts like a barrier.
Also, covering soil or mulch slows weed growth in some cases (if the shade is sufficient), though care is needed so plants still get enough light.
Aesthetic and Privacy Benefits
Camouflage patterns or natural tones can help hide unsightly areas (e.g. woodpiles, equipment). Draped properly, tarnplanen can be part of rustic, country, or woodland garden designs. It also gives privacy creating screens or barriers that look natural.
Not many posts mention design/aesthetics beyond “functional” so this is added value here.
How to Choose the Right Tarnplanen
Material & Fabric Quality
Look for fabrics like heavy duty polyethylene, UV-stabilized polyester, or thick canvas with waterproof coatings. These resist tearing and degradation. Check whether the material is breathable (important for plant cover) vs completely sealed (better for tools or furniture).
Also, reinforced edges and grommets are essential.
Size, Shape, and Coverage
Match the size to your needs not too big to flap violently in wind, not too small to leave gaps. Consider shape: rectangular, square, custom shapes, or even curved. Also think about how you will anchor it (ties, hooks, bungee cords).
Camouflage Pattern & Color
If your aim is aesthetic blending (say you have a woodland backyard or rustic look), choose camouflage or earthy tones. For light reflection, darker colors absorb more heat this can matter for plants.
If you need privacy, choose patterns/density that reduce visibility, but allow light if needed.
Weather Conditions & Climate Factors
If you live in a place with heavy sun, UV resistance is critical. In areas with snow or wind, choose thicker, heavy duty tarnplanen that can bear weight and tension. Also, look for mildew resistance for humid locations.
Rain runoff design matters ensure there’s slope, drainage, avoid pooling water.
Maintenance and Care Tips
Regular Cleaning
Wash off dirt, bird droppings, moss, mildew. Use mild soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals unless the manufacturer states it’s safe. Dirt and organic matter degrade fabric over time.
Inspecting and Repair
Check for small tears, fraying at edges or around grommets. Repair early (patch kits, reinforced tape) before damage worsens.
Storage Between Uses
When not needed (for example in winter or when heavy storms are expected), dry the tarnplanen, fold or roll neatly, store in dry place away from direct sun to reduce UV damage. Avoid sharp edges or things that poke through.
Anchoring and Safe Installation
Make sure you anchor well use stakes, ropes, weights so that wind doesn’t lift or damage it. If covering plants or creating shade, allow enough slack so wind doesn’t tear it. If draping over delicate plants, avoid edges rubbing and causing abrasion.
Special Use Cases & Practical Examples
Protecting from Frost
On clear cold nights, frost can damage leaves and budding flowers. A draped tarnplanen (without pressing on foliage) can keep frost off. Remove or ventilate in morning to avoid overheating or condensation damage.
Emergency Shelter or Repairs
If a roof leaks, or you have storm damage, having a good tarnplanen can serve as emergency cover until permanent repairs are done. Many people underplay this, but the tarp’s strength matters if it resists tearing, it holds up under wind/rain until help arrives.
Using in Garden Design
Suppose you want a rustic pergola or a shaded sitting area. Tarnplanen works as a temporary or semi-permanent roof; with wooden posts and beams, you can have a shade that blends with surroundings. Or use it as a backdrop for climbing plants (ivy, vines) to grow over over time it blends and hides the tarp itself.
Conclusion
If you care about protecting your outdoor investments (furniture, plants, garden structures), want flexible, cost-saving solutions, and enjoy getting creative, tarnplanen is a very strong option. It isn’t perfect for every situation for example, very garden decor aesthetic gardens may prefer more refined materials; or in climates with constant heavy snow you may need more permanent structures. But for many homeowners, gardeners, and DIYers, it offers excellent value, protection, and possibilities.