GardenBanter.co.uk - View Single Post

09-03-2004, 04:17 AM

In article ,
(James Fidell) wrote:

Anyone have any sources for this sort of cloche that aren't quite so
expensive, or suggestions for alternatives?

* Buy corrugated transparent sheeting from Wickes.
* Drill a small whole a few inches in from each corner.
* Bend sheet into a U shaped section
* Hold in shape with string or wire through the holes
* Attach to ground with pegs or rocks.

Cost for 6'x1'x1' cloche is about 5 pounds.

To block the ends:

- Buy plastic covered wire miniature fencing. 8 sections from Poundland
= 1 pound (or a little more expensive from Wilkinsons)
- Attach A4 size transparent pocket
- Plug into the ground to block the ends.

A possible problem with this method is that it keeps the rain off the
soil. So I'm experimenting with something even cheaper - fleece. You can
get enough for a 6' x 3' bed for about 1.50 pounds but it doesn't give
your seedlings much headroom. Anyone suggest a cheap way to left an area
of fleece a foot off the ground?

Finally, you can make individual cloches from old plastic drinks bottles

* Put a stick in the ground near the plant
* cut the bottom off a 2 Litre bottle
* Discard the bottle top
* Thread the bottle onto the stick and down over the plat.

Cost: Tesco "Fountain Head" water 18p for 2L

For larger plants/cloches, buy a 5L mineral water for about 1 pound.

Steve Harris - Cheltenham - Real address steve AT netservs DOT com
A useful bit of gardening software at http://www.netservs.com/garden/