making a cloche from plastic bottles,question about ventilation?

cooking-mama

Ive been spending my time building up stock of what im gonna need for when planting outdoors,since ive never done this before im trying not to spend anymore money than necessary(in case im unsuccessful),ive bought my raised bed kit(£16.99 B+Q),i also nearly bought a long cloche for around £9,that wouldve fitted well,but ive decided to try and make my own from 2l plastic bottle(and some mini 500ml bottles),my question is--,if i cut the bottles in half,do i then have to leave the cap on the open end,..or should i leave that open? and also do i have to make holes in the bottom end,or should these be sealed units?,any advice appreciated:o
PS,can i line them with fleece(from poundland)for overnight?

seraphina

I would stick the ends firmly in the ground (this will also help stop them being blown away). I would leave the caps on but loose, and if it's going to be cold then tighten them up.

However I wouldn't line them with fleece as it seems like quite a lot of hassle - I'd just chuck some fleece over the whole lot and peg it down IYSWIM?

savemoney

I been looking at protecting my raised beds too, just to warm soil up before planting and possible some sort of fine netting to protect from insects

Where I have the beds its in the shade partially so only get the sun mid day

valk_scot

I take the cap off. It can get a bit hot and humid inside a bottle otherwise and that's not ideal.

If you can get hold of a couple of the huge bottles that they use in water coolers these make fabulous cloches. I knew a bloke that used to work for the transport company and he got me six damaged bottles to cut down. Wonderful...

Primrose

The large (5 litre ?) square plastic mineral water bottles make great mini cloches. I completely cut the bottoms off with a sharp knife, put them over the plant and anchor them against the wind by putting a very thin cane through the open top and into the soil . You need to keep the top open for ventilation. Heat rises and on a very warm day too much heat could kill your seedlings. This open top also makes it easy for watering the plant as I pour water in through the open hole and it directs itself around the area immediately close to the roots.

meanmum

I used the "half 2l lemonade bottle" cloches on my transplanted lettuce last yeat & they worked really well - left the tops off for ventilation. I think they were protected from slugs too. This year I have a poundstore cloche - I wonder if it will work as well?