Do I need cloches???

Pixiechic

Hello,

I was just browsing small polytunnels online and came across cloches??? I am growing broccoli and it said good for them? Do I need to get cloches for them or can I use fleece? Do some veg need cloces and others not? I need help, I love my lovely little plants that I have grown from seed and I don't want them to die now! Many thanks for any advice If I need them and you know of any cheap places to buy would be greatly appreciated too.

valk_scot

Many plants would need cloche protection against frost if you plant them out now. If you look on the back of the seed packets they'll tell you when the plants can be put outside though this is a guide only, and you need to think of where you are in the country, the current weather, hardening off etc. Far too big a subject for a forum post. Best to buy a decent gardening book.

If you don't want to go to the expense of buying cloches, just wait a bit till the weather has warmed out a bit and the danger of severe frost has passed. I haven't even thought about broccolli yet....I'll probably direct sow it in late April May for summer broccoli (calabrese) and also for overwintering sprouting broccoli for next spring.

meanmum

You can get cheap plastic cloches in the pound store. I can't yet vouch for how good they are, but maybe worth a try?

lynzpower

Ive been using halved pop bottles as cloches for my bis & pieces, seem to have worked well so far have lost nothing yet ( touch wood)

conradmum

It's a good idea to keep them permanently covered in fleece as it keeps the cabbage white butterflies off them really well, so you might want to start as you mean to go on. That's if they're calabrese; purple-sprouting broccoli grows a bit big for fleece.

BigDonut

I made some cloches/mini polytunnel from wire and polythene. Not the best but does the job to give a bit of protection
Have also used the plastic bottles cut in half and they work well too.

Pixiechic

I love this site :T! Thank you very much for the replies! I am pleased I got my bargain fleece from the pound shop the other week! I thought I would need it but didn't quite know why at the time . I will def do the plastic drinks bottle idea, great! And I will have a go at the chicken wire and polythene, that could be quite adequate if I can do it properly . Thank you all for your help and advice, it's invaluable!
I have just been going through my stash of seeds to see what's next

meanmum

The plastic drinks bottles are also great for keeping the slugs off while you plants are still young & vulnerable. You just have to remember to start saving them well in advance.......

rosie383

Be aware that there is cold, wintry weather forecast again for this week. I think by about Wed we are due for snow in the southeast.

savemoney

I use them just cut 2/3rds down the bottle making sure the bottle top is the bit you use

lynzpower wrote: »

Ive been using halved pop bottles as cloches for my bis & pieces, seem to have worked well so far have lost nothing yet ( touch wood)