[Kajazy]

I have a stack of old Ikea plastic boxes (the translucent ones - you're supposed to be able to see the contents through them), roughly 80cm x 55cm x 40cm - I was thinking of attaching a handle to the top, and drilling some holes in the rims for ground pegs - would they make a good cloche? Do I need to drill ventilation holes? If so - in the top or sides?

I've never used a cloche before (or indeed grown veggies!!), so any advice hugely appreciated...

[Kajazy]

Does anyone know what I need in a cloche? I'm looking to make my own out of old Ikea plastic boxes (we have hundreds after many many house moves!), but don't know what is necessary - ventilation? If so, where? Some sort of means of fixing to the ground?

http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/70102972

All ideas/advice appreciated!

[Trillium]

I have neighbours around me who simply upend white buckets over their plants and leave them until the weather is right.  That's what you can do with your Ikea buckets. No need to put in holes or anything, but a brick or 2 on top should hold them down.

From time to time, check underneath for progress and any slug problems.

[N.WalesIdealist]

I think they'd be ideal as cloches, I'd never thought of that!  And at a pount a pop, they're rather economical too!  A brick on top should do the job, maybe 2 if you're in a very windy site, but they look quite sturdy so I wouldn't worry!

[Plot18]

The one problem you might have is the boxes may become brittle after a season outside.  I've done similar and the handles snap off very easily, the plastic obviously isn't very UV stable.