[Bombers]

I am thinking of making my own cloches this year, and was wondering if anyone has any usefull tips or ideas as to how to go about it. I have a number of raised beds ( of various shapes and sizes) and would like to adapt what materials I have - i.e. Polythene, bits of scrap wood, wire etc.,
Any budding D.I.Yers out there can help? t.y.  

[ParsnipPete]

I am thinking of making my own cloches this year, and was wondering if anyone has any usefull tips or ideas as to how to go about it. I have a number of raised beds ( of various shapes and sizes) and would like to adapt what materials I have - i.e. Polythene, bits of scrap wood, wire etc.,
Any budding D.I.Yers out there can help? t.y.  

I've used that plastic water pipe to make the cloche frame. Bend it in half loops and sink the ends in the ground. Make a loop every eighteen inches or so and brace between the loops with bamboo canes or hazel sticks. Cover with poly and peg it down.

[crowndale]

I do the same as you pete but stick the ends of the pipe onto bamboo canes for a little extra security.  they can cover a three foot wide bed to about 2 foot high at the top.  Am planning on using them for my carrots and strawbs this year.

[Bombers]

thanks for the tip. I'll have to try and scrounge some poly pipes then!
I like the idea of planting em over bamboo canes. but how do you secure the polythene? - just peg em.Or bury em?

[WhippetMaster]

Cut 18 inch lengths of 22mm poly plumbing pipe for the stand firm up set in soil then slot a loop of 15mm into it.Bend across the width of the raised bed and repeat every 3 feet. Wrap both ends like a sweet and tie. I used office file clips (they work and they are free) to clamp the sheet to the pipe and 3 inch fence post to hold down the sides giving you access when you need it.

It works and has survived very rough winds and two curious dogs!!!!

[Bombers]

Got polythene. Got fence posts. Mate works for plumbers merchants,... so I'm all sorted for the weekend! Thanks chaps!

[bekboo]

We cut clear plastic pop bottles in half and placed them over individual plants. Results were quite good until the plants got too big obviously. We like to think of it as fitting into the Reduce, Re-use, Recycle maxim!

[puravida]

you cloche your carrots and strawbs for the whole season? Or just 'till summer?

[diggerjoe]

I had a word the people that supply water for our office water cooler and he let me have some slightly damaged water bottles for a couple of quid each - with the bottom cut off with hacksaw they make great cloches as they are quite solid and if you put a cane through the top it secures them.