[Michael D]

Hi   Has anyone used plastic bottles cut off at bottom and cap removed to cover young plants instead of cloches.??  Mike

[mumofstig]

I think a lot of us do

I like them for over sweetcorn, when I have to get them out of the greenhouse and the odd frost is still about


They are also useful for sinking into the soil besides tomatoes/cucumbers/pumpkins etc for watering directly to the roots

[trogg]

Yes, I used them for most of the stuff I planted out in March, helped keep them a little warmer, so kept the frost at bay 

I have 2 eight foot canes stuck in the ground which I store the 'bottles' for when I need them.

[dexyblue]

Great storage idea trogg, will free space up as I have mine stored in bin bags.

I also last season, cut the bottles up into 1"-2" pieces to make collars for my cabbages. I had a great success with them and NO slug damage.

[Elcie]

Oh yes I have used them loads and loads!  I used them over beetroot seeds a couple of seasons ago which was productive.  Mostly use them when I am impatient and want to plant something earlier than I should!

[Yorkie]

Other brands are available too 

[drmoonshine]

use the 2L and 3L ones all the time

and also use the little tiny bottles for putting ontop of cains so you dont end up inpailing your eyeball on one....

[trogg]

Great storage idea trogg, will free space up as I have mine stored in bin bags.

there is a downside, if it's windy the cane/bottles will sway to and fro .......... and give you a smack on the head when least expected           


One other thing, when you come to remove this 'mini cloche' from the plant it's best to give it a twist as you lift it off, or else you risk lifting the whole plant with it 
especially in damp soil .

[Brambles]

LOVE the idea of the 8ft cane to store plastic bottles.... thank you so much for that trogg 

[AlotArds]

I use plastic bottles for everything, I use some as slug traps, simply cut off the neck insert it inside the bottle and sylicone to seal, add out of date beer, lay on the ground and top up every other week.

Slugs like the beer like me lol

P.S. When the bottle is full, just dump it, and please don't get your nose to close 

[mikem]

I use plastic bottles for everything, I use some as slug traps, simply cut off the neck insert it inside the bottle and sylicone to seal, add out of date beer, lay on the ground and top up every other week.

Do you lay down on the ground after finishing off the rest of the out of date beer or before?

[operabunny]

I've never had beer long enough to be out of date! 

[Blueberry]

I used  empty milk bottles (4 pints) which worked very well I had a stick through the handle to stop them from being blown away. I cut off the top and bottom and had the bottom end pushed in the ground to cover the plants, job done !!!

[Salmo]

If they are just pushed into the ground they tend to blow over. Push a short cane into them to hold them firm. You will then need another small bottle on the top of the cane to keep your eyes safe.

[Kristen]

You will then need another small bottle on the top of the cane to keep your eyes safe.

Luckily my youngest has a passion for these - which are perfect for cane-toppers