What is a cloche??

[alexgirl73]

I have bought some lettuce seeds (tom thumb) and some spring onions which says I can plant now to grow over the winter under a cloche. Only problem is I have no idea what one of these is Can someone point me in the right direction please.

[MrsH]

It's a see-through cover to protect young plants from the cold. Proper, glass ones are expensive to buy but you can get polythene/plastic frames at the garden centre or make your own.

[alexgirl73]

ahhh!! Thank you I am a complete novice at this veggie growing business. I have one solitary tomato plant growing in my little patch (with one tomato ripening lol) but didn't want to leave it empty until next spring, hence buying these seeds. I will have a look in Wyevale tomorrow.

[Steph]

On making cloches

Well OK I`m into this sort of thing big time.

Get some alkathene water pipe and cut into hoops(as big as you like but be sensible) Buy some copper tubing and a cutter,the diameter of the tubing fits neatly into the water pipe and provides the anchors.

Now-anchor your tube framework and cover with polythene,ancho.r the polythene with bricks or whatever.

I do have a huge veg garden mind you and I buy polythene at trade price.

AKA Smiling Cat Herbs-probably the best collection of tomato plant varieties in the UK but as yet undiscovered

[calismum]

pound shop had some recently (for £1 LOL)

[dandysmom]

Alex, in case you're wondering what they look like..

[dandysmom]

Originally Posted by Steph

On making cloches

Well OK I`m into this sort of thing big time.

Get some alkathene water pipe and cut into hoops(as big as you like but be sensible) Buy some copper tubing and a cutter,the diameter of the tubing fits neatly into the water pipe and provides the anchors.

Now-anchor your tube framework and cover with polythene,ancho.r the polythene with bricks or whatever.

I do have a huge veg garden mind you and I buy polythene at trade price.

AKA Smiling Cat Herbs-probably the best collection of tomato plant varieties in the UK but as yet undiscovered

What a lovely garden name, Steph! How did Larissa do for you this year? It and Marmande did pretty well for me until the drought; Ailsa Craig was huge but didn't bear very well and has succumbed to a blight...

[alexgirl73]

Originally Posted by dandysmom

Alex, in case you're wondering what they look like..

Thanks Eileen I shall be on the hunt tomorrow so I can get the seeds sown.