Protecting your plants with a cloche greenhouse

The Origin of the Gardening Bell:

The cloche is a timeless and universal gardening tool . It is used all over the world, regardless of the season. At this time of year, we obviously recommend it for its protection against the cold. It will act as a mini greenhouse .

Initially made of blown glass , they were very aesthetic, but heavy and fragile . Today, they are most often made of plastic . They have then become more affordable, stronger and more sophisticated. There are also terracotta versions, which protect plants from light, but that is another subject. Whether they are made of terracotta or blown glass, handcrafted bells are generally very decorative . You are free to unleash your creativity and decorate them in abundance!

Effective plant protection in winter:

Winter bells, or wintering bells , form protective domes around plants. They have the effect of warming the soil , in order to prevent frost . Humidity is then retained within the bell, and promotes early flowering .

A plant equipped in this way is also protected from snowfall . The smallest and most fragile plant organisms can die and disappear if they are completely covered by snow.

Even in the city center, where temperatures are generally lower than in the countryside, don't hesitate to equip your planters and balcony plants , especially your aromatic plants !

They constitute a mini-greenhouse during growing periods:

The cloche is therefore useful during the winter period as well as during the growing season . If you live in a cold region, your glass dome will allow you to start sowing earlier! You will thus extend your growing period by several weeks per year.

The Garden Cloche acts as a real Terrarium , creating a confined atmosphere around the plants. The transparent glass amplifies the sun's rays . It will then be important to open the included vents in summer, to avoid overheating and to renew the air .

A gardening tool that replaces chemicals:

The bell greenhouse prevents diseases while saving you the use of chemicals . You will no longer need to treat against mildew . This is mainly transmitted to vines and tomatoes when rain comes into contact with the leaves.

Pests also won't be able to eat the base or foliage of your plants. Birds and insects will be discouraged and will feed on other shoots. So, enjoy your lettuce to the fullest, without it having been pre-chewed by a slug!

How to use a garden cloche?

If you are placing your bell in a windy location, we recommend anchoring it to the ground . To do this, you can use metal stakes similar to those used to plant an aunt.

Regarding the ventilation of the dome , it is useful in hot weather, or when your bell is full of humidity . If you have a glass bell that does not have one, we recommend removing it in the afternoon, during periods of heatwave. In order to be quiet for the day, you can slightly raise one side of the terrarium with a stone , in order to let the air pass through. Do not neglect this step, because without air circulation, you risk suffocating your plant or generating mold.

Also, be careful where you place your cloche. Falling objects or fruit can potentially damage it.

Plants for which we recommend cloches:

• All fruits that grow on the ground: strawberries, rhubarb, etc.

• Aromatic herbs: basil, thyme...

• Salads.

• Vegetables: peppers, chili peppers, carrots, spinach, etc.

• Annual bedding plants: Onions…

• Exotic plants.

How to make a cloche yourself?

Empty water bottles allow you to make your own bell jar at a low cost . You can also make a watering can with your empty bottles !

• Then start by cutting half of your empty container . It must be transparent of course.
• The next goal is to keep your bottle anchored to the ground . To do this, you can partially wrap it with wire and stick it into the ground. This step is important, given the lightness of empty bottles.

What are the alternatives to bells?

If the size of your plants does not lend itself to cloches, there are other tools with similar virtues:

The tarpaulin-covered forcing tunnel:

This works in much the same way, but allows the concept to be extended over an entire row of vegetables or salads . This method is generally more economical and not too complicated to set up. The main disadvantage of the forcing tunnel is that it is unattractive and relatively fragile.

The winter veil:

Thin, but protective, it can be used like a hood . You just need a tie to close the veil over the trunk/stem of the plant.

The glass greenhouse:

It is ideal for plants that grow vertically . The advantage of the greenhouse is that you can go inside to tend to your plants. There are also greenhouse models made from plastic sheeting at reduced prices.

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