Proteggere le piante con una serra a campana
di lettura
Are you tired of seeing your young lettuces devoured by slugs? Or worried that late frost will kill your basil seedlings?
There is a time-honoured, simple and eco-friendly solution: the garden cloche.
More than just a cover, it is a miniature greenhouse for an individual plant, boosting growth and shielding it from pests. Discover how to make the most of this essential vegetable-garden tool.
1. What is a plant cloche?
Used by Parisian market gardeners since the 19th century, cloches were originally made of heavy, fragile glass. Modern versions have made them widely accessible.
Now made of thick, transparent plastic, the cloche is unbreakable and easy to handle. Its purpose is to create a microclimate around a single plant.
2. Why use cloches in the garden?
A) The greenhouse effect (a 3-week head start)
This is its primary function: "forcing", or bringing growth forward. By capturing the sun's rays, the cloche warms the soil and the air inside.
Result: You can plant tomatoes, melons or lettuces much earlier in the season, without waiting for the traditional Ice Saints frost-risk period to pass.
B) A physical barrier against pests
It provides the ultimate physical protection. Under a cloche, your lettuce is protected from:
- 🐌 Slugs and snails.
- 🐦 Hungry birds.
- 🌧️ Hail and heavy rain.
It is the best alternative to chemical slug-control products.
C) Winter protection
In winter, it protects against icy winds and keeps the temperature around the plant slightly above freezing, often saving perennial herbs such as thyme and parsley.
The Pro Garden Cloche
Protect your crops now. Our model is equipped with adjustable ventilation to prevent overheating.
- 🛡️ Sturdy plastic: Resistant to UV rays and impacts.
- 🌬️ Ventilation: Essential for preventing mould.
- ⚓ Anchoring: Holes for securing the cloche to the ground (pegs included).
3. How to use your cloche properly
Be careful: a cloche used incorrectly can cook your plant!
- Ventilation is vital: As soon as the sun shines on the cloche, the temperature inside rises very quickly. Open the vents or prop up the cloche with a small stone during the day.
- Watering: Rain cannot pass through the cloche! Check moisture levels regularly.
Humidity tip: use a plant mister
The atmosphere under a cloche needs to be tropical: warm and humid. To water a delicate young seedling without drenching it, while maintaining humidity, use a plant mister through the ventilation opening.
A helping hand for your seedlings
Ideal for moistening the inside of the cloche without disturbing the soil around your seedlings.
View the plant mister4. DIY solutions and alternatives
Do you have lots of plants and a limited budget?
The DIY bottle method
Cut the bottom off a 5L water bottle. Keep the cap so you can control ventilation. It is less attractive and less stable in the wind than a purpose-made cloche (you need to insert a stake to hold it in place), but it works as a makeshift solution!
Horticultural fleece
If a plant is too large for a cloche, such as a small lemon tree or a bay tree, use horticultural fleece. It acts like a breathable coat.
Protect Your Garden
Do not let cold weather or slugs undo your hard work. Get the right equipment!
🎁 Special discount code: Get -10% on cloches with code CLOCHE10
Protect my plants