Garden Glass Cloche

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The simplest greenhouse you can construct is called a cloche. A cloche is installed temporarily right in the garden, either over a row or garden bed, or over a single plant. A glass jar with the bottom cut out can cover a single plant in the spring to provide protection against light frosts.

A plastic milk jug may also be used. If using a milk jug, you can cut an "X" pattern in the bottom of the jug, spread the sections out to form flaps. Loose dirt or stones can be placed on the flaps to hold the jug in place during windy periods, common in the spring. It is important to make a cloche so it is easy to remove, as on sunny days it may become overheated and should be removed to prevent the plant from suffering dehydration.

Another type of cloche is called a row cover. This is simply a plastic tunnel formed over a garden bed or row. You may uses PVC tubing to construct the frame, putting the hoops on about two foot centers. The plastic is draped over the hoops and weighted down with boards, dirt or rocks. Again, make it easy to remove the plastic to avoid overheating on sunny days.

Other products which utilize a series of water filled tubes that form a circle around a plant are another form of cloche. These protect plants in the garden using the moderating effects of water to keep plants from freezing during short cold spells.

Spun bond fiber covers can be used like plastic to build a temporary greenhouse in the garden. This fiber has the benefit that it won’t need to be removed during sunny days, as excess heat escapes through the fabric.

The cloche does not provide protection for tender plants like tomatoes during extreme cold spells when nighttime temperatures dip below freezing for several hours. The three or four weeks before the last frost date in your area is about the limit for a cloche to be used. Frost hardy plants like cabbage and broccolli can also be protected for about two weeks before their normal planting date in your area.

A cloche, either glass, water filled or plastic can help protect plants in the garden from temporary cold snaps in the spring, extending the season by an additional three or four weeks. This simplest of greenhouse structures can be a very useful way to get an edge on the season by allowing earlier planting of garden vegetables and flowers.

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