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At a Glance
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Getting a jump on Springtime…
Today, as I was reading the news, I ran across the weather forecast and it said to expect snow. “Snow? Seriously?” was my audible gasp that echoed through the house. But, after a moment to collect myself, I remembered that it is indeed only February, and that there were still 24 days remaining until it was actually Spring. However, a couple days ago, I decided I was going force a little Springtime to happen in my yard. Fortunately, you can too! At least on a small scale.
What I’ve built in my garden is the simplest variety of garden cloche possible – it’s also one of the least expensive. For a 3’ wide by 6’ long space, I needed:
- Two six-foot sections of ¾” PVC pipe
- Two eight-foot sections of ¾” PVC pipe
- One eight-foot section of 1” PVC pipe – cut into eight, one-foot sections
- Clear or opaque heavy-plastic sheeting
To begin, pound the one-foot sections into the ground. Leave about 4 or 5 inches of the end of the pipe above ground.
I just noticed how boring this photo is!
You’ll use these as the insertion points for the arches of your cloche. Two on each end in pairs, two on one side, and two on the other, about 24″ apart.
I use the 6' pipes on the far ends, and the 8' pipes in the middle, so the middle is higher up.
On the far ends, bend a six-foot section of the ¾” pipe into an arch, and insert the ends into the pipes you’ve pounded into the ground.
8' sections in the middle, the shorter ones on the end
Now, we’re going to cover the pipes with a clear, heavy plastic (4 mil or heavier contractor plastic works well!) and create a tent… well, actually, a cloche!
You can use many, many things to secure your plastic – I anchor the back of the cloche (the side I can’t get to, because it’s on the neighbors fence) with a staplegun, but then leave an open flap in the front, and weight it down with bricks.
You want to keep the plastic fairly taut – too much slack in the plastic can allow the wind to create a little flapping which can quickly become a sail and take your cloche up like that house in the Wizard of Oz. Most importantly, though, is the precious warming under the cloche! Under these small, temporal greenhouses, you can effectively create Springtime in small scale, and start growing those early spring veggies now! Even if there’s snow outside!
Think salad! Arugula, radishes and peas! Remember to keep them watered, and your cloches will reward you with early springtime!
As we get into spring, the days will warm – and on those days, remember to open your cloches during the day and let your plants breathe and let off the excess heat. In February there won’t likely be much “excess heat”, but as April and May roll around, you may find that your cloches are no longer necessary until Fall comes back.
Share your thoughts! What do you like to grow in your cloche?
Tags:No TagsPosted by Les on February 26th, 2009 under Cooking Fresh, Harvest & Succession Planting
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