Cloches And Handlights
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Cloches and handlights are essential tools for protecting plants and enhancing growth. Learn more about their benefits and uses in gardening.
TL;DR
Continuous cloches can be made of sheets of glass held together by special wire frames or clamps. They can be dismantled easily and stored flat when not required. Breakages are easily made good. These cloches can be had in several forms, the two most important being the tent, made of two panes of glass set together like an inverted V, and the barn, made of four pieces set together like the end view of a barn. Plastic cloches of many different patterns are also available and yet another method is to stretch lengths of polythene film over wire supports to make long, tunnel-like protectors held in place by wooden pegs.
- Continuous cloches made of sheets of glass held together by wire frames or clamps
- Can be dismantled easily and stored flat
- Available in various forms including tent and barn shapes, as well as plastic cloches and polythene film protectors
Types: There are bell glasses, which are made entirely of glass and are shaped like a bell; hand lights of varying pattern, but usually rectangular with span or pyramidal top glazed with glass or glass substitute, and continuous cloches which are open-ended, and so may be placed end to end to cover a row of any length. These continuous cloches are the most useful for rearing seedlings and growing crops. Bell glasses and hand lights are superior for striking summer cuttings, as the atmosphere within them is closer.
Continuous cloches can be made of sheets of glass held together by special wire frames or clamps. They can be dismantled easily and stored flat when not required. Breakages are easily made good. These cloches can be had in several forms, the two most important being the tent, made of two panes of glass set together like an inverted V, and the barn, made of four pieces set together like the end view of a barn.
Plastic cloches of many different patterns are also available and yet another method is to stretch lengths of polythene film over wire supports to make long, tunnel-like protectors held in place by wooden pegs.
Ventilation
Bell glasses and handlights are ventilated by tilting them on a block of wood. Continuous cloches may be ventilated in two ways according to the weather and needs of plants: by leaving the ends of the row of cloches open, or by spacing the cloches out a little. In this way, a great range of ventilation can be obtained. There are also special designs of cloches in which provision is made to open the sides or tops for ventilation.
Watering
Seeds and plants in cloches or handlights must not be allowed to get dry, but as a rule they do not require watering as freely as those in frames because water runs down the glass and then soaks in from the surrounding soil. Cloches may be placed fairly close together over ground in late winter and early spring, to enable the surface to dry off and so make seed sowing possible.
Plants to Grow in Cloches. In spring they are servicetable for early seedlings of flowering plants and vegetables and for early crops of salad vegetables, tomatoes, and strawberries. In summer they are used for cuttings of all kinds; in autumn for more cuttings, seedlings of hardy annuals, broad beans, brussels sprouts, and cauliflower, for ripening tomatoes and also crops of lettuce, endive, parsley, and radish. In winter cloches are useful as protection for small plants of doubtful hardiness such as some alpines and bulbs, also on the seedling crops already raised under them’ in the autumn.
Types: There are bell glasses, which are made entirely of glass and are shaped like a bell; handlights of varying pattern, but usually rectangular with span or pyramidal top glazed with glass or glass substitute, and continuous cloches which are open ended, and so may be placed end to end to cover a row of any length.
More Information on Cloches And Handlights
Cloches and Handlights: Protecting Plants and Enhancing Growth Cloches and handlights are essential tools for gardeners looking to protect their plants and maximize growth. These structures come in various types, each serving a specific purpose in horticulture. One of the most versatile options is the continuous cloche, which is open-ended and can be placed end to end to cover a row of any length. These cloches are perfect for rearing seedlings and growing crops, providing a controlled environment that promotes healthy development. They can be easily assembled using sheets of glass held together by wire frames or clamps. The flexibility of continuous cloches allows for dismantling and flat storage when not in use, making them convenient for gardeners with limited space. Apart from continuous cloches, bell glasses and handlights are also popular choices. Bell glasses, shaped like a bell, and handlights, often rectangular with a glass or glass substitute top, offer superior protection for striking summer cuttings. The enclosed atmosphere within these structures fosters optimal growth conditions. Ventilation is crucial for maintaining a healthy plant environment, and both bell glasses and handlights can be tilted on a block of wood to ensure proper airflow. Continuous cloches, on the other hand, offer adjustable ventilation options. By leaving the ends of the row of cloches open or spacing them out slightly, gardeners can control the airflow based on weather conditions and the needs of their plants. In addition to their protective benefits, cloches and handlights are invaluable for extending the growing season. They enable gardeners to start seedlings earlier in spring, cultivate early crops such as salad vegetables, tomatoes, and strawberries, and even experiment with cuttings and seedlings of various plants. In winter, cloches provide a shield for small plants that may be susceptible to cold temperatures. Next time you venture into your garden, consider incorporating cloches and handlights into your gardening routine. These versatile structures will help you create an optimal environment for your plants, enhancing growth and protecting them throughout the seasons.
About the author
Rupert Foxton-Smythe is a seasoned horticulturist and avid plant enthusiast with over three decades of experience in the field of botany. As a leading expert at Houseplant Guru, Rupert brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for all things green.
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