Closhed

Hi all,

I've just put a plastic cloche over my winter broad beans.

I'm just wondering how effective cloches are - I mean if it's minus 3 outside - surely it's gonna be at least minus 2.36464859 inside?

?

And what about all the little gaps around the sides and ends?

Brrrr

 

I made plywood ends for my cloche. It keeps the wind off, which can be more damaging than the cold.

 

The wind eh

I presume I have to tuck the sides into the soil do I? Or is it ok for them to be just laying on it?

 

I thought they were hardy. Am I wrong?
I thought slugs and wet were more likely to kill them than a bit of frost.

 

yeh my broad beans are hardy but I was just wondering about cloches in general.

and talking of BBs - even though they are hardy - won't they benefit from a cloche?

 

Personally I think the protection from heavy rain is the main advantage with a cloche.
If its sealed too tightly you wont get any air movement, and that can cause all kinds of mould problems.

I have a cold frame, I manage to overwinter all kinds of plants in that, that are not hardy out in the garden.
Its not really any warmer on frosty nights, but it warms up better during the day than outside.

I think some of the BBs are pretty hardy, but if you have the ability to cover them from the worst of the weather, for mid winter, it cant hurt.

 

ahh rain protection eh

 

And snow

 

I think you can take the answer as yes Triffid, cloches are effective!

 

Aye - seems like the temperature difference is only one small factor