Protecting Lettuce, Brassicas, And Herbs From Frost With Low Profile Garden Cloches

Leafy greens such as lettuce and spinach grow quickly, ready for harvest in as little as three weeks. Root vegetables such as radishes and carrots take much longer, while brassicas such as Brussels sprouts benefit from being planted early for winter harvest.

Cold temperatures concentrate plant sugars and make leafy vegetables sweeter; however, cold temperatures can also damage sensitive plants. Cloches, row covers and frost blankets can provide essential protection.

Lettuce

Garden cloches provide the ideal way to shield young lettuce, brassicas, and other leafy greens from frost by acting as a barrier against rabbits, squirrels, deer, and other pests. In addition, these reusable covers also provide warmth while shielding from harsh rain or snow as well as adequate light transmission. Many cloches feature thicker mesh designs and stronger legged supports that resist bending or breaking compared to lighter alternatives, and a flip-top or two-piece design which simplifies access for care while enabling you to track growth without taking it all apart. Select features of cloche that correspond with your growing conditions, pest pressures, climate and plant size to optimize its utility. Check for ground stability as well as their stack or fold ability when stored between uses – this helps save cost and waste! Also look for sturdy materials which resist rust and weathering for longer lifespan.

Brassicas

If you grow leafy greens and other brassicas or tender transplants under variable climate conditions, a large garden cloche can protect early-stage crops against frost while still allowing in light, air flow and warmth. These sturdy metal and plastic cloches combine sturdy framing material for weather resistance, pest protection and animal foraging. Their transparent profiles offer easy monitoring while their custom sized construction helps provide stability even in windy environments. Flip-top or dual-entry designs make watering, pruning, inspection, and other care easier without needing to take apart an entire cloche, further reducing plant stress and maintenance time. Plus they fold and stack for convenient off-season storage! For larger beds bulk sets may offer greater value; be sure to compare per unit prices along with coverage area to find your ideal deal!

Herbs

Cool season vegetables like kale and Brussels sprouts are generally frost hardy. On the other hand, sensitive herbs such as basil, cilantro and parsley may succumb to light freezes if temperatures drop in spring and autumn – garden cloches provide an effective means of shielding such tender plants from frost damage when temperatures decrease – they make an ideal alternative to row covers when protecting such sensitive plants such as herbs.

Begin by becoming acquainted with each plant’s frost tolerance. This information can be found on labels or information cards included with seeds, as well as online or via gardening apps. Large cloches provide shelter against pests, sun, wind and frost while still allowing in enough light for healthy crop development – look for features such as flip-top access for care, ground stability and foldable designs that easily fold or stack when not in use.

Other Vegetables

Even frost-hardy vegetables such as onions and garlic need extra protection in cold snaps, such as the use of a garden cloche to provide shelter from damage as well as stop frost accumulating on top of soil and wash away essential nutrients and organic matter that roots need for growth.

Cloches provide a safeguard against damage from garden pests and animals by acting as physical barriers between tender young plants and garden pests such as squirrels, rabbits, birds, or any other small creatures that might chew and harm them.

Cloches should be regularly inspected to ensure their functionality. Regular cleaning is key as dirty cloches restrict light penetration and could promote disease transmission among plants. Any damaged cloches should be repaired immediately to reduce further risk or injury; with the appropriate care and maintenance, garden cloches provide invaluable protection from harsh weather conditions, insects and other threats.