Extending Your Harvest: The Magic of the Cloche for Year-Round Bounty

As the last tomatoes ripen on the vine and the leaves begin to turn, there's a bittersweet feeling in the air. The vibrant energy of the summer garden slowly fades, and the thought of tucking our tools away for the winter looms. But what if you could hold onto that homegrown goodness for just a little longer? What if you could harvest fresh greens even as the first snowflakes fall? With cloches, you can! These simple yet elegant garden helpers offer a "cozy" way to extend your growing season, protecting your precious plants from the elements and allowing you to enjoy a bounty of fresh, seasonal harvest well into the colder months.

In this post, we'll explore the magic of the cloche, from its historical roots to its modern applications. We'll cover what cloches are, why they work, which crops thrive under their protection, and how you can build or buy your own. Get ready to unlock a world of year-round gardening possibilities!

What is a Cloche (and Why Should You Use One?)

The word "cloche" (pronounced klōsh) comes from the French word for "bell," and traditionally, that's exactly what they looked like: glass bells placed over individual plants. These protective covers have a rich history, gracing the kitchen gardens of Victorian estates and playing a crucial role in the intensive French gardening practices known as Jardin Potager. Imagine that: a carefully curated and protected garden in the cottagecore style! Today, cloches come in various forms, but their purpose remains the same: to create a microclimate that shields plants from harsh weather and extends the growing season.

Here's why you should consider using cloches in your garden:

• Trapping Warmth: Cloches act like miniature greenhouses, trapping solar heat and raising the soil and air temperature around your plants. This can be particularly beneficial in early spring, when late frosts can threaten tender seedlings, and in the fall, as temperatures begin to dip.
• Protecting from the Elements: Cloches provide a physical barrier against frost, wind, heavy rain, and even hail. They create a sheltered environment that helps plants thrive even in challenging conditions.
• Deterring Pests: Many common garden pests, such as slugs, snails, and cabbage moths, are deterred by the presence of a cloche. This can significantly reduce the need for pesticides, supporting organic gardening practices.
• Extending the Growing Season: By providing a protected microclimate, cloches can extend the growing season by several weeks or even months, allowing you to harvest fresh produce long after the first frost. This is a true blessing, providing much needed homegrown produce.

Cloches come in a few basic types:

• Glass Cloches: These classic cloches are undeniably beautiful, adding a touch of vintage charm to any garden. However, they can be fragile and relatively expensive.
• Plastic Cloches: More durable and affordable than glass, plastic cloches are a practical option for many gardeners. They may not be as aesthetically pleasing, but they get the job done.
• DIY Cloches: The most budget-friendly and sustainable option, DIY cloches can be made from recycled materials like plastic bottles, glass jars, or even wire and netting. More on that later!

Planning Your Cloche Garden

A little planning goes a long way when it comes to successful cloche gardening. Here are a few key considerations:

• Crop Selection: Not all plants are well-suited to growing under cloches. Focus on cool-season vegetables that can tolerate cooler temperatures and benefit from the added protection. Some excellent choices include:
  • Leafy Greens: Spinach, lettuce, arugula, and kale thrive under cloches, providing a steady supply of fresh greens throughout the fall and winter.
  • Root Vegetables: Radishes, carrots, and beets can be sown in late summer or early fall and protected by cloches for a late-season harvest.
  • Brassicas: Mustard greens and collards are hardy and resilient, making them ideal for cloche gardening.
  • Herbs: Parsley, cilantro, and chives can be protected from frost and enjoyed fresh throughout the cooler months.
• Seasonal Timing: The ideal time to start using cloches depends on your climate and the specific crops you're growing. As a general rule, begin using cloches in late summer or early fall to protect plants from early frosts. In early spring, cloches can be used to warm the soil and give seedlings a head start. Gardeners in warmer climates might find that the cloches help with extending the growing season for a greater portion of the year. Please add your own timing recommendations for your local region in the comments!
• Site Selection: Choose a sunny, well-drained location for your cloche garden. Even in cooler months, adequate sunlight is essential for plant growth. Make sure the soil is rich in organic matter to provide the nutrients your plants need.

![planner sketch cloche garden seasonal vegetables]

DIY Cloche Options for Every Budget

One of the best things about cloches is that you don't have to spend a fortune to enjoy their benefits. Here are a few DIY options for every budget:

• Repurposed Plastic Bottles: This is a fantastic way to recycle and create mini-cloches for individual plants or seedlings.

  1. Carefully cut the bottom off a plastic bottle (2-liter bottles work well).
  2. Remove the cap for ventilation (or drill a few small holes if you want to keep the cap on).
  3. Place the bottle over your plant, pushing the open end slightly into the soil.

  These are perfect for protecting young seedlings from frost or pests.

  

• Glass Jar Cloches: Mason jars or even pickle jars can be used to protect individual seedlings or small plants. Simply place the jar over the plant, ensuring that the leaves don't touch the sides. To prevent overheating, remove the lid during the day or prop it open slightly. This option leans heavily into that cozy, cottagecore aesthetic that many of us love.

• Wire and Netting Cloches: For larger plants or rows of vegetables, you can create a simple cloche frame using wire and cover it with netting. Bend the wire into hoops and insert them into the ground to create a frame. Cover the frame with netting to protect against pests and light frost.

• Reclaimed-Wood Cold Frame (Advanced Cloche): For the DIY enthusiast, consider building a small cold frame using reclaimed wood and old windows. This provides a more substantial and durable form of protection for your plants. Look online for detailed tutorials on how to build a cold frame from scratch.

Maintaining Your Cloche Garden

Once you've set up your cloche garden, regular maintenance is essential for success. Here are a few key tips:

• Ventilation: Proper ventilation is crucial to prevent overheating and fungal diseases. On sunny days, lift the cloches slightly to allow for airflow. On very warm days, you may need to remove them entirely.
• Watering: Check the soil moisture regularly and water as needed. Plants under cloches may dry out more quickly than those in open gardens, so pay close attention.
• Pest and Disease Control: Monitor your plants regularly for signs of pests or diseases. Hand-picking pests or using organic solutions like neem oil can help keep your plants healthy.
• Soil Improvement: Healthy soil is essential for successful cloche gardening. Amend the soil with compost and other organic matter to provide the nutrients your plants need. Composting can be a great addition to a farmhouse life.

A Cozy Harvest All Season Long

Cloches offer a simple, effective, and potentially beautiful way to extend your growing season and enjoy a fresh, seasonal harvest throughout the cooler months. By providing a protected microclimate for your plants, cloches allow you to defy the seasons and enjoy the fruits (and vegetables!) of your labor for longer.

As summer comes to a close, now is the perfect time to start preparing your cloches for fall planting. With a little planning and effort, you can enjoy a cozy harvest all season long.

Why not share your experiences with cloche gardening below? Do you have special crop recommendations? What kind of DIY cloches have you put together? Let us know what regions you are gardening in. Don't forget to post pictures of your own DIY cloches on social media using the hashtag #BetterHomesClocheGarden. And while you're here, be sure to sign up for the Better Homes and Harvests newsletter for even more gardening tips and inspiration!