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Season Extenders: Cloches and Hoop Houses

Definition: Season extenders, such as cloches and hoop houses, are gardening structures used to protect plants from adverse weather conditions and extend the growing season. These structures create a microclimate that shields plants from frost, cold temperatures, wind, and excessive rain, allowing gardeners to start planting earlier in the spring and continue growing vegetables and flowers well into the fall.

Using Cloches

Cloches are individual protective covers that are placed over individual plants or small sections of the garden. They can be made from various materials, such as glass, plastic, or even old milk jugs with the bottoms cut off. Cloches work by trapping heat from the sun, creating a warm and sheltered environment for the plants.

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To use cloches effectively, follow these steps:

Select a suitable cloche material based on your needs and budget.

Place the cloche over the plant, ensuring it is securely anchored to prevent it from being blown away by strong winds.

During the day, remove the cloche to allow for ventilation and prevent overheating.

At night or during cold weather, cover the cloche to retain heat and protect the plant from frost.

Monitor the temperature inside the cloche regularly to ensure it remains within the optimal range for the specific plant.

Using Hoop Houses

Hoop houses, also known as polytunnels or high tunnels, are larger structures that cover entire rows or beds of plants. They consist of a series of hoops made from metal or PVC pipes, covered with a layer of greenhouse plastic or row cover fabric. Hoop houses provide a more spacious and versatile option for season extension.

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To use hoop houses effectively, follow these steps:

Choose a suitable location for the hoop house, ensuring it receives adequate sunlight and is easily accessible.

Construct the hoop house by bending the hoops and securing them into the ground.

Cover the hoops with greenhouse plastic or row cover fabric, ensuring it is tightly secured to prevent wind damage.

Leave openings or vents for ventilation during the day to prevent overheating.

Close the openings or vents at night or during cold weather to retain heat.

Monitor the temperature and humidity inside the hoop house regularly to ensure optimal growing conditions.

By using season extenders like cloches and hoop houses, gardeners can protect their plants from unfavorable weather conditions and enjoy an extended growing season. These structures provide an effective means of creating a controlled environment that promotes healthy plant growth and maximizes the yield of vegetables and flowers.

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