Glass Cloches

Garden cloches are an invaluable asset for gardeners, offering a practical and efficient means to protect and nurture a wide range of plants. By providing a stable microclimate that fosters optimal growth, they allow plants to thrive despite adverse conditions or unwanted pests. 

With a variety of sizes, shapes, and materials to choose from, these versatile tools have become an essential addition to any gardener’s toolkit. Not only do cloches extend the growing season, but they also help create the perfect environment for your plants to flourish.

What are garden cloches?

Garden cloches are versatile protective coverings for plants, available in diverse sizes, shapes and materials to suit various gardening needs.

They establish a microclimate around the plant, enabling gardeners to enhance the overall growing conditions in their garden by retaining warmth, shielding from pests and reducing moisture loss.

Glass cloches are a popular choice due to their timeless aesthetics and superb light transmission, closely mimicking natural sunlight. The weight of the cloches is also heavy enough to stop them from blowing away.

Small glass bell jar cloche

A brief history of garden cloches

Invented in France, bell-type cloches (the word ‘cloche’ meaning ‘bell’ in French) enabled market gardeners to harvest earlier crops. These protective structures gained popularity in Victorian kitchen gardens, allowing landowners to enjoy early and out-of-season vegetables.

A walled kitchen garden would often house numerous cloches to cultivate specific vegetables, reflecting the importance of these versatile tools in supporting diverse, year-round produce for the household.

Benefits of garden cloches

There are numerous advantages of using garden cloches. And here are the main ones: 

  • Garden cloches shield plants and crops from wind, rain and temperature fluctuations, as well as keeping hungry pests at bay.
  • By creating a warmer microclimate, cloches extend the growing season, allowing you to start planting earlier in spring and continue harvesting well into autumn.
  • The controlled environment within a cloche fosters healthier and more vigorous plant growth.
  • From germinating seedlings to mature plants, garden cloches offer protection and support for a wide range of plant types and growth stages.
  • By trapping moisture and warmth, cloches can help reduce the amount of water needed for your plants to thrive.

Features of our plant cloches

  1. Our glass cloches, a faithful reproduction of the original Victorian bell jar type, are available in small, medium and large. Stronger and sturdier than plastic cloches, they provide superior light transmission.
  2. Our cast iron cloches are inspired by those found in Victorian kitchen gardens,  glazed in horticultural glass and hand painted in off-white. Over time the frame will start to rust, giving the cloche an authentic old-fashioned look.
  3. We also have a long cloche, our modern interpretation of a traditional row cloche. It has a sturdy aluminium frame and is glazed with 4mm toughened safety glass.
  4. Finally, there’s our herb and salad cloche planter that can be positioned anywhere in the garden. As the name suggests, it’s ideal for growing herbs and salads. It comes with The two-tier, sustainably-sourced tanalised wooden base.

How to use garden cloches

Cloches for the garden are best for young and tender plants that are vulnerable to weather fluctuations and pests. They can also be used to cover established plants that require a warmer microclimate.

Simply place the cloche over the plant, making sure there’s enough room for the plant to grow without touching the sides or top of the cloche.

When to use a garden cloche

Knowing when to use your garden cloche is important for optimising its many benefits.

Spring

Spring

Use cloches to protect seedlings from cold temperatures and late frosts, giving them a head start in their growing season. By offering a stable and warmer environment, cloches help accelerate germination and encourage stronger, more resilient growth.

Summer

Summer

Provide shade for delicate plants or create a warm, humid environment for heat-loving plants that thrive in higher temperatures. Cloches can be partially opened or ventilated during hot days to prevent overheating while still offering protection from pests and harsh winds.

Autumn

Autumn

Extend the growing season by keeping plants warm and protecting them from early frosts. Cloches can also help prepare plants for the colder months by gradually acclimatising them to the changing conditions.

Winter

Winter

During winter, cloches for the garden can be used to insulate plants from extreme cold and frost, or to maintain a frost-free environment for growing winter crops like kale, spinach or winter lettuce. But do ensure proper ventilation to prevent mould and diseases.

Maintenance and care

To ensure the longevity of gardeners’ cloches, clean them regularly by wiping the exterior with a soft cloth and mild soapy water. This will prevent the build-up of dirt and algae that can limit light transmission.

Also, check the cloches for any damage or cracks and repair them as needed to maintain their effectiveness.

Garden Cloche Maintenance

FAQs

  • The size of the garden cloche you choose should depend on the type and size of the plants you intend to protect. Select a cloche that provides enough space for your plants to grow without touching the sides or top, ensuring proper airflow and light exposure.

    Consider your garden layout and plant spacing when selecting cloche sizes to accommodate the specific needs of your plants.

  • The ideal shape for a garden cloche depends on your plant’s requirements and the specific purpose you have in mind. Bell-shaped cloches are perfect for individual plants, offering a stable environment for seedlings and young plants. 

    Our long cloches on the other hand, work well for rows of plants, providing a continuous protected space for larger areas.

  • Position the cloche over the plant or row of plants, making sure there’s enough room for growth without touching the sides or top of the cloche. Regularly monitor the temperature and humidity levels inside the cloche, and adjust the cloche’s ventilation as needed.

  • Monitor the moisture level under the cloche and water as needed – typically less often than you would for uncovered plants due to increased moisture retention. 

    Make sure to check the soil for dampness, and remember that different plants have different water requirements. It’s important to strike a balance between maintaining soil moisture and avoiding overwatering, which can lead to root rot and other problems.

    To find out more advice on this, please read our garden watering guide.

  • Yes, garden cloches can be used outside of the growing season for a variety of purposes.

    Garden cloches are typically used during the growing season to protect crops and plants from frost and other weather conditions. However, they can also be used outside of the growing season to protect plants from cold weather or to help them grow more quickly in the spring.

    In colder climates, garden cloches can be used to protect young plants from frost and freezing temperatures during the autumn and winter months. This can help extend the growing season and allow gardeners to harvest fresh produce well into the winter months.

    Garden cloches can also be used in the spring to help warm up the soil and promote faster plant growth. By trapping heat inside the cloche, gardeners can create a mini greenhouse effect that can help seeds germinate more quickly and plants grow faster.

    Additionally, garden cloches can be used to protect plants from pests and other animals that may try to eat the plants during the offseason. By covering plants with a cloche, gardeners can create a physical barrier that will deter animals from eating their plants.

  • The lifespan of garden cloches depends on the material used and how well they’re maintained.

    Glass cloches can last for many years, especially if they are regularly cleaned and carefully stored during periods of non-use.

    Plastic or fabric cloches may have a shorter lifespan, particularly if they are exposed to harsh sunlight or other environmental factors.

  • Yes, garden cloches can be used inside a greenhouse to create additional microclimates for specific plants that require more heat or humidity. By using cloches in your greenhouse, you can cater to the needs of a wider variety of plants, allowing for more diverse and productive gardening.

  • Absolutely. Garden cloches can be used effectively on raised beds to provide targeted protection and create the ideal growing environment for your plants. Make sure to choose cloches that fit well within the dimensions of your raised beds.

  • Yes, garden cloches provide protection from frost by trapping heat and maintaining a warmer microclimate around your plants. This protective layer can help prevent frost damage to delicate plants and extend the growing season by warding off early or late-season frosts.

  • Garden cloches offer a physical barrier that keeps many pests at bay, such as rabbits, deer, slugs, snails and certain insects. While they may not deter all pests, they significantly reduce the risk of damage and infestations and can be combined with other pest control measures for more comprehensive protection.

How can we help?

We hope you found this information on garden cloches useful, but if you have any questions or need some further advice, please don’t hesitate to contact us by calling 01788 822301 or emailing [email protected].

Contact
BROWSE OUR FULL RANGE OF PRODUCTS

UPCOMING EVENTS

Harrogate Flower Show

23rd - 26th April 2026

Read More
Best Winter Flowers for a Greenhouse: Bringing Colour to the Cold Months

Latest News

Best Winter Flowers for a Greenhouse: Bringing Colour to the Cold Months

Read More