What Are Cloches
Cloches were developed by the French to protect plants from winter damage. The original type of cloche, as well as newer versions, are still used today. Does this Spark an idea?
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Description
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Cloche is French for "bell." A cloche is a domed glass jar with straight or bell-shaped sides and an open bottom that sets over plants.
Origin
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The French developed and used cloches in the nineteenth century to protect plants in the spring and fall from unusually cold weather or frost. The fields around Paris were covered with cloches that protected out-of-season vegetables for local households and restaurants.
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Modern Versions
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Cloches today are available in glass, polycarbonate plastic, lightweight plastic and paper. Cloches may be round, square, rectangular or umbrella-shaped. Homemade cloches can be made from plastic bottles or glass jars.
Ventilation
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An airtight cloche keeps the air warmer during the night, but may overheat during the day. The French put wood wedges under the edge of the cloches on sunny mornings to prevent overheating. Some cloches are now made with a ventilation door that can be opened and closed as needed.
Considerations
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Consider the durability of the cloche material. Paper cloches last one season; lightweight plastic lasts several years; polycarbonate plastic lasts many years. Glass lasts practically forever, if it does not break. If you live in an area where it snows, think about the weight of the snow when choosing a cloche. Also consider where and how the cloches will be stored. Plastic cloches can be stacked, while glass cloches cannot.
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