Author Topic: Fleece Tunnel Cloche - 8 pictures (Read 9510 times)

sandersj89 · « **on:** March 27, 2005, 20:45:58 »

I thought I would put up some details of how I make my fleece tunnels to give protection to rows of carrots or parsnips for instance. Especially as I was putting up one today to cover some early nantes that have just germinated under plastic cloches.

Firstly what you will need:

Row of fleece
Garden string, preferably polypropylene
3mm or 4mm galvanised wire, not too thick or you will have a problem bending it.
Pliers and wire cutters
Scissors or a knife

First step is to cut the wire into lengths about 14 to 16 inches longer than the width of the fleece.

Bend the wire into a hoop and at each end make a full twist, leaving a leg of about 4 to 6 inches below the loop. The leg is driven into the soil so if you are in a very exposed area you might want to cut the wire longer.

Cut a piece of string long enough to tie from one twist, stretching to the other twist, leaving enough spare to allow you can tie it.

Place each hoop over the crop row, driving the legs into the ground. Place a hoop about each 3 foot along the row.

Cut the fleece to length, allow about 20 inches over the length of the row. Bunch the ends and tie. Stake one end of the fleece at the end of the row and stretch the over the hoops to the other end of the row. Stake this end as well.

Finally take the string and bring it over the top of the fleece and tie to the other twist in the wire so the string holds the fleece to the hoop. This stops the fleece billowing around too much in the wind. I also place clods of earth along the bottom sides of the fleece to keep it tight to the ground.

If you need access to the crop it is the work of seconds to lift one side of the fleece. No need to untie anything or remove the hoops. I leave the cloche in place until harvest.

The wire hoops last years and I tend to get 2 years out of my fleece. Still far cheaper than bought cloches and it certainly keeps carrot fly at bay and gives good crops! You could also use environ mesh as this will allow more rain through which may be a factor early on during germination.

I hope that all makes sense and is useful to some.

Jerry

Roy Bham UK · « **Reply #1 on:** March 27, 2005, 20:52:16 »

;D Excellent Jerry thank you very much ;D I have just sown some carrots in cardboard tubes or should that have been parsnips ??? ::) I'll use that idea when they show some sign of life. ;D

Jesse · « **Reply #2 on:** March 27, 2005, 20:55:26 »

Great instructions Jerry, definitely something I want to make. Thanks :)

Linda Tal · « **Reply #3 on:** March 27, 2005, 21:33:19 »

Thanks for that, really easy to understand and the piccies make it easier still.

Linda

Mothy · « **Reply #4 on:** March 27, 2005, 23:10:17 »

Excellent advice Jerry....thanks, my fleece arrived a few weeks ago and I will be using it to cover my carrots!! At least I know how now :).

Mike J · « **Reply #5 on:** March 27, 2005, 23:23:55 »

Brilliant instructions, thanks. Bought some cheap fleece from LIDL a couple of weeks ago (with some equally cheap polytunnels) and was wondering how to turn the fleece into tunnels. Will now visit my local DIY store for some wire - or is there a recycled option? Will also use some of the fleece just as a covering for my newly planted potatoes - have just seen some posts here that suggest a bit of protection from cold/frost is still needed, even here on the sunny South coast.

ina · « **Reply #6 on:** March 28, 2005, 10:56:21 »

Fantastic! The string over the top is the best part to me. I'm going to do it like that with invironmesh over the carrots.
Thank you so much SandersJ, it must have been a bit of work for you to make these instructions.
When is your book coming out?

BAGGY · « **Reply #7 on:** March 28, 2005, 11:53:09 »

Oooooh that does look good. Could use wire coat hangers for baby ones I suppose ........

northener · « **Reply #8 on:** March 28, 2005, 20:47:59 »

Nice one Jerry clear instructions as usual

Debs · « **Reply #9 on:** March 28, 2005, 21:02:22 »

Ditto re thanks Sanders

Superb instructions - pictures always make a difference to any instructions given.

Well done. I shall be using these ;D

Debs

sandersj89 · « **Reply #10 on:** March 29, 2005, 12:18:17 »

Quote from: ina on March 28, 2005, 10:56:21

When is your book coming out?

No way, it would be a very short boom I fear!

;D

Glad it was of use!

jerry

TULIP-23 · « **Reply #11 on:** March 29, 2005, 18:25:42 »

Jerry 8)

Outstanding Instructions and Pictures.

Many Thanks.......Will Definately try it

Lady Cosmos · « **Reply #12 on:** April 04, 2005, 12:12:36 »

Do you mean like this? This is how the professional growers do it.

Jesse · « **Reply #13 on:** April 04, 2005, 14:37:27 »

That's what I want to build! We've got an old greenhouse on the plot but a lot of the glass is missing. We've worked out that we can build a polytunnel (home made) for less than the cost of buying new glass for the g'house. And with children about it's a safer option as well. And the bonus is that I can make it as big/long as I like. Found a place that sells the uv treated poly sheeting, 7m width for £5 per m.

Jerry, been looking out for some wire to make your hoops. When I was at the allotment this weekend someone gave me about 20 wire hoops already made up exactly as your instructions show. Very pleased with myself!

Gadfium · « **Reply #14 on:** April 11, 2005, 00:10:37 »

Thanks, Jerry.

Followed the piccies & instructions, and now have a raised bed hooped and covered with anti-carrot fly armature.

Doesn't look near as neat as yours, but hopefully the next one will have cleaner lines :)

Beryl · « **Reply #15 on:** April 12, 2005, 22:01:00 »

Anyone not into the DIY can purchase large hoops from LBS - www.lbsgardendirect.co.uk
Tel: 01282 873333

or N.A.Kay Tel: 01946 682134
www.kayshorticultural.com
Wide fleece also available from this supplier

selwyn-smith · « **Reply #16 on:** April 13, 2005, 16:53:39 »

dear Jerry,
Thankyou so much for the clear instructions, I have bought some ready made wires from my allotment shop but wasn't quite sure what to do with the loops and string. I will now make the rest of my hoops myself. Has anyone used "Panda Stix"? I just wonddered if they were worth trying,
May the sun always shine on your vegetables!
Katy

dibberxxx · « **Reply #17 on:** April 13, 2005, 19:35:30 »

lovely instructions very easy to follow very kind of u to share with us all

tim · « **Reply #18 on:** April 13, 2005, 19:47:31 »

I like The Lady's contribution.

kenkew · « **Reply #19 on:** April 14, 2005, 13:14:03 »

I made this last year. It's stood all the bad weather so far.

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Author Topic: Fleece Tunnel Cloche - 8 pictures (Read 9510 times)