Opaque plastic cloches ??

[greenscrump]

Hello all, can anyone tell me whether opaque plastic milk bottles are ok to use as cloches or do I need to use clear plastic ?  The recycling goes out tonight and I have a collection of empty milk bottles awaiting their fate.....

many thanks   :)

[greenscrump]

[euronerd]

Hi greenscrump,
I actually bought an opaque cloche a few years ago, but for its good design rather than its opacity. It doesn't seem to affect growth, but of course you haven't a clue what's happening in there without lifting it off, but that's not such a big problem with milk bottles.  ;D

Geoff.

[greenscrump]

Thanks for that Geoff, I'll give them a go  :D

[SMP1704]

Thinking about it, I suppose that fleece fabric has an opaque effect.  I have some broccoli under fleece and they are HUGE compared to their cousins who are just protected by net.  I hadn't thought about the cosy factor when I covered them, I just wanted to keep the pesky flea beatle off - that worked as well ;D  Judging by the size of these plants, they have not suffered from a lack of light at all.

I also use the milk bottles, with their bottoms cut off and sunk into the ground as a way to deliver water to where it is most useful.

[MrsKP]

sort of digressing but sort of not ...... the OH always forgets to open the white vertical blinds in the bedroom when he goes to work.  My spider plant seems to thrive on it and is nice lush and has the biggest baby i've seen in a long time.