Cloches and individual plant protectors

Cloches are individual transparent covers placed over single plants or small groups, functioning as miniature greenhouses. They add 3-6 weeks to the spring growing season and protect fall crops from early frost. Traditional glass bell cloches are beautiful but expensive and fragile. Practical modern alternatives include: gallon milk jugs with the bottom cut off (free, effective, place cap on/off for ventilation), 2-liter soda bottles (same approach, for smaller plants), clear plastic storage bins flipped upside down ($5-10, cover multiple plants), and commercial plastic cloches ($3-8 each, reusable for years). For larger coverage, cut the bottom off a 5-gallon water jug. Place cloches over transplants in early spring or over tender plants when frost threatens. Remove or ventilate during the day when temperatures exceed 70 degrees F to prevent overheating and condensation-related disease. Cloches are best for protecting individual high-value plants (early tomato or pepper transplants) rather than entire beds. They are simple, immediate, and require no construction. The milk jug approach is the quintessential zero-cost season extender and an excellent gateway technique for beginners before investing in hoop houses or cold frames.