Making Cloches (bell jars) for gardening

chiefjason

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Ever since I saw the Cloches at Williamsburg I have really wanted to start using them. But $70+ for hand blown glass cloches was just a bit out of my price range. I stumbled on this via Sow True Seed a couple weeks back and finally got around to trying to make my own.

Here is the site I found via STS.

https://www.milkwood.net/2016/09/12/diy-glass-cloches-for-early-spring-plants/


Half gallon jar and glass cutter. Tape is for a guide. Remove after the glass is etched.

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Dip in boiling water for a few seconds.


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Then in ice water.

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You may have to repeat a few times but eventually you will hear a light tinking or cracking sound and you get this.


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Sand the edges to keep from cutting yourself.


Hopefully I will get enough made to use for my cucumbers and zucchini. For the beans I'll just make a hoop house for early planting.
 
Gonna cost you a ton in Evan Williams to achieve your goal though...
 
You want me to start saving 1/2 gal JD bottles?? There's probably some in the recycle bin as we speak....

Absolutely! I'll take whatever I can get. Apparently my friend of FB don't drink or are too scared to admit it. lol
 
So why not just used wide-mouth jars, peanut butter, mayo, canning jars? Do they need the stem and/or opening on top? Do they need to be glass or would plastic work, ie 2 liter soda bottle?
 
So why not just used wide-mouth jars, peanut butter, mayo, canning jars? Do they need the stem and/or opening on top? Do they need to be glass or would plastic work, ie 2 liter soda bottle?

Good questions. Glass sits better on the ground and can't be blow over like plastic. A closed jar acts like a closed greenhouse, you can burn the plants inside them. The open top allows the soil and plant to heat up without over heating.

Basically, less baby sitting and worry with these. And cheap.
 
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