I'm looking to protect my broccoli and cauliflower from pests and pigeons without using plastic tubing. Has anyone successfully made cloche hoops with stainless steel? If so, what materials did you use? Also, I'm open to any other ideas or suggestions!
3 Answers
Honestly, plastic water or gas pipes are the go-to for lots of folks. They're super easy to work with and last a long time. Is there a specific reason you're steering clear of plastic?
I’ve made cloche hoops with around 4mm or 5mm steel wire. It can be a bit tricky since you’ll need a jig to bend them. For a simpler solution, I found it easier to use stakes in the ground with plastic flower pots on top, then drape your choice of netting over them. This keeps the netting out of the way of the plants. Just place stones to hold it down.
I like to get inspired by just wandering around home improvement stores like Wickes or B&Q. Have you considered using chicken wire? Some sturdier versions can be shaped into arches and then covered with netting for support.
I guess I'm just trying to minimize microplastics in my garden. But maybe it won't matter since I'll be using plastic mesh too? Do you use rebar to secure your hoops?