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Location

Message

Date Posted

Darfield, British Columbia, Canada

Just wondering what thickness of plastic people are using for there cloches? 6mil 4mil? Does the thicker plastic keep in more heat but allow enough sun light through?

5/7/2008 11:46:01 PM

Minnesota([email protected])

I've been using 4 mil. I replace it each season.

5/8/2008 2:02:58 AM

Hudsonville, Michigan ([email protected])

I've used both. I think the 4 mil is sufficient. I replace it every year like Doug. With either 4 or 6, depending on how long you keep your cloche out there, you have to be careful when removing it. I've burned leaves before when removing it and suddenly allowing full sun on tender leaves...
Frank

5/8/2008 7:33:48 AM

[email protected]

I used to use 6 mil UV stabilized for our greenhouse. I'd then use the surplus to cover the cloches. I'd get 3 years out of it but storing them for 3 years was more trouble than effort was worth.

Non-UV stabilized 4 mil is great for cloches. Use it one year then replace.

5/8/2008 8:41:59 AM

Marshfield, Ma, USA

I use 3 mil plastic sold as painters drop cloths in most big box home stores. Size used for smaller cloches is 9X12.
I strip it off and discard it every year.

5/8/2008 9:01:18 AM

Taber, Alberta

I've used 4 mil, but our spring winds have shredded it in the past. Now it's only 6 mil.
Did I mention I hate wind?

5/8/2008 9:08:33 AM

Pembroke, New Hampshire

I've got 1.2 mil on mine this year. Seems to be holding up ok so far. Allows more light in.
I havn't had any shredding yet, but havn't had heavy winds either.

5/8/2008 9:26:08 AM

Western NY

greenhouse near me was stripping off their plastic for replacement, so I got a ton of old stuff for free 2 years ago. Looks like 6 mil, was probably quality stuff originally, and is holding up well so far.

5/8/2008 11:06:41 AM

Somers, CT

4 mil and replace it every season. Stuff is expensive.

5/8/2008 3:14:25 PM

Salem, OR

If you're not using a portable heater for your cloches, just be sure to use crystal clear plastic, not the white stuff. I'm ripping my white-ish plastic off tomorrow and putting on clear even though it's only 1.5 mil. My cloches just aren't heating up enough for my taste (of the pumpkins', either!)

5/8/2008 7:06:22 PM

Whidbey Island

6 mil, UV stabilized, and it is 3 years old and still going strong. More expensive to buy at first, but lasts longer and is cheaper in the long run.

5/9/2008 9:48:19 PM

Darfield, British Columbia, Canada

Thanks for the tips

5/10/2008 12:04:47 PM