Cloche with holes in polythene

[new2gyo]

Hi all

I have seen a cloche today that has hole puncher sized holes in the polythene, what would these be used for?

I was looking for one that I could start to put things outside in that would protect them from the frosts yet to come

cheers

[rustylady]

Polythene doesn't "breathe" and if you put crops under solid polythene they get sweaty. The holes are for ventilation.

[selfraising]

I would think that also if the ends of the cloche are closed, it would let pollinating insects in.

[sagegreen]

Hi, as rustylady and selfraising say aerated polythene allows moisture and air to circulate freely under the polythene cover, it also lets pollinating insects in. This polythene is used by commercial growers in west Cornwall to cover and protect early potato crops, but it is also great to cover fruit such as strawberries. Give it a try?

[Creemteez]

Hiya, I have used Lidls perforated polythene cloches for a few seasons now and find they give all the protection required to get an early start on most things. Carrots and radish (up after just five days!) are already in - parsnips will go in when they're chitted. I usually put them on a couple of weeks before sowing to get the ground warmed up a bit.
Apart from the already mentioned ventilation/pollination benefits of perforated polythene, I also think they are less prone to being blown away as the holes lessen the force of the wind. I've not had to reposition the "holey" cloche yet - inspite of several very windy days, where a solid cloche has been lifted every time. Give 'em a go!