Idiot Proof Cabbage White Butterfly Protection Netted Cloches

[vegmandan]

I started making these hooped netted portable cloches a few years ago to keep the Butterflies off my Cabbages and the Birds off my Strawberries.
Dead simple to make and you can make them any size you want.
Also they're dead easy to move if you want to do some weeding and you don't need to peg the mesh down or weigh it gown with bricks as it's attached to the base and stops any pests getting in.
Anyway I've made a quick video showing how I make them.

[Newton]

How can I see your video?

[Sanjo]

Loved that, especially the out take!! Very clear video thank you and it looks so neat. I use tall metal posts to support mine. It works well but isn't as neat as yours.

[rustylady]

Love it. Much neater and easier to use than hoops pushed into the ground. Nice to see I'm not the only one who hits thumbs with hammers.

[kingkano]

Nice one I have made loads of these - covered in tunnel plastic too which is useful for early spring/winter. Only trouble is storing them all is a bit of a pain!

Not sure that lap joints are idiot proof lol. Wouldnt even know how to do one myself.

[oldie]

I've done frames like this for a couple of years, but made a small modification. We have a very windy plot I found the hoops fell over in a strong wind so I put them diagonally across and tie them together at the point where they cross.

[Florence Fennel]

They're very good, but I'd have a problem with storage.

[chris]

Indeed, pretty cool I normally stuff pipes in the soil, but the netting is a bit of a pain then.

May try it - but how do you store them?

[Liza]

Indeed, pretty cool I normally stuff pipes in the soil, but the netting is a bit of a pain then.

I put short canes deep in the ground first then the pipes just slide on an off and keeps them sturdy.Put the netting over the cane before you pop the pipe on.

[chris]

I did similar before, then couldn't be bothered Mine are in beds, so they butt up against the inner endges of the beds.. but it's tucking the net in I struggle with. Mind you, it is a tad bit too wide hehe

[Florence Fennel]

Daft question, but where do you get the pipe from, a plumbers yard, or do they sell it in places like B&Q?

[Shadylane]

I got mine off ebay(still haven't got round to using it though) but I think Wickes sell it. I intend to make some but with polythene for overwinter lettuce and such. I don't see a problem with storage as you could just move them around and use them for other crops as and when.

[chris]

Daft question, but where do you get the pipe from, a plumbers yard, or do they sell it in places like B&Q?

I bought conduit, FF - from screwfix. I think it's 15mm in diameter though, not 20 (or maybe it's 25, dunno! - can't remember ).

3m in length, I bought a pack of them when it was on offer - creates higher growing space - but next time I'll use the blue pipe, as there's a building site near us and I've spied it.. planning on popping down next weekend and asking for some - shall have a pack of beer in the boot ready

[oldie]

I've always been told to use the black pipe as it is UV stabilised, the blue isn't and may not last as long. Get mine from here:- Cheap | Black MDPE PE80 water pipe | in Stock |

[Florence Fennel]

Thanks very much, I have a Wickes just a few minutes away, or I'll order from the link.