Kitchen Garden Forum

Hello John,
Yes, I did contact them and they seemed very helpful in enquiring about what my specific needs were as they thought they might be able to help me. However, I didn't need to follow up as I subsequently had a clear-out of my potting shed area and found several more old sets of the wire hoops so now probably have enough for my needs. I got the impression they might be prepared to sell the wire hoops separate from the plastic sheets so it's probably worth you contacting them.

Sorry for resurrecting an old thread but my father (retired engineer) is the one who makes the Cloches on www.storeflatcloche.co.uk and to clarify the answer to your question yes he can supply spare hoops (and sheets but the postage can be expensive on those due to size) and they are galvanised.

Hope that doesn't sound like an advert but any further enquiries can be sent to the email on the website and I'll receive it (then ring my dad to ask the question as he doesn't really use the internet!).

Post authorised by KGAdmin

As I was the person who originally mentioned these types of hoops and cloches and made contact with this company, I can say that I've used them for about 30 years now and find them very easy to store when not in use. I've still got the original hoops and sheets too. They're looking well-used but have stood the test of time, apart from one hoop where the crossbar has broken away. If anybody is looking for cloches, I can recommend this type - they seem to be slightly taller than the polythene covered ones which are advertised in magazines and are thus more flexible for slightly taller crops. The hoops shown on this website also look stronger than mine so should last for ages.

Hello,

I use 6ft X 2.1/2Ft sheets of corrugated plastic, either from Wickes(£6) or from B&Q.
8ft are too hard to manage for me.

All I do is push 2 bamboo canes into the ground,each side, fit the Cor. Plastic between them, and hold it in place with heavy cord at the correct distance.
So far never had any problem with the wind etc.
Always grow my lettuce under them, keeps off the rain and other nasties,so that the Icebergs are in very good condition.

Cheers

Sounds an interesting alternative option Lurganspade. I'm trying to visualise exactly "how you hold it in place with heavy chord at the correct distance". Can't quite figure out what you do. Could you explain to a "thickie" like me in a little more detail please? Thanks.

Hello Primrose!
If you look at the "Storeflat" site posted by John, that is how the plastic is folded over.I just push in at a slant two strong bamboo canes at an angle, each side where the metal are placed in the photo. Then I tie strong cord low down on one cane,loop it straight over the plastic to the other cane and tie it also low down on the other! Do this on both sets of canes!

But do not block off the end as in the advert,as it get very warm inside, especially when the sun shines.

I have been unable to copy the web address from John's post, "learner driver!"

Cheers1