A chicken wire cloche is a simple, cost-effective, and functional DIY solution for protecting garden plants. It shields vulnerable seedlings and young plants from pests like rabbits, squirrels, and deer. The open mesh design allows for the free circulation of air and sunlight, preventing the heat buildup that can occur with solid covers, while still providing a physical barrier. Constructing this garden accessory is a straightforward process that requires only a few materials and tools.
Essential Supplies and Preparation
Gather a roll of galvanized steel chicken wire, which is durable and flexible for shaping. You will need heavy-duty wire cutters or tin snips to make clean and precise cuts through the wire mesh. A tape measure and a marker are necessary for accurately sizing your cloches according to the plants you intend to cover.
For safety, thick work gloves are mandatory to protect your hands from the sharp cut edges and wire ends during handling and shaping. You will also need needle-nose or adjustable pliers, which are useful for bending and securing wire ends during the assembly process. Before cutting, unroll a section of the chicken wire and weigh down the edges to keep it flat, then measure the dimensions necessary for your desired cloche size.
Step-by-Step Assembly Instructions
The construction process begins by determining the size of the cloche, which dictates the amount of wire needed. For a dome cloche intended for an individual plant, decide on the required height and the circumference of the base. For example, a cloche with a 12-inch diameter base requires a piece of wire approximately 38 inches long to account for the circumference and a small overlap for joining the edges.
Once the dimensions are marked, use heavy-duty wire cutters to carefully slice the section of wire, cutting through the middle of the hexagonal mesh openings. Cutting precisely at the center leaves small, pointed wire tails along the edges, which are essential for joining the structure later. If creating a long, rectangular tunnel cloche, cut a single, much longer piece of wire that will be bent into an arch shape without needing side seams.
To form the dome cloche, bring the two shorter, cut edges of the measured wire section together to create a cylinder shape. The wire tails should be interlocked and tightly twisted around the adjacent wire using needle-nose pliers to form a secure, continuous vertical seam. This twisting action joins the two ends, creating a stable cylindrical base.
For the top, gently push the wire at the top edge inward, creating a rounded, conical shape that closes the cylinder. As the wire mesh overlaps, use pliers to twist and secure any loose ends together to fully close the top opening. This manipulation forms the protective dome, ensuring that pests cannot enter from above.
Tunnel Cloche Construction
The tunnel cloche is formed by simply bending the long rectangular piece of chicken wire into a semi-circular arch, which is then placed directly over the row of plants. Unlike the dome, the tunnel relies on its length and the ground for its final shape, and it does not require a seam closure. With either shape, inspect the finished structure for any sharp, protruding wire ends and bend them inward to prevent accidental injury.
Securing and Placement Tips
Once the cloche is assembled and its seams are secure, proper placement and anchoring are necessary. Position the cloche directly over the plant or row of seedlings, ensuring the base rests firmly on the garden soil and completely encircles the protected area. The cloche should be tall enough to allow the plant to grow for several weeks without touching the wire mesh.
To prevent the cloche from being dislodged by strong winds or animals, it must be anchored into the ground. The most common method is to use U-shaped landscape staples or wire ground pins pushed firmly over the bottom wire of the cloche and deep into the soil. For larger tunnel cloches, placing one of these pins every few feet along the base provides sufficient resistance against wind uplift.
Alternatively, place heavy stones or bricks directly on the bottom edge of the wire to weigh the cloche down, especially where the soil is too loose for pins to hold. Strategic placement involves covering plants most susceptible to damage, such as young transplants, lettuce, or ripening fruit. The transparent nature of the wire ensures the plants receive necessary sunlight for photosynthesis while remaining protected.