This one is a nice Oak Leaf lettuce, nearly big enough for using.
This is an Endive, seen through the forest of sticks that I use to try to deter foxes, badgers etc from digging in the raised bed (it's only partially successful).
This is one of the unlucky ones. It will be harvested next time I need some salad.
These cloches will only provide limited protection. The temperature inside won't be much different from the outside temperature. Their main advantage is that they shield the plants underneath from wind, and they prevent frost forming directly on the leaves.
Most people think of lettuces as being frail, and very susceptible to frost damage, but actually if you choose wisely there are several varieties that will do OK in the Winter-time, especially if grown under cloches. A couple of years ago I tried "Winter Density" and "All Year Round" and they both did reasonably well under cover. You can read a post about this HERE.
Dave from Our Happy Acres (our host for Harvest Monday) also wrote a post a couple of years ago on this subject, which you might like to read. Follow this Link.
Very good approach to avoid insect...
ReplyDeleteThose individual cloches are ideal for things like lettuce and endive. I don't grow that many salad leaves during the summer months so they're never on the top of my list for winter harvests but you show how successful it can be harvesting them in the colder months.
ReplyDeleteMy lettuce is planted fairly densely, so a row cover works best for me - but now it's all done. I harvested the last of the lettuce and cleared out the bed this past week. So sad, but it will be even sadder when I have to purchase that first head of lettuce at the grocer in a few weeks time.
ReplyDeleteSprinkling red pepper helps deter some diggers. I wonder if it would help you.
ReplyDelete