Protect Your Plants With This Genius Lampshade Hack

Hold off on chucking out that busted old lampshade; it could end up saving your plant’s life and extending its growing season.

According to Australian TikToker, GG The Gardening Girl old lampshades are perfect for creating a simple DIY cloche that extends the growing season for planets that need a little extra time to mature or to protect your crops from opportunistic critters looking for a quick bite.

All it takes is a little time and a little chicken wire, and you won’t have to worry about squirrels and rabbits trying to pilfer your cabbages and garden pests attacking your seedlings and small plants. Though it might not necessarily be the most economical way to protect your plants, if you already have the parts kicking about, it’s certainly worth a punt.

The fight to save your chilis from aphids and small birds still rages on, as this type of cloche won’t save your veggies from small birds and insects.

How to Make a Lampshade Garden Cloche

Making a DIY garden cloche is quick and easy.

All you’ll need is your old lampshade, a pair of scissors or craft knife, some wire cutters, and about three feet (1m) or so of chicken wire,

First, use scissors or a craft knife to remove any material from the lampshade. Then, measure and cut enough chicken wire to cover the entire frame of the lampshade, with a little extra to help secure the wire to the frame.

Next, place the wire all over the frame, making sure to wrap it around the bottom inside the frame to secure the wire in place so your cloche is ready to protect your plants.

How to Make a Garden Cloche Out of Plastic Bottles

If you don’t have an old lampshade, there are plenty of other household items you can use to make simple and effective garden cloches that are even more economical.

According to House Digest, if you want to give your seedlings some more protection, old plastic milk bottles (or any plastic bottle, for that matter) are perfect for keeping critters, birds, and creepy crawlies off your plants.

First, rinse and dry your bottle. Then, grab a pair of scissors and cut the bottom off your bottle.

Place the bottle over the plant you need to protect and dig it into the soil to help weigh it down. Secure it further by putting a stake through the jug’s handle, and you’re good to go.

When it’s hot out, remove the cap on the jug to improve airflow and stop your plants from wilting, and then put it back on when it cools down to protect your fledgling plants from aphids and spider mites.