Home-made cloches

I'm making cloches using 2 litre plastic drink bottles with the bottoms cut off. My question is do I leave the lid on?
Thanks

 

I would do so in the early weeks Beanie, then as the plants under them harden, you can take the top off as a lead-in to removing them completely.

 

Take the top off, If you do not, condensation will build up and the plant you have planted in it, will rot.
also the plant needs to breath.

 

i have found that they dont like it with the top on unless there is snow on the ground

 

leave the top on for melons to maintain a humid environment if they're growing outside from seed. I tried it 2 years ago and it worked.

 

Many thanks all for advice. Hopefully the weather is nice enough tomorrow for me to do some planting.

Sawfish - what melons did you manage to grow outside? i grew some lovely seedlings last year in an un-heated greenhouse, but when I planted them at my allotment they did nothing. I can't remember what variety they were, but the packet did say they could be outside.

 

I grew a variety called Jenny Lind, and it was behind an old window lying against a wall. This year I've got a variety of Magenta Charantais from 'plants of distinction' thats apparently quite hardy, Prescott Fond Blanc (also hardier) and Petit Gris de Rennes (also for cooler climes). The year my melons worked was that great summer two summers ago so maybe that helped, and last year was terrible.

I also found sinking a plant pot in beside the roots helped as you dont want to get moisture on the stem when watering willy nilly as it rots easily. Also plant them on a slight hillock (like a molehill).

I wonder if I should get this for melon protection?
http://www.aldi-stores.co.uk/uk/html/offers/2867_5858.htm

 

I think those flowers may make the melon feel inadequate.
Many thanks for reply - maybe I'll try again this year (if there's any danger of a bit of sun).

 

I was looking at melons on the Fothergills site and decided perhaps we couldn't bet on our weather too much but having said that we are enjoying 28c today and over the weekend, but will it last?