A cloche is just what you need to protect your young plants from frost in the early spring. Although there are many commercial products out there, it's also very easy to make your own using common household items.

• For a few, separated plants, a cut off plastic drinks bottle is ideal. Punch a few holes in the top for ventilation and twist it gently into the ground to root it in place
• For larger or spreading plants, you can use the frame from a hanging basket, upturned and covered in polythene (even a plastic bag split down one side will work)
• Untwisted wire coat-hangers can be used to make bespoke shaped frames and grow tunnels. Cover in polythene sheeting or thermal fleece, with the edges held down with stones or earth.
• For larger shelters, you can use PVC piping as the framing material