Although they have largely been replaced by charge card row cover and hoop structures , the traditional bell jar in the garden is still a darling way to esthetically ( or chintzily ) cover plant to extend a growing season or resist off former ( or previous ) frosts . Bell jars can be purchased or made of both charge card and glass and many gardeners save money and make their own by re - purposing other plastic containers .
Benefits of the Bell Jar
Bell jars allow for earlier planting , faster germination , frost protection , water conservation , pest protective cover , and often lead to an increment in yields because of this .
Because buzzer jars protect against frost and create a miniature glasshouse effect within , they can give up early planting and often speed up seed sprouting by keep the top layer of grease warmer . During the plant ’s increase , water is keep up due to this same greenhouse effect with the moisture from the plant no longer being lose to the surrounding atmosphere outside .
Pest protection is obvious thanks to the physical barrier the bell jarful creates around the plant . Yields are increase due to all of these things help to work up a stronger , better plant life .
CC flickr photo courtesy of Robert Brook
Using a Bell Jar in the Garden
Bell jars can be used on just about any industrial plant , especially in the early germination and growth microscope stage . Most plants will in all likelihood outgrow all but the most colossal of bell jars , but if the jar are used to compensate smaller plant , they can protract harvest into the late dip or early wintertime without problem .
Often , chime jars are also used to create small greenhouses to grow flora that would otherwise not thrive in the current climate . Bell jars are also used indoors to protect plants from fry and pets or from drafts that might live due to breeze conditioning or doors and windows .
Finally , buzzer jars are often ( peculiarly today ) used as cosmetic particular to cover arrangement of unused or dry out flowers , ornamental plants , etc . This is the most common function of glass bell jars .
Plastic vs. Glass Bell Jars
Which to apply depends on the intended use and the handiness of the jounce themselves . credit card is much inexpensive and easier to find today , so most bell shock in the garden are potential plastic . They are also easy to manufacture yourself by re - purposing other usual items into Alexander Melville Bell jars .
Glass has the reward of just insulation and by and large stronger structure . It ’s also more traditional and less likely to bollix up over ( or out ) or be knocked over by animals or birdie . Glass also does not die down under solar photo as charge plate will eventually do .
The main disadvantage of plastic are : it is light weightiness and eventually breaks down due to solar radiation . Plastic leaching is also a fear for many gardeners . Glass has disadvantages as well , admit susceptibleness to breakage and gamy expense .
Plastic Alexander Graham Bell jars can be make out of 2 - liter soda bottles from which the bottoms have been cut off , from some types of planting pile , from readily - useable containers and other token . Thus , plastic bell jars are a favourite amongst DIY and low - cost garden enthusiasts .
Glass bell jolt are usually purpose - made and are often handwriting - blown . Many are purely decorative , but functional chalk bell jounce are still readily available to the horticulture mart .
Want to learn more about bell jars in the garden?
jibe out these resources : Extending the Growing Seasonfrom Skagit County ExtensionTypes of Garden Clochesfrom Utah State University Extension
