The fundamental problem is that normally only one plant per bell can be protected.
So, depending on the number of plants that need protection, many bells may be needed.
In addition, some bells are not 100% safe because they have an opening at the top, through which snails can get to the plant.
To be completely safe, the opening must be closed, for example with a mosquito net.
The protected plants must also be watered more often because they’re shielded from the rain. This results in a little extra work and effort.
In summer, when it gets hot during the day and the sun shines strongly on the garden, some plants can become too hot under their cover.
This means that the covers can be used only at night and should be removed during the daytime.
A major disadvantage is that field snails, which can move underground, can still reach the plant from below.
Some models are made of cheap material and are therefore fragile. They could even break as soon as they’re set up.
By paying attention to quality, cloches and bells can be used for several years.
Advantages of plant bells
Plant bells not only protect young plants from attacks by slugs and snails, but also from other dangers such as animals, wind, and weather.
In spring, higher temperatures in the interior create a pleasant microclimate for plants, which benefits their growth and development.
Particularly advantageous is the protection against frost, hail and excessive UV radiation.
The protection against slugs comes as a bonus, and with simple means, such as a mosquito net, their protection can be improved even further.
In general, plant bells have the advantage of being easy to set up and handle.
By avoiding the cheapest models and by treating the products well, enjoyment is guaranteed for many years.
Conclusion
Endangered young plants can easily be protected with garden bells, especially in springtime.
This method has no negative side effects and is easy to use.
I therefore recommend using them to protect young vegetables and flowers against slugs and snails.
The bells work fine against most slugs and snails (e.g., the large red-brown Spanish slugs), but they can’t be used against the smaller grey field slugs.
One thing to consider – as with slug collars – is that each bell always protects only one plant or a small group of plants.
For a large garden with a lot of vegetable and flower beds, it’s therefore better to find a more extensive solution.
It’s also advisable to install a slug fence; this will protect plants in a larger area and throughout the year.
The weak spot of the smaller plant hats is the opening at the top.
Bigger and more expensive garden cloches have an opening that can be closed, but the cheaper hats normally lack this feature.
Their openings can be closed with a piece of fly screen, a mosquito net or similar materials.
This sort of seal adds a level of security to the protective covers.
The net could be attached from the inside or outside; for example, with suitable adhesive tape.
You can then be sure that neither slugs nor snails can find an access route.
An advantage of this method is that other pests, such as the cabbage white butterfly, can no longer reach the plants.
More tips and tricks
Simply put the plant hats or bells over the plants and anchor them with sticks or pegs in the ground.
The lower edge can also be covered with soil. This protects the bells from the wind and makes the small greenhouse secure for the plants.
With most garden cloches, you can open or close the top with a slider.
This means that the bell can remain open during the day so that it won’t get too hot in the sun. In the evening, it can be closed again.
It also means that the air inside cools down slowly and nocturnal invaders can’t enter.
When using plant hats and bells, it’s always important to note that the plants don’t get rainwater naturally because the roots of young plants don’t yet reach far into the ground.
The plants should therefore be watered regularly.
Generally, the plants should be carefully monitored and observed at this stage.
Disadvantages of garden bells
Advantages of plant bells
Conclusion
