Cloche sales rocket as more people ‘grow their own’

Haxnicks, specialists in chemical-free plant protection products, report record sales of cloches in 2006.

Retail sales of the Haxnicks’ Easy Tunnel cloches have shown steady growth over the last five years, culminating in an impressive 57% year-on-year increase in unit sales for 2006. Sales of the standardsized tunnels increased by 41%, and sales of the higher-priced, giant size more than doubled – up 138%.

Haxnicks Easy Net Tunnels showed the strongest growth overall, unit sales up 152% in the last five years, indicative of the growing trend for year-round, chemical-free protection of crops and now accounting for 26% of total tunnel cloche sales. Unit sales of Giant Easy Net Tunnels quadrupled their sales over the same period.

“Without doubt, Haxnicks’ sales reflect the increase in popularity of growing your own vegetables, coupled with the rise in all things organic”, comments Damian Cardozo, Haxnicks’ MD. “More and more gardeners are appreciating the horticultural benefits of cloches, whilst seeking chemical-free alternatives for protecting their crops. Haxnicks’ unique products cater for this rapidly expanding market”.

Keep Your Brassicas Pest-free with Extra-fine EcoGreen™

Haxnicks, the plant protection specialist, has launched EcoGreen™ Micromesh which is now the finest gauge garden mesh available from garden centres.

With a mesh size of only 0.6mm x 0.6mm, it provides the best possible protection for crops against a wide range of insect pests, including cabbage root fly, carrot fly, aphids, leaf miners, onion fly, vine weevil and even flea beetles. It is also effective against cutworms and other caterpillars, moths and butterflies, as well as larger pests, such as domestic pets, birds, rabbits and deer. Slugs and snails can be deterred by burying the edges of the mesh in a 10 to 20cm deep trench. Micromesh also provides a physical barrier that gives protection from weather damage caused by strong winds, hail and light frost.

Micromesh helps create the perfect environment for growing fruit and vegetables. Water and liquid feed can be applied directly through the mesh and air circulation is good. Crops benefit from the superior protection by exhibiting stronger growth and a better eating quality.

Haxnicks EcoGreen™ Micromesh is available as a folded sheet – 1.8 metres wide by 5 metres long – and comes in a pale green colour which makes it less obtrusive in the garden. The tough fabric is re-usable and, if looked after, will last for up to 10 years.