If you’ve ever admired those beautiful French-inspired gardens with charming wire cloches protecting young plants, you’ll be happy to know they’re surprisingly easy to make yourself. This DIY chicken wire cloche is one of those projects that’s both practical and beautiful. It also helps keep curious rabbits and other garden visitors away from tender seedlings while adding timeless cottage charm to your flower beds and vegetable garden.
But let’s not stop there! One of my favorite things about this garden cloche DIY project is that it looks just as beautiful indoors as it does outside. Use it to create a cozy kitchen island centerpiece, display treasured collectibles, showcase a favorite potted plant, or style seasonal decorations throughout your home. It’s a simple way to add farmhouse character to any space. I can’t wait to show you!
The best part? You only need a few simple supplies and about 15 minutes to make one.
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What Is a Garden Cloche?
Traditionally, a cloche was a glass dome placed over young seedlings, used as a miniature greenhouse to protect them from frost and/or hungry wildlife.
Today, wire cloches have become just as popular because they provide protection while allowing sunlight, rain, and airflow to reach your plants.
This garden cloche DIY is lightweight, reusable, and easy to move wherever it’s needed.
Supplies You’ll Need
- Chicken wire (20-gauge or similar)
- Wire cutters
- Needle nose pliers
- Measuring tape
- Gardening gloves (recommended)
For this project, cut your chicken wire to:
- 38 inches wide
- 28 inches tall
STEP 1: Cut The Wire
Using wire cutters, cut a piece of chicken wire measuring 38 inches wide by 28 inches tall.
This size creates a cloche approximately 18 inches wide and 24 inches tall, making it ideal for protecting young vegetables, herbs, and flowers while still providing plenty of room for growth.
TIP: One roll of chicken wire can make many different-sized cloches, making this an inexpensive way to protect multiple plants throughout your garden while making beautiful decor pieces for your home.
STEP 2: Form A Cylinder
Roll the chicken wire into a cylinder until the two ends overlap by one column of wire.
Using the existing wire ends, twist the two ends together with needle-nose pliers or your fingers if you’re a non-rule-follower like myself.
Continue twisting from top to bottom until the seam is secure.
You’ll immediately notice your chicken wire cage beginning to take shape.
TIP: It’s super helpful to have a guide to set the wire inside or wrap around as you connect the seam.
I used a metal tray (a rusty deep-dish pizza pan) to hold it in place while I connected the wire seam. It did make the process of making the chicken wire cloche go much more quickly. You could also use a round cake pan or similar item as a guide depending on the size you choose to make.
STEP 3: Shape The Cloche
Now that the seams are connected, stand the cylinder upright.
Gently press around the sides with your hands to create a smooth, even circle. Don’t worry if it isn’t perfect—chicken wire is forgiving and easy to reshape.
I found it easiest to shape the cloche from the inside while correcting anything that looked out of line from the outside with my hands.
Step 4: Gather The Top
Using both hands, slowly gather the top of the cylinder toward the center; leave several inches above the neck of the DIY chicken wire cloche. The extra will be used to create the handle or knob.
Work your way around evenly so the dome forms naturally.
This may take a little patience, but once you get it started, it goes fairly quickly.
Step 5: Twist the Top
Once the top is gathered, begin repeatedly twisting the loose wires together.
Continue wrapping the remaining wire around itself until it’s secure with the needle-nosed pliers, forming a knob-like handle at the top of the cloche.
Trim any sharp ends and tuck them inward with your pliers.
And just like that, your DIY chicken wire cloche is finished! 💥
Ways To Use Your DIY Chicken Wire Cloche
One of my favorite things about this project is how versatile it is. It’s much more than just a garden accessory.
Use your cloche to:
- Protect newly planted herbs
- Shield young vegetable seedlings
- Keep rabbits away from flowers and herbs
- Protect plants from curious dogs
- Cover bulbs while they’re emerging
- Guard freshly planted perennials
- Protect lettuce and leafy greens
- Cover newly rooted cuttings
I’ve been having a bit of a rabbit issue in the garden recently, and I can confidently say that my fresh herbs are no longer the main course. Silly rabbits! 🐰Stay away from my basil!
Beyond the Garden
Your DIY chicken wire cloche isn’t just for the garden. One of my favorite things about this project is how easily it transitions indoors as farmhouse décor. With its rustic charm and timeless style, a wire cloche can become a beautiful focal point in almost any room of your home.
Here are a few of my favorite ways to decorate with one.
One reason I love this project is that it works just as well indoors.
Your finished cloche makes beautiful farmhouse décor year-round.
Try placing one over:
- A vintage framed print
- A small ceramic vase with greenery
- Stacked antique books
- Seasonal decor
- Moss balls
- Candles
- Vintage garden tools
It’s a simple way to bring a little cottage-garden style into your home.
More Garden Inspiration
Create A Kitchen Island Chicken Wire Cloche Centerpiece
A chicken wire cloche makes a stunning centerpiece for a kitchen island or dining table. Place it on a vintage tray or wooden riser and fill it with decorative pieces that reflect your farmhouse style.
One of the things I love most about this garden cloche DIY project is that it serves double duty. During the growing season, it protects young plants in the garden. When it isn’t needed outside, simply bring it indoors and use it to create beautiful farmhouse displays that can be enjoyed all year long. It truly is one of those rare DIY projects that’s as practical as it is beautiful.
And it took me literally minutes to create!
Thanks for Stopping By!
Thank you so much for spending a little time with me today! I hope this DIY chicken wire garden cloche inspires you to create one for your own garden or even use it as charming farmhouse decor inside your home. It’s one of those simple projects that’s both practical and beautiful.
If you enjoyed this tutorial, I’d be so grateful if you shared it with a friend or saved it on Pinterest for later. Every share, pin, and comment helps support my blog and allows me to keep creating new DIY projects, gardening ideas, and budget-friendly inspiration for you.
Happy creating, and I’ll see you in the next project!
xo, Do 😊
You’re a brave DIY’er Do! I don’t hate chickens, but I hate working with chicken wire 😂 but this is so darn cute I might give it a go!!! I have so many bunnies eating my greens, black-eyed suzies and hostas this year uggh, this would be perfect. And I LOVE the way it looks indoors as well! 💙 Thanks for sharing. Love your garden tutorials! Pinned XOXO
Gloves! You gotta use gloves and I think 🤔 I learned my lesson??? Probably not. 😆 I will be making more for the garden. Silly wabbits… 🐰 Thanks for reading. Have a great week. 😘 xo
I love this so much! What a cool idea.
Thanks, Wendy! I liked the look but the chicken wire has a mind of its own when it comes to poking you. 😆 Worth it, though. I should have worn gloves.