Actually, when they say "plates", they do mean "real" plates - paper plates would just blow away. Another method I've seen - I think it might have been on a Victory Garden show - was covering the endive row with a wide, clean, non-pressurized wood, board. Of course, I would also think you'd have to check under it daily to make sure your crop wasn't being consumed by slugs & other uglies.

All the ones that I am trying to blanch (by tying together) are bolting. The ones that wouldn't stay tied aren't bolting...hmmmmm.

OMG- I think I haven't been growing endive but have been supplying fertile habitat for every worm and pill bug in the Tri-state area!! Broke open one of those things and it was CRAWLING! I am going to be trying some other things with the second batch that is coming up--wow, what a mess!