5 ways to get the most out of your polytunnel

If you’re looking for polytunnel growing tips, you’ve come to the right place. Northern Polytunnels are on hand with their five best polytunnel tips for beginners and experts alike to help you get the best from your undercover growing space this season.

1. Growing
Choose the right plants:

Some great crops for polytunnels include tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, herbs, and leafy greens. There’s a downloadable list of what to grow and when here, but the rule of thumb is that most things grow better, earlier and bigger in a polytunnel compared to outside. What don’t work so well are larger fruit bushes and trees that need more space than a polytunnel allows. It’s also a good idea to try and keep your produce growing within the season it’s meant to grow. Trying to grow summer veg in winter won’t work as well as you’d think.

Use good quality soil:

A polytunnel provides an environment where plants and vegetables can grow faster than they would outside. This means that they require more nutrients, so you should use high quality soil that has been enriched with compost or other organic matter.

2. Look after your polytunnel environment
Adequate Watering:

The warmth and humidity of a polytunnel can cause the soil to dry out quickly. Ensure that you water your plants regularly, particularly during the summer months. With an irrigation system, you can make sure your plants are watered as often as needed. A top tip is to either water early in the day or late at night to prevent excessive moisture build-up during the heat.

Ventilation:

A polytunnel can get very hot in the summer months, which can cause heat stress to your plants. Making sure you have good ventilation within your tunnel helps control the temperature and humidity levels. Roof vents and side vents are easy to fit even after your polytunnel has been built.

3 - Crop rotation:

Rotating your crops will help to prevent soil-borne diseases and improve soil health. Avoid planting the same crop in the same spot year after year. Instead, rotate your crops so that you are growing something different in each area of your polytunnel.

4 - Cleaning a Polytunnel

Regular cleaning can help to maintain your polytunnel’s structural integrity and prolong its lifespan. Here are the general steps to follow when cleaning a polytunnel:

- Remove all plants and debris from inside the polytunnel.

- Sweep or hose down the inside of the polytunnel to remove any remaining debris.

- Scrub the inside and outside of the polythene with a soft-bristled brush and specialised polytunnel cleaner. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasives that could damage the polytunnel material.

- Finally, replace any damaged or worn parts of the polytunnel, such as the cover or frame components, to ensure the polytunnel is in good working order for the next season.

5 - Enjoy Your Polytunnel

And remember, a polytunnel doesn’t have to be all about growing, it’s a great space to relax. Many customers who have bought a Northern Polytunnel have been in touch to tell us how they use their polytunnels. Some use them for social gatherings to avoid the cold on the cooler summer nights – one even had a chandelier installed as she uses it so much. A previous customer uses their polytunnel to keep their outside pool warm, whilst another who got in touch has also added a fenced-off section for her hens during the winter months.

Click here to view the full range of Northern Polytunnels products

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