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Why is my polytunnel so cold? I don't have a heater, one door is sealed with bubblewrap, I use raised beds. The temperature has dropped to -8c at night. I didn't think tunnels got so cold. How can I plant early crops?
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The tunnel will get very cold at this time of year overnight but any crops will be better protected from wind and rain. I found that last year I could get a good crop of early beans in there by starting them off inside and then planting out in a cold frame within the tunnel but it's too early yet. The main things I have in mine at the moment are brassicas which are considerably ahead of their brothers and sisters outside. Don't panic, it's early yet and very cold
Some of us live in the past, always talking about back then. Some of us live in the future, always planning what we are going to do. And, then there are those, who neither look behind or ahead, but just enjoy the moment of right now.
Which one are you and is it how you want to be? -
I'm an impatient gardener... must learn to wait. Thanks for reply.Comment
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Also, think about perhaps putting fleece mini-tunnel over the beds - there is no wind, so it can be attached with just clothes-pegs, and it will (possibly) give another couple of degrees protection!
I've a fleece cloche over the raised bed in the greenhouse - the greenhouse has been down to -10 and the plants in there still seem to be fine!
good luck
SComment
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What part of Ireland are you in - if you put it in your location it'll give everyone more of an idea of your conditions. I'd guess your not down in the South West as it's been very mild with lows of 5 ish at night. I'm planning to start both types of peas, calabrese and spring cabbage over the next week for an early crop inside, before the last of the toms, peppers and cus are planted in their space.Jiving on down to the beach to see the blue and the gray, seems to be all and it's rosy-it's a beautiful day!Comment
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Hi guys, thanks for the input. I will certainly try the fleece. I'm using my spareroom windowsills to start a few bits - potatoes, onion, chilli.
By the way, I live in Bantry, West Cork!!!Comment
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ive just spent the day lining my cheap plastic poly tunnel with two layers of fleece and bubblewrap at the one end just to see if i can raise the temp in there by a degree or two.
so far its a fail-outside temp is 11c in tunnel temp is 10.3c!Comment
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... but then you're cutting down the light, which is probably more crucial than warmthOriginally posted by garden dabbler View PostAll gardeners know better than other gardeners." -- Chinese Proverb.Comment
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But the bubblewrap will keep the heat in at night, won't it?Originally posted by garden dabbler View PostK's Garden blog the story of the creation of our gardenComment
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