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Post by oldmoleskins on Aug 25, 2007 15:00:01 GMT
I'm awaiting delivery of a polytunnel - I see it as a way of extending the season, and a comfortable 'stand up and move about' way at that - has anybody any 'polytunnel lore' to pass on?
The reason I ask is that I was chatting to a Farmers' Market stallholder today, and she said she couldn't get on with polys, only glass would do... difficulty regulating temperature, maintaining pest-free environment, stuff seemed to dry up quicker - it went on and on.
Can't be right, surely?
OM.
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Post by jean on Aug 25, 2007 19:04:28 GMT
Can't compare OM as I chose a PT not a GH. I'm over the moon with mine. Yes it does get hot and I suppose a GH has more ventilation, but a roll of green netting sorts the shade problem out and its easier than washing lime off glass. Pest and disease is a problem in both and I suppose its down to hygeine, just wish I had room for a bigger one. The only problem I have, is the cats love chasing each other over the top and there are lots of pin prick holes all over the place  Hope you are going to post some pics when you get to put it up - and watch the language now  |
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Post by Chuckles on Aug 30, 2007 16:10:34 GMT
How exciting OM ;D My neighbour has a Poly approx 60' x 25' which he grows all manner of veggies in, some in the ground and some in raised beds. OH helped him re poly it several months ago. Before that was done he had side panels for ventilation. They were up both sides on a winch system, these could be raised for ventilation and behind them on the outside was a fine green mesh (I think it was the outside) He also had a sprinkler system too. Anyhow, he did away with both when he had it re-covered and now just has doors either end. I think it was easier re poly without them. I can't see that there is going to be much difference with either as far as the usual problems go. As JL says pests and diseases will be the same in both. Keep us posted on progress  |
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Post by Chuckles on Aug 30, 2007 16:54:43 GMT
Just been thinking while I was picking beans, 4P has a poly, maybe she can give you some help, pro's and con's |
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Post by oldmoleskins on Aug 31, 2007 6:38:37 GMT
Thanks, both... and I had considered some form of side vents but abandoned the idea as too complicated to make secure - I rather like the idea of having the sides buried to lessen the chances of chasing the cover into Suffolk...
So, instead I'll make each end as openable as poss for those hot days to come. Can't wait. Going for the 'some in the ground, some on benches approach' and may never come out...
OM.
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Post by 4pygmies on Aug 31, 2007 9:29:32 GMT
Polytunnels are wonderful! I love mine. It's 30ft long (I think...might be more) and has a double door at both ends - I think that's essential, OM, as they do get very hot in summer. I have the bottom end door covered in chicken wire to keep nasties out but allow air to flow. I have a GH too so it's quite interesting to compare the two under cover methods. I grow tomatoes, peppers, aubergines, melons, early sweetcorn (pre - rat era)and they seem much better in the PT than the GH I find mine very useful for early salad crops and overwintering plants too. It's always slightly warmer in the PT than the GH. I have tried a sprinkler hose system but found it not very efficient so I tend to just water with a hose now. It does need doing 3 times a day in the really hot weather which is a slight drawback perhaps. The only thing I have found works better in the GH is growing seeds on after germination. I think maybe the temperature fluctuates too much in the Spring in the PT. I haven't got a bench in mine as I found it wasted too much space with the curve of the plastic. My chickens use it extensively in the winter as it's nice and dry. I like them to muck the ground in there too. and they eat any greeblies that have snuck in there too.
Enjoy yours OM - I think you'll find it a real boon.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 31, 2007 17:34:22 GMT
What a good idea with the hens, everyone wins.
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