polytunnel in winter GROWING PLANTS UNDER COVER DURING WINTER
How to prepare a polytunnel for winter?
Polytunnels extend the growing period. This represents a benefit for thermophilous plants and long maturing plants. On the other hand, cold-weather plants, with proper preparation in the garden greenhouse, can continue to grow, even if it is snowing outside. Creating such suitable conditions is not a costly process and guarantees fresh and tasty vegetables throughout the year. For gardening enthusiasts, winter is associated with time off. Cultivation under cover allows you to continue to enjoy your hobby, despite the winter. It is also said that, with a minimum positive temperature, growth of plant is much quicker, more profitable and with better yield when spring returns. Although many people think that this is an expensive luxury by calculating profits and expenses, yearround cultivation turns out to be economically advantageous.
polytunnel PROTECTION OF CROPS AGAINST FROST AND COLD
Here are some tips to help you maintain a positive temperature inside the greenhouse while minimizing your heating expenses.
Insulation with bubble wrap (thermal insulation) This plastic layer contains air bubbles which keep the heat inside and limit loss of warm air. The larger the bubbles, the more light they collect, and the better the heat process. Just remove the snow from the tunnel systematically and this protection will reduce heat loss by up to 30%.
Heating only one tunnel side Sometimes it is not necessary to heat the whole facility. In case of large structures, this would generate huge costs. If there is a workstation with some delicate plants, you can use a frame or an isolating curtain. In the second case, it is important to install a sealed foil system to separate the heated fruits and vegetables from the  non-heated. Another common solution is mini foil tunnels. These small structures are set up directly above the ground over plants that need protection against the cold. Such a double protective layer is the best choice to minimize heat loss.
hotbed
These miniature greenhouses are usually made of wood, with a glazed, removable top. The rear wall is higher than the front wall, and the window closes with a slight angle downwards. Such a design allows more light into the crate, raising the temperature inside. It is important to install such an object on an east-west axis to collect as much sunlight as possible. These are also used for sowing seeds during the year and preparing seedlings.
Garden cloches
Glass or plastic small domes with square or bellshaped construction. These small covers are placed directly on the plants. As these are small items, they are only suitable to protect cuttings, small vegetables and fruit shrubs. Cloches are effective if there is a small knob at the top to allow air flow adjustment.
Agro textile This is a synthetic material that is applied directly on the ground so the layer slows down soil cooling. In addition, it limits the development of weeds. A hole is cut where plant are sown , to allow the upper part of the vegetable to emerge.
Straw
It is a low-cost thermal insulation solution which can be dug and used as a compost inside the greenhouse. It is spread on the ground, evenly covering the whole area. Unfortunately, it is not suitable for all crops, so it is worth checking whether this type of fertilizer is not harmful for the plants. In this case, remove it carefully from the ground.
Expensive or cheap solutions? It is not necessary to use all methods, but each of them helps retain heat for longer periods. Even without additional heating, by combining several of the above mentioned methods, the plants will have much better conditions to grow under cover. And that will lead to a better and fuller ripening process.
POLYTUNNEL MANUFACTURER: www.krosagro.co.uk krosagro@krosagro.com
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