Why A Polytunnel?
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cost – cheapest method of covering an area for plant production
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extends the growing season – spring about 4 weeks earlier & winter about 4 weeks late
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plants are not damaged by weather so crop yields potentially higher
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a comfortable place to work when the weather is bad outside
Siting and organisation
- needs to be sited in an open position – not shaded by trees
- as level a site as possible
- ideally in a reasonably sheltered spot
- beds no more than 4ft wide to reach easily – use raised beds if soil is not that good
- can use benching for raising plants – kits that attach to the frame
- useful to have electricity supply for heated propagator
- water supply essential – hose or a water butt with gutter attachment to feed in rainwater
- can install overhead sprinkler system but not essential
- leaky hose very useful – peg down along length of beds in between plants
- clean polythene by spraying with Armillatox – protect plants (do in winter when not so many plants) or Citrox which does not harm plants
What type of structure?
