Hesitating between a polytunnel and a greenhouse? Both types of structures are used for growing a wide variety of crops and flowers. People usually wonder which one to choose as both constructions serve the same purpose.
To make the right choice, buyers should know the difference between a greenhouse and a polytunnel. Various factors, such as ventilation, heat retention, design and so much more should be considered as well.They play a major role when deciding which structure suits your requirements better.
Polytunnels can be constructed on a slightly uneven surface in a day. Greenhouses take longer to install. They should be also erected on a perfectly flat and levelled surface. There are several ways to prepare the ground for your greenhouse:
People consider paving slabs to be the best base for a greenhouse. It helps prevent damp build-up and fungal problems, as well as diseases that uncovered soil can develop. Both types of structures should face North-South to avoid direct sunlight.
Most of the plants may dry out if a change in temperature occurs.Polytunnels offer a much better control over its air circulation. Large doors at both ends provide sufficient airflow through the tunnel. Greenhouses provide ventilation through an opening on the roof, the door and side vents. Keep all doors and vents open during sunny days to achieve effective ventilation.
When it comes to longevity, there isn’t much of a difference between greenhouses and polytunnels. Both types can last for many years. Polytunnels can serve you well between 15-20 years but the covers need to be replaced every few years.
Wondering how long does a polytunnel cover last?.. Well, this will depend on where you’ve positioned the garden structure. Place your polytunnel
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Most vegetable gardeners lucky enough to have the use of a greenhouse use it for raising seeds early in the year, extending the season into the autumn, and of course growing tomatoes and cucumbers in the height of the summer. If you’d like to find something a little more exciting when you open the greenhouse door, these unusual crops will appreciate the extra heat.
When we last saw my mini polytunnel from First Tunnels, it was just an open frame, sitting out of the way on top of a raised bed until Ryan had time to finish it. Since then, Ryan has been working on putting a door onto the frame, with magnetic latches:
When the nice people at First Tunnels asked me whether I’d like one of their mini polytunnels to review, my answer was a swift “yes, please!”. I have serious polytunnel envy; I’d love to have one, but the garden isn’t big enough.
Join Emma the Space Gardener as she explores gardening on Earth… and beyond! In this episode, Emma talks to houseplant expert Jane Perrone about which plants she would take into space.
Q: I’m thinking of buying a polytunnel to extend the growing season, but while many of my gardening friends think it’s a great idea, others have warned me off it, saying that they’re a lot of work to look after. Any advice would be welcome. PK, Co Kildare
Because I value potable water, I prioritize its use. Edibles and newly planted shrubs and trees, which are highly vulnerable to drought stress, earn the right to receive water from my spigot. When plants become established, meaning that they’ve regenerated enough roots to sustain themselves without supplemental irrigation, they’re only watered when the need arises.
As Autumn approaches, many gardeners are putting their tools and gloves away in preparation for the long wait until spring. However, greenhouse owners are continuing to diligently tend to their plants in expectation of the harvest still to come.
You need at least one roof ventilator and one side ventilator to get good air changes. The roof ventilator is the most important for allowing hot air to escape. Windows at both sides of the greenhouse can be beneficial. Louvered windows are very useful as they are easy to operate and I find hinged windows less stable in wind. Automatic ventilators are available that open the window using a plunger system. Obviously the door is a great ventilator and should be left open when temperatures reach 80 degrees or humidity is 100%. I have never needed an extractor fan but for a large greenhouse a slow moving fan can help some crops.
It is Mid February and the milder weather encouraged me to focus on my greenhouse in preparation for the new year. For once I made a list of more than a dozen greenhouse related actions and as I progressed down the list more items were added. Without the list I would drift off to do other jobs with lower priority but higher instant gratification.