Are you looking for ways on how to grow herbs in a mini polytunnel in the UK? You’ve come to the right place! Herbs are easy to grow with proper care. Just make sure to: use the best soil type, regularly prune and water, and give an appropriate amount of sun exposure.
Mini greenhouses will require more care, though. You can’t control humidity levels as well, so closely monitor temperature and humidity levels.
There are many great benefits to using a mini-greenhouse in the UK, such as extended growing and healthier yields. All this only occupying minimal space in your home. If you want to know more about how to grow herbs in a mini greenhouse in the UK, just read on!
What Is A Mini Greenhouse?
Mini greenhouses are, as their name implies, small. Usually, 10 square feet wide. It’s perfect for growing seedlings or propagation. They can come as a single shelf or multiple shelves.
Some even come as a tabletop for easy access. So if you plan to grow herbs, try a mini greenhouse. You can place them in your kitchen and use your herbs freshly picked.
Tips On How To Grow Herbs
For sure, you’ll have fun if you know how to grow herbs in a mini polytunnel in the UK. Let’s delve deeper!
#1 Choosing what to grow
Before we jump on answering how to grow, let’s answer what to grow. When choosing what to grow, consider the following: soil type, sunlight preference, growth type (perennial, annual), and amount of water needed.
Here’s a list of herbs that are best to grow:
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Lavender
- Rosemary
- Parsley
- Mint
- Sage
Most herbs keep the pest away on their own. But, if there are pests, never use harsh chemical pesticides. Unless you don’t plan to consume the herb, chemicals will make it toxic.
#2 Soil and pots
Soil type is a crucial factor in herb growth. Most herbs need moist, loose, well-draining, and organically rich soil with 6.0 – 7.0 pH levels.
A combination of aged compost, potting soil, and other organically rich matter will work well. Before that, layer pebbles, broken pottery, or gravel at the container’s bottom to help with drainage.
The type of pot or container to be used depends on the herbs. Herbs, like mints or lemon balm, are invasive and need taller containers to control them. Make sure to choose one that can fit in your mini greenhouse.
Containers also retain soil moisture well.
Fill up your container until 2 inches from the rim for watering space. You can place grouping herbs in one container. Each herb requires different soil types, but if their needs are similar enough, it could work.
Some herbs grow well together and enhance the attributes of their companion. Add fertiliser to promote growth. Most herbs don’t need a large amount of fertilisation. Unless it’s growing season, then feeding it would help it thrive.
#3 Watering herbs
Herbs generally need less water than crops or flowers. Each herb has its preference for how much water it needs. Here is where grouping your herbs comes in handy. By grouping like-minded herbs together, watering them is more convenient.
Herbs like mint or lemon balm love moisture, so watering is more frequent than Lavender, which prefers time between watering to dry completely.
You should water drought-tolerant herbs when the soil is thoroughly dry. For moisture-loving herbs, water when you feel the topsoil is dry. Water early morning or evening every day. Doing this will help avoid evaporation and allow the water to soak into the roots well.
In extreme conditions of heat, water twice a day. But, don’t over-water to avoid root rotting or fungi growth. Make sure to have a well-functioning drainage system.
Add a layer of mulch to help retain soil moisture and increase the time between watering.
#4 Pinching and harvesting
Pinching herbs promote growth. Removing a part of the stem encourages the dormant leaf node at the bottom to grow. Do this regularly, and your herbs will be bushy and leafy in no time.
Ironically, this practice also prevents growth. Such as with flowering stems. Flowers are signs of an ending life cycle. When you see a flower bud, pinch the whole thing off. If it remains steadfast in its growth, cut the entire stem off.
Harvesting has the same effect as pinching. Don’t worry – doing either of these won’t hurt your herbs.
#5 Sun exposure and shading
Shading is also an integral part of growing herbs. Herbs are pretty resilient and can thrive under six or more hours of sun exposure every day. But some prefer partial shadings, like chervils and parsley.
Herbs need an adequate amount of sun exposure every day to grow well. So place your mini polytunnel near the windowsill or outside.
Conclusion
Herbs are easy to grow so long as you take care of them properly. Using the best soil combination will yield healthier herbs. A mix of aged compost, organically rich materials, and potting soil will work well.
Add mulch to your topsoil, and remember to fertilise your herbs. Feeding your herbs will help their growth. Water during the early morning and evenings every day. During extreme conditions, water twice.
Pinching your herbs promotes growth so that it can be bushy. It also prevents flowering so you can extend its life. Harvest your herbs often too. Hopefully, you’ve understood how to grow herbs in a mini polytunnel in the UK.