Have you ever wondered how to keep your polytunnel cool? If your polytunnel is too hot, it can damage your plants, causing them to wilt and die. One of the best ways to keep a polytunnel cool is to maximise shade, ventilation, and airflow.
However, the coolness of your polytunnel depends on several factors, such as your location, climate, the type of plants you’re growing, and more.
What Temperature Should You Keep Your Polytunnel?
Polytunnels that exceed over 90 degrees F is already too hot for your plants. If your polytunnel is too hot, your plants may wilt, dry out, or stop producing leaves and fruits. For your plants to grow and produce fruits or vegetables, they need to be at their ideal temperature.
Generally, the temperature of your polytunnel should be between 80- and 85-degrees F. However, some plants thrive best in temperatures lower than that, so make sure to know the ideal growing conditions of your plants.
How Do You Cool a Polytunnel in High Humidity?
There several ways to cool a polytunnel during high humidity. Here are three of the most cost-effective ways to do so:
Ventilation
To effectively lower polytunnel temperature, you need to provide plants with a good inflow and airflow. You can place roof vents and side vents. Additionally, your polytunnel’s door should also create a movement of air to cool your plants.
Placing roof vents to one-fifth of floor space should give your polytunnel a complete air change every two to three minutes. But if roof vents are out of the budget, opening the side vents and doors is enough.
Shade
Proper shading can help keep your polytunnel cool. However, adding shades to your polytunnel is tricky because plants need sunlight to grow. While shading can help cool down a polytunnel, you also have to allow enough sunlight inside.
One of the effective shading techniques is to use shade paints. Shade paints are a cost-effective way to shield your plants from sunlight. As summer rolls in, you can add more coats of paint and brush it off as cool-season begins. However, shade paint may not be the best option for all polytunnels. If you can’t paint your walls, you can opt for netting or blinds.
Dampen
Dampening your polytunnel is the cheapest way to cool down your polytunnel. It’s practically free – all you need is water. You can dampen your polytunnel by wetting hard surfaces. As the water evaporates, the moisture increases, helping plants cope with excessive heat.
What Are the Benefits of Having a Mini Polytunnel?
Investing in a mini polytunnel is one of the best things you can do for your British garden. It’s economical, convenient, and you’ll get the same benefits as a regular-sized polytunnel. If you’re still on the fence, here are some of the reasons why having a polytunnel is an excellent investment.
Many varieties to choose from
Some people think that polytunnels made of floor to ceiling glass as big as a house. While there are extravagant polytunnels, most of them come in many shapes and sizes. A good polytunnel doesn’t always have to be large and spacious. Mini polytunnels are great for UK home gardeners who want to grow plants in their backyard.
Protect your plants from harmful pests
Snails, rodents, caterpillars, aphids, and other animals and insects love to eat your produce. To keep your plants safe from these critters, it’s best to place them in a polytunnel. Plus, you’ll also protect your crops from certain diseases.
Keep your plants safe from harsh weather
Heavy rain, high winds, dust storms, and blizzard can destroy your crops in an instant. Having a mini polytunnel makes it easier for UK gardeners to grow plants in unpredictable climates. For example, some counties generally have excellent growing conditions, but it only takes one severe storm to wipe out months of hard work.
Perfect for the UK gardeners with limited space
Mini polytunnels are perfect for gardeners in the UK who have limited space. Don’t let these constraints stop you from growing your fruits and vegetables. You can place your mini polytunnel anywhere – from balconies, patios, decks, and even on tabletops. Even though it’s small, these polytunnels will give you the same benefits as a regular-sized polytunnel.
Ideal for beginners
Mini polytunnels are great for those who want to dabble in polytunnel technology. Before buying a more enormous, more permanent greenhouse, a mini-greenhouse lets you know the ins and outs of using a greenhouse. Once you know your preferences, you’ll be able to decide whether you want to invest in polytunnel gardening.
Extend the growing season
With a mini polytunnel, you can extend your growing season by planting before the cold season begins. After the danger of frost has passed, you can transplant your plants into your UK garden. In this way, you’ll be able to harvest earlier than usual.
Final Thoughts on How to Keep Your Polytunnel Cool
To summarise on how to keep your polytunnel cool, make sure to keep your polytunnel well ventilated, to put adequate shade, and to dampen walls. You can also add fans and a cooling system added coolness.