Since your plants need warmth to survive, any newbie gardening enthusiast in the UK will ask, “how warm do plants stay in a small pop-up polytunnel?” The warmth largely depends on the temperature inside the polytunnel. The ideal temperature is between 80 to 85 degrees F. With that said, and you need to know how to keep your polytunnel temperature steady.
Polytunnels mainly rely on sunlight to heat the interior, but some have additional heat resources like gas or electric heaters. But keep in mind that your polytunnel can heat up quickly, and if it exceeds 100 degrees F on a sunny day, you’ll risk damaging your plants. Make sure your polytunnel is well ventilated, allowing air to flow in and out of your polytunnel.
For colder areas of the UK, you can keep your polytunnel warm by adding heating systems, wrapping the walls with bubble wrap, raise your plants out of the ground, and more.
What is a Small Pop Up Polytunnel?
As the name implies, a small pop up polytunnel is smaller than your average polytunnel. They designed for convenience, where users can quickly assemble and disassemble the polytunnel. Pop-up polytunnels usually made from durable PVC materials that you can zip together. These polytunnels come in different sizes – from cute tabletop polytunnels to multi-tiered patio design.
A mini pop up polytunnel functions just like a proper polytunnel providing your plants with a safe, enclosed space to grow and thrive. You’ll be able to shelter them from outdoor elements while ensuring that enough heat and moisture are keeping them alive and healthy.
What Can You Grow in a Mini Polytunnel
Most gardeners in the United Kingdom primarily use mini-polytunnels to start plant growth before transplanting them into the British garden. For example, a pop-up polytunnel is a perfect place to get your seed started if you plant vegetable seeds. For smaller one-tier polytunnels without shelving, you can use that to protect tender plants during winter months or heavy rain so they won’t be affected by frost or cold.
After your seedlings mature and transferred into your garden in the UK, you can use a mini polytunnel to keep all your gardening materials in one place. Keep your supplies like pots, strings, plant markers, sacks of soil, and other tools inside.
Top Reasons Why Having a Mini Polytunnel Kit Is a Great Idea
Most plants thrive best in warm temperatures, so keeping them inside a temperature-controlled polytunnel makes perfect sense. Small polytunnels make it easier for you to grow your favourite fruits and vegetables. Other than that, here are other reasons why having a mini polytunnel kit is a good idea:
Keep your plants safe from insects and animals
Insects and animals (aphids, beetles, rodents, and rabbits, among others) would love to eat your crops. If you don’t want to lose months of hard work over these pesky creatures. Placing them inside a polytunnel protects them from harmful insects and animals, and it keeps them safe from infectious diseases that may infect your plants.
Protect your plants from unpredictable weather conditions
Heavy rains, storms, excessive heat, and strong winds can also damage your plants. If you live in the UK areas with unpredictable weather conditions, it may be more beneficial to place your plants inside a polytunnel. In this way, they’ll remain safe from harsh weather conditions, especially the more tender plants.
Different shapes and sizes
Polytunnels come in different shapes and sizes, and not all polytunnels are large and luxurious. While glass-walled contraptions are lovely, they can be costly. A good polytunnel doesn’t have to be big; all you need is enough space to keep your plants alive. Mini polytunnels are ideal for an average homeowner.
Great for the UK gardeners with limited space
If you’re into planting and growing crops but don’t have much space, a mini polytunnel is a perfect solution. The standard size of a mini polytunnel is around 6 feet, but if it’s too big for you, there are smaller options as well. You can place them on your patios, decks, balconies, and even on top of your tables.
Perfect for beginners learning polytunnel gardening in the UK
Want to know more about polytunnel gardening? The best way to learn the ropes is to use a mini polytunnel. It’s cheaper, more convenient, and less permanent than more enormous contraptions. Once you’ve learned everything you need to know, you can decide whether you want to upgrade to a bigger polytunnel.
Start planting early
With a mini polytunnel, you can start planting even before the cold season begins in your UK area. You can begin to your growing your seedlings there, and once the weather grows warmer, you’ll be able to replant them into your British garden. By planting early, you can harvest crops earlier than usual.
The Bottom Line: How Warm Do Plants Stay in a Small Pop-Up Polytunnel?
So, how warm do plants stay in a pop-up polytunnel? The plants inside your polytunnel should enjoy a temperature of 80 to 85 degrees F. If it’s too cold outside, make sure to maintain heat indoors by installing a heating system, wrapping bubble wrap, and more. On the other hand, if your polytunnel is too hot, let your plants breathe through proper ventilation.