In a commercial polytunnel, which side is best for growing tomatoes? Discussing tomatoes in the polytunnel is rather fun because of the specifications of the crop. It said that growing tomatoes is not for the faint of heart.
True enough, they need specific guidelines because plant care for tomatoes can be different from other crops. One of the aspects to take a look at is the best side for cultivating the plant.
What Is The Best Way To Grow Tomatoes In A Polytunnel?
It is essential to find out the best way to grow tomatoes in the polytunnel with several approaches around.
- Initially, to produce the fruit, the polytunnel temperature must be at 65 degrees Fahrenheit at the maximum during the night and at 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. The temperature range may include the cooling of the polytunnel throughout the day and warming at night, depending on the UK region you are in.
- Another essential aspect to look at is air circulation. You may use exhaust fans and proper spacing for the plants. Circulation also helps maintain the appropriate humidity levels to reduce the incidence of diseases.
- To get the correct number of tomatoes, and extend your growing season in the UK, plan on the two-crop rotation. The plan means that autumn crops must be seeded early in July or early in June, and when you have the spring crop, they must be seeded in December and until mid-January.
- Transplants must be planted on moist soil, so the stem must be covered about half an inch or so above the previous line of the soil. Before the plants get to a foot tall, they must have the trellis system in place.
Which Side Is Best For Growing Tomatoes?
To grow tomatoes in the polytunnel is known to have more demand per unit than any field or crop. Production habits should involve a significant amount of time, with an estimated average of labour for the 30 foot by 100-foot polytunnel around 25 hours per week.
With the UK grower experience, one should reduce the time. More time must be needed in transplanting and harvesting the crops, but less time for each plant required from transplanting toward harvest. Be sure to make adequate labour and work provisions before the labour that is needed.
What about the soil system? The structure of your polytunnel one must construct over the land plot. No excavation involved in these systems, and the house must be built to fit the slope of the land. Fertilisation and stalking are identical to the field tomatoes, and houses constructed should enable the best ventilation.
This part includes double-wide doors at each end with fans placed high enough at each end, thus reducing the potential for the cold air to get ventilated onto the plants being grown. Such houses also have side roll-up capacity or windows to increase ventilation as well.
Do Tomato Plants Need To Be In A Polytunnel?
You should be able to place your tomato plants outside once the risks from the frost have passed. Still, they can do better when in the polytunnel or overnight indoors until the summer as the daytime temperatures start to drop lower than 17 degrees Celsius.
If you want to grow tomatoes in pots outside, be sure to take care, so the plants do not dry too much or don’t overwater. Remember that tomatoes are not into irregular watering as well as overwatering. Sporadic watering may cause rotting on the blossom end, or the fruit may split up. Avoid watering in the evenings, too. Tomatoes may use less water at night, and it is best to water during the morning and early in the afternoon.
Unless the gardener in the United Kingdom grows in one of the planters and utilises the water-soluble plant nutrients, there must be fertiliser to feed the plants until established. You may use the high potash fertiliser for the tomatoes to encourage more flowering and fruit development.
What Is The Best Tomato To Grow In A Polytunnel?
Sungold
Coming in under the category of cherry tomatoes, the Sungold is known to ripen early toward golden orange, ready to get harvested in the summer. Characterised by extra-sweet tastes, they are known to stay stronger, more extended than other cherry varieties and can be prepared to get harvested twice a week once they start producing fruits.
Ferline
The Ferline is a large variety that showcases tolerance in recent trials. They may produce heavy crops coloured deep red, fruits of round shapes, and weight at 150 grams. The fruits also produce the best flavours. These tomatoes are perfect for growing both indoors and outdoors.
Black Opal
Then, Black Opal tomatoes bred from heritage varieties that include black cherry, and while they are tasty even when raw, they are transformed into red tomatoes when cooked or grilled.
Ailsa Craig
With open pollination qualities, the Ailsa Craig tomatoes are among the most affordable varieties in the market. Combined with the deep flavour of the tomato, it has the right blend of sweetness and acidity.
Gardener’s Delight
Cordon variety of tomatoes, the Gardener’s Delight, will grow best when pruned in their growing season. They are also of the bush type.
Can You Grow Tomatoes In Winter In A Polytunnel?
It is incredibly possible to grow tomatoes during the winter in your polytunnel but could be costly. The costs may involve supplemental lighting and heating, aside from the costs of the polytunnel. The option for the UK gardeners and farmers for these tomatoes and for your cultivation to succeed is to grow them in indoor containers.
In a commercial polytunnel, which side is best for growing tomatoes? You have to consider the preferences of these plants. The goal should always be about growing the best and producing the suitable crops you are looking for. Every gardener in the UK must equip oneself with the best information.