If you’ve asked the question, “What do mini polytunnels need to be successful?” then you’re at the right place. For your mini polytunnel to be successful in the United Kingdom, you need to take good care of your plants and take the necessary steps to maintain your polytunnel.
What Factors Should You Consider for a Successful Mini Polytunnel Gardening in the UK?
For a successful polytunnel gardening, here are a few factors you need to pay close attention to:
Rich soil
Plants thrive best when planted in soil rich in potassium, phosphorous, and nitrogen. The pH level of your soil should range from 6.2 to 6.8. It will also improve the quality of the soil if you add more compost every year.
Water
In most cases, you don’t need to regularly water your plants because polytunnels often have a moisture system. Generally, you only need to water if the soil feels dry, but this ultimately depends on the type of plants you’re growing.
Different plants have different needs, especially during warmer seasons. The best option is to use a moisture gauge to monitor the humidity and moisture in your polytunnel. Whether you’re watering manually or using drip irrigation, make sure to take note of your watering schedule.
Look for pests
If you’re transplanting plants from outside your British garden into your polytunnel, be sure to check for harmful pests and diseases. Pests and diseases love humid places, so all your plants will be infected in no time if it enters your polytunnel.
What Are the Factors to Consider in Choosing Mini Polytunnels?
Since there are different types of polytunnels, choosing one can be overwhelming. To help you decide, here are some factors you need to consider in selecting a mini polytunnel:
Style
Choosing the style of your polytunnel depends on how large you want the floor and headspace to be, the type of plants you have, and how you want it to look. The shape and style of your polytunnel should be a balance of practicality and aesthetics.
Functionality
Another thing you need to consider when buying polytunnels is functionality. Why are you starting a polytunnel? Make sure to pick a mini polytunnel based on what you need. For example, if you need a polytunnel to extend your growing season, you might benefit from mini-greenhouses.
Frame
What type of frame do you want for your polytunnel? A few options you could check out are wood or metal frames. For instance, many polytunnels are made of wood frames because it’s easier to get; it’s cheap, and it’s sturdy.
But if you prefer metal frames, you can’t go wrong with aluminium or steel. Aluminium is durable and resistant to rust. On the other hand, steel is quite heavy but more durable, making it more suitable for larger commercial polytunnels.
Glazing
After the frames, you need to determine the glazing or the cover responsible for protecting your plants, letting in sunlight, and retaining heat. If aesthetics and functionality are equally important to you, glass polytunnels are a great option.
However, they’re slightly more expensive. Polycarbonate is another excellent option. It’s durable, provides enough insulation, and retains heat well.
Price
The price may seem like a no-brainer, but you need to scrutinise your budget. List down everything you need so your expenses won’t go beyond what you can afford.
How Should You Take Care of Your Polytunnel?
Regardless of the type of polytunnel that you end up getting, you need to make sure that it gets the care it needs. Clean the inside of your polytunnel with warm soapy water and a sponge after every growing season.
In this way, it prevents fungal spores from developing while getting rid of pests, bacteria, and other diseases. Don’t forget to clean the pots, till to soil to oxygenate it, and place fresh compost at the top. By following these cleaning tips, you’ll enjoy reaping the benefits of a mini polytunnel for years to come.
Why Are Mini Polytunnels a Great Investment?
Mini polytunnels are an excellent investment for both seasoned and novice gardeners in the UK. It’s one of the must-have tools for growers.
You don’t have to worry about the changing season or the erratic climate with a mini polytunnel. Regardless of the current weather conditions – rain or shine, hail or storm, your plants are safe and healthy in the polytunnel.
Placing your plants in a polytunnel shields them from harsh weather conditions, such as drought, excessive heat, strong winds, and freezing temperatures. It also protects your plants from harmful pests and critters that try to eat your leaves and produce.
Another significant benefit of polytunnels is that it allows you to create the ideal climate specific to the type of plants you’re growing. You’ll be able to control certain factors like light, irrigation, temperature, moisture, fertilisation, and humidity. For example, you can quickly grow warm-weather crops even though you live in colder regions of the UK.
Final Thoughts on the Answer to “What Do Mini Polytunnels Need to Be Successful?”
So, what do mini polytunnels need to be successful? When buying polytunnels, don’t forget to consider the following factors: style, functionality, frame materials, glazing materials, and price. Once you have everything in place, it’s time to buy the mini polytunnel of your dreams in the UK.