You have ever wondered where to put a polytunnel in your yard? Whether you own a mini polytunnel or a regular one, place your polytunnel in the sunniest spot in your yard. The best place would be a south-facing position, but if this isn’t possible, ensure that it gets at least six hours of sunlight per day.
Keep in mind that a mini polytunnel’s temperature usually fluctuates in the summer months; that’s why if you can find a sunny area, make sure that there’s enough ventilation throughout your polytunnel. Additionally, it would help if you placed them near a water source or set up irrigation. Even if you place your polytunnel in the sunniest spot, your plants won’t survive without water.
For gardeners in the United Kingdom with large backyards, try to place your mini polytunnel where you can see it from your home. In this way, you won’t forget about them despite a busy day. If you have young children in your house, try to place your polytunnel away from harm’s way.
Do Mini Polytunnels Protect Plants from Frost?
For small spaces, a mini-polytunnel may be just what you need to protect your plants from frost. Most mini-polytunnels are very affordable, and you can easily set them up within minutes. Just remember to secure your polytunnel in place; otherwise, it may be caught by strong winds.
There are different types of mini-polytunnels. The ones with shelves are best if you just started planting seeds. Other small polytunnels are shorter, while others are look similar to tents. Most of these polytunnels are easy to assemble and dissemble.
How Should You Take Care of a Mini Polytunnel?
Regardless of the type of mini polytunnel you want to purchase, you should know how to take care of it. It would help if you cleaned your polytunnel with soap and water after every growing season. The cleaning prevents the buildup of fungal spores, as well as pests and bacteria.
Additionally, make sure to clean the pots and containers until the soil allows oxygen and fresh compost on top. By taking care of your mini polytunnel, you can get the most out of your investment, and you’ll enjoy the benefits of growing plants in an enclosed space.
What Can You Grow in a Mini Polytunnel?
Considering the size and growing conditions, you can grow just about anything in a polytunnel. Since you can control the climate and temperature, you can grow out-of-season crops. For example, you can grow leafy greens during winter and other plants that don’t grow well in your UK area. The best way to learn about the dos and don’ts of your mini polytunnel is to check the manual.
Is It a Good Idea to Invest in a Mini Polytunnel?
Short answer: Yes. For UK gardeners and hobbyists, you can’t go wrong with buying a mini polytunnel.
Most people think that polytunnels made with expensive floor to ceiling glass. While there are glass type polytunnels, there are also cost-effective solutions for those who want affordable yet high-quality polytunnels.
Mini polytunnels fit that category, and here are a few reasons why it’s a good idea to invest in one:
Ideal for beginners
Mini polytunnels are ideal for people who want to dip their toes into the polytunnel technology but want to commit to it fully. Perhaps you want to know how a polytunnel works before buying a big one or prefer smaller polytunnels to larger ones. Whatever the reason, a mini polytunnel is a perfect option for beginners and gardeners in the UK who want to save space.
Useful for tender plants
Tender perennial plants need extra care TLC. Placing them in a polytunnel can protect them from frost, excessive heat, and strong winds. You can put them inside until the spring season. Once the weather is favourable enough, you can transplant them into your British garden.
Kick-start plant growth and extend the growing season
Another great way to use a polytunnel is to kick-start plant growth before the cold season in the UK begins. The earlier plant growth extends your growing season so you can enjoy a plentiful harvest. Once the weather warms and there’s no danger of frost, you can transfer healthy plants and crops into your garden in the UK.
In this way, you’ll be able to harvest plants earlier and then plant some more. Additionally, you can start to plant more seeds in the polytunnel.
Protection from pests and harsh weather
If the decorative plants inside your house fight for their lives, you can transfer them to a healthy growing environment by placing them in a mini polytunnel. The best time to do this is during the warm summer months.
By doing so, you provide an ideal humid climate most plants love. Polytunnels maximise the amount of sunlight your plants get, and it makes the most out of the heat. Other than that, placing your plants in a polytunnel protects them from rain, wind, and harmful insects and critters that can destroy your plants.
Final Thoughts on Where to Put a Polytunnel in Your Yard
Mini polytunnels are perfect for beginners and seasoned UK gardeners. It’s an excellent option for those who want to enjoy the benefits of a polytunnel without making a significant investment. To make the most out of your polytunnel, make sure that you know where to put a polytunnel in your yard.