Year: 2019

Allotment Polytunnel

Maximizing Cultivation: A Guide to Allotment Polytunnel

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Home/2019 (Page 3)

Allotment Polytunnel

In the realm of allotment gardening, where the dance between nature and cultivation unfolds, the introduction of an allotment polytunnel emerges as a game-changer—a versatile haven that extends the boundaries of what’s possible. The allotment polytunnel, a structure draped in translucent resilience, transforms the traditional gardening landscape, offering a controlled environment that beckons to both seasoned horticulturists and those just beginning to explore the fertile soil of homegrown aspirations.

This guide delves into the world of allotment polytunnels—a canvas where the growing season extends its tendrils, sheltering delicate plants, fostering biodiversity, and providing an ideal canvas for a myriad of gardening endeavors. From the advantages that stretch across seasons to the practicalities of setting up and maintaining your polytunnel, this exploration seeks to unveil the secrets of a structure that stands as a testament to the marriage of innovation and tradition in the fertile grounds of allotment gardening. Step into the shelter of the polytunnel, where the possibilities for cultivation and exploration are as boundless as the skies above.

In the world of allotment gardening, the introduction of a polytunnel is akin to unveiling a secret weapon – a versatile, climate-controlled space that extends the growing season, nurtures delicate plants, and provides a haven for both novice and seasoned gardeners. Whether you’re aiming to boost yields, protect crops from the elements, or experiment with exotic varieties, the allotment polytunnel emerges as an invaluable ally in the pursuit of a thriving and sustainable garden.

Advantages of Allotment Polytunnels:

Allotment Polytunnel

1. Extended Growing Season:

Allotment polytunnels act as natural greenhouses, trapping heat and creating a microclimate that extends the growing season. This means earlier planting in spring and continued cultivation into late autumn.

2. Climate Control:

Polytunnels offer protection against adverse weather conditions such as frost, heavy rain, and harsh winds. They provide a stable environment where temperature and humidity can be controlled, fostering optimal growing conditions.

3. Increased Yields:

With the ability to control the growing environment, polytunnels facilitate higher yields by promoting healthy and vigorous plant growth. This is especially beneficial for crops that might struggle in unpredictable outdoor conditions.

4. Crop Diversity:

Embrace a broader spectrum of crops with a polytunnel. From tender vegetables and exotic herbs to delicate flowers, the controlled environment encourages experimentation with a wider variety of plant species.

5. Pest Protection:

Allotment polytunnels act as a physical barrier against pests, creating a shield that helps keep out insects, birds, and other potential threats. This reduces the reliance on chemical pesticides and fosters a more organic gardening approach.

Setting Up Your Allotment Polytunnel:

1. Choosing the Right Size:

Consider the available space on your allotment and the specific crops you intend to grow. Polytunnels come in various sizes, so select one that suits your needs without overcrowding your plot.

2. Site Selection:

Position the polytunnel in a location that receives ample sunlight. Ensure good air circulation to prevent humidity buildup, and orient it to take advantage of prevailing winds for natural ventilation.

3. Proper Ventilation:

Adequate ventilation is crucial to prevent overheating. Opt for polytunnels with roll-up sides or roof vents, and monitor the temperature regularly, especially during warmer months.

4. Quality Construction:

Invest in a durable polytunnel made from UV-resistant materials. A sturdy frame and high-quality polyethylene covering will ensure longevity and provide reliable protection.

5. Irrigation Systems:

Implement a reliable watering system within the polytunnel. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses help maintain consistent moisture levels, crucial for the health of your crops.

Maintenance and Care:

1. Regular Cleaning:

Keep the polytunnel covering clean to maximize light penetration. Remove algae, dirt, and debris to ensure optimal growing conditions.

2. Crop Rotation:

Practice crop rotation within the polytunnel to prevent soil-borne diseases and maintain soil fertility. Plan your planting layout carefully to make the most of the space.

3. Winter Preparations:

Prepare your polytunnel for winter by reinforcing the structure, insulating the base, and considering additional heating options if needed.

Top 10 Questions on Allotment Polytunnel

Allotment Polytunnel
  1. Q: What is an allotment polytunnel, and how does it differ from a greenhouse?
  • A: An allotment polytunnel is a protective structure made of arched frames covered with polyethylene, creating a controlled environment for plants. Unlike greenhouses, polytunnels have no solid walls, allowing for better ventilation.
  1. Q: How does a polytunnel extend the growing season?
  • A: Polytunnels trap heat, creating a microclimate that protects plants from frost and cold temperatures. This extended warmth allows for earlier planting in spring and prolongs the growing season into late autumn.
  1. Q: What are the key advantages of using a polytunnel for allotment gardening?
  • A: Polytunnels offer benefits such as climate control, increased yields, protection against adverse weather, diverse crop possibilities, and a physical barrier against pests.
  1. Q: How do I choose the right size for my allotment polytunnel?
  • A: Consider your available space, the specific crops you want to grow, and the size that complements your allotment without overcrowding. Polytunnels come in various dimensions to suit different needs.
  1. Q: Where should I position my polytunnel on the allotment?
  • A: Choose a location that receives ample sunlight and ensures good air circulation. Orient the polytunnel to take advantage of prevailing winds, providing natural ventilation.
  1. Q: Are there specific ventilation considerations for a polytunnel?
  • A: Yes, proper ventilation is crucial to prevent overheating. Opt for polytunnels with features like roll-up sides or roof vents, and regularly monitor and adjust temperature and airflow.
  1. Q: What materials are best for constructing a durable polytunnel?
  • A: A sturdy polytunnel frame made of galvanized steel or aluminum, covered with UV-resistant polyethylene, ensures durability. High-quality construction materials contribute to the longevity of the structure.
  1. Q: How can I prepare my polytunnel for winter?
  • A: Reinforce the polytunnel structure, insulate the base, and consider additional heating options if needed. Preparing in advance helps protect plants from cold temperatures and adverse winter conditions.
  1. Q: What maintenance tasks are essential for a polytunnel?
  • A: Regularly clean the polytunnel covering to maximize light penetration. Practice crop rotation inside to prevent diseases, and prepare for winter by ensuring the structure is in good condition.
  1. Q: Can I grow anything inside a polytunnel, or are there limitations?
    • A: While polytunnels offer a versatile environment, there are still considerations. Choose crops that thrive in controlled conditions, such as tomatoes, peppers, herbs, and certain flowers. However, some large or root-intensive plants may not be suitable.

These questions and answers provide a comprehensive overview for those considering or already using allotment polytunnels, offering insights into the practicalities and benefits of incorporating this structure into the gardening journey.

Conclusion:

Allotment Polytunnel

In the intricate dance between nature and innovation, the allotment polytunnel emerges as a guardian of cultivation—a dynamic structure that extends the gardening horizon and opens doors to possibilities previously constrained by seasons and climate. As we conclude our exploration into the world of allotment polytunnels, it becomes evident that this structure is more than a mere shelter; it is a transformative force in the landscape of allotment gardening.

The advantages of a polytunnel—extending the growing season, providing climate control, increasing yields, and fostering crop diversity—underscore its significance in creating an optimal environment for plants to thrive. From choosing the right size and location to ensuring proper ventilation and maintenance, the polytunnel becomes a canvas where horticultural aspirations unfold and where the traditional meets the contemporary.

As you embark on your journey with an allotment polytunnel, may its transparent embrace not only shield your plants but also serve as a conduit for a richer, more sustainable gardening experience. The polytunnel, with its arched silhouette against the sky, stands as a testament to the harmonious blend of nature’s wisdom and human ingenuity. In the shelter of the polytunnel, gardeners find not only a haven for their plants but a gateway to a year-round symphony of growth, harvest, and the perpetual cycle of renewal. Happy gardening beneath the translucent canopy of possibilities!

The introduction of an allotment polytunnel elevates the gardening experience, providing a controlled environment where the possibilities are as vast as your imagination. From extending the growing season to protecting delicate plants and fostering increased diversity, the benefits of a polytunnel are bountiful.

As you embark on this journey, remember that a well-maintained and thoughtfully managed polytunnel is not just a structure; it’s a key to unlocking the full potential of your allotment. With proper care, strategic planning, and a touch of creativity, your polytunnel will become the beating heart of a flourishing and sustainable garden. Happy gardening!

Courgette Varieties

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Allotment and Kitchen Garden Book

Are you starting an allotment or planning on growing your own fruit, vegetables, herbs, and flowers in a kitchen garden? If so we highly recommend the book Allotment Month By Month. This does exactly what it does on the cover to help you with what you should be doing in the allotment and kitchen garden each month. Below you can see the link for Amazon where you can purchase the book directly. This book is extremely popular with all allotment holders as you will read in the reviews:-

You can check out all the allotment and kitchen garden books we recommend here.

There are many types and courgette varieties that you can try to grow. Have you tried them all? Why not try a new variety this year? Let us know which ones you grow in the comments below.

  • All Green Bush Courgette – These give high crops of delicious dark green fruits that should be cut when they are around about 10cm long. These crops for a long period as long as they are picked regularly.
  • Ambassador F1 Courgette – These are an early variety which have dark green fruits.
  • Atena Polka F1 Courgette- Have you tried this variety they will add colour to your dish with this amazing yellow fruited variety. They are excellent flavoured courgettes and produce great fruits.
  • Battani F1 Courgette –  Are an early courgette with a high yielding crop variety which produce large quantities of very dark green small fruits.
  • Clarion F1 Courgette – These courgettes produce a very early fruit. Harvest them when they are around 12 cm long.
  • Defender F1 Courgette – The defender courgette is a heavy yielding crop which like its name is a defender and resistant to Cucumber Mosaic Virus. They are deep green fruits which are produced all summer long if cropped regularly
  • Early Gem F1 Courgette -Very early crop of dark green fruits with a lighter green stripe. Dual purpose as the fruits can be left to form good shaped marrows.
  • Floridor F1 Courgette – These courgettes are in a shape of spheres. They are very productive with golden yellow fruit. Don’t mix them up with melons
  • Midnight F1 Courgette This courgette is a slightly speckled courgette with a great flavour, the plant is compact and bushy. These courgettes are Ideal for growing in containers. Completely spineless and so easier to pick without getting prickled.
  • Nero de Milano Courgette – These courgettes again are in the shape of spears but are dark green early variety and not yellow, they are around 18-20cm in length. Plant these in an open area so that they are easy to pick when it comes to harvesting them
  • Partenon F1 Courgette – This is a courgette where you do not need to pollinate as it is self-pollinating, so can grow fruit without the need for insects. It will crop all season round, from summer through to the autumn. This courgette is ideal for growing in containers. IT is high yielding.

Why not try a different courgette varieties this year?

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Courgette Plant

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Allotment and Kitchen Garden Book

Are you starting an allotment or planning on growing your own fruit, vegetables, herbs, and flowers in a kitchen garden? If so we highly recommend the book Allotment Month By Month. This does exactly what it does on the cover to help you with what you should be doing in the allotment and kitchen garden each month. Below you can see the link for Amazon where you can purchase the book directly. This book is extremely popular with all allotment holders as you will read in the reviews:-

You can check out all the allotment and kitchen garden books we recommend here.

Here on this page we will find out all about the Courgette plant.

The courgette is also known as a zucchini. The courgette is a summer squash which originates from the Mesoamerican origin.

The length they can grow to is a whopping one metre in length. People often harvest them when they are small though at around 20 – 25 centimetres in length.

The courgette is usually a dark green or light green. There is also another variety which once grown is an orange or yellow colour. Everyone usually opts for the dark green variety usually.

Did you know that the courgette is actually a fruit but in cooking context it is usually classed and treated as a vegetable.

When the courgette was in development before it became a common plant to grow it was developed in northern Italy around the second half of the 19th century.

The Zucchini is often called different things in different countries. In America, Australia, Sweden and Germany its called Zucchini. But in the UK, Ireland, New Zealand and Singapore it is called a courgette. When it is fully matured, it is then called a Marrow. Some places even call them baby marrows.

You can use courgette for different ways of cooking. If they are grown big into marrows, they can be used to stuff and then cook them with all the ingredients inside so all the flavours soak into the courgette or marrow.  When they are small they can have, them steamed, boiled, grilled or even baked. So, they can be cooked in many ways.

People say that courgette is a very bland vegetable, hence the reason why people add flavouring to them to give them more flavour.

Courgette is very nutritious and contain folate, potassium and pro-vitamin A.

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Zucchini Plant

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Allotment and Kitchen Garden Book

Are you starting an allotment or planning on growing your own fruit, vegetables, herbs, and flowers in a kitchen garden? If so we highly recommend the book Allotment Month By Month. This does exactly what it does on the cover to help you with what you should be doing in the allotment and kitchen garden each month. Below you can see the link for Amazon where you can purchase the book directly. This book is extremely popular with all allotment holders as you will read in the reviews:-

You can check out all the allotment and kitchen garden books we recommend here.

Here on this page we will find out all about the Zucchini plant.

The zucchini is also known as a courgette. The zucchini is a summer squash which originates from the Mesoamerican origin.

The length they can grow to is a whopping one metre in length. People often harvest them when they are small though at around 20 – 25 centimetres in length.

The zucchini is usually a dark green or light green. There is also another variety the golden zucchini which once grown is an orange or yellow colour. Everyone usually opts for the dark green variety usually.

Did you know that the zucchini is actually a fruit but in cooking context it is usually classed and treated as a vegetable.

When the Zucchini was in development before it became a common plant to grow it was developed in northern Italy around the second half of the 19th century.

The Zucchini is often called different things in different countries. In America, Australia, Sweden and Germany its called Zucchini. But in the UK, Ireland, New Zealand and Singapore it is called a courgette. When it is fully matured, it is then called a Marrow. Some places even call them baby marrows.

You can use Zucchini for different ways of cooking. If they are grown big into marrows, they can be used to stuff and then cook them with all the ingredients inside so all the flavours soak into the zucchini or marrow.  When they are small they can have, them steamed, boiled, grilled or even baked. So, they can be cooked in many ways.

People say that zucchini is a very bland vegetable, hence the reason why people add flavoring to them to give them more flavor.

You can even cook and eat the flower.

Zucchini is very nutritious and contain folate, potassium and provitamin A.

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Erecting a Polytunnel

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When it comes to erecting a polytunnel it is not as hard as it actually looks!

It can be quite a manual job erecting a polytunnel whether it is on your allotment or whether it is actually in your garden. If you have a business it could be a commercial polytunnel.

Some of the job you can actually do it on your own but if there is two of you it will definitely make the job a lot more easier and faster when putting it altogether.

We will explain the steps needed to build your polytunnel.

  1. If you have a council allotment you may need to ask permission to hae one on your plot. Check with them first.
  2. You will need to work out where your polytunnel is going to go.
  3. Then you will need to measure the area and work out the size of the polytunnel you want.
  4. You can order your polytunnel. Work out the extras you need for it. Also if you want black membrane down on the floor to stop the weeds.
  5. Now wait for it to be delivered.
  6. In the meantime you need to be digging out where the polytunnel needs to go. This ideally needs to be level.
  7. You can now erect the framework – this will need two people.
  8. Once the frame is in place you can dig a spade and half channel all the way round it but not in front of where the doors are.
  9. The Polythene can now be put on this will need 2-4 people.
  10. Once the polythene is on put some bricks on it uin the channels to keep it weighed down. Then fill with soil asap as you do not want it blowing off.
  11. You can then cut off any excess plastic round the doors
  12. The doors can now be hung on it.
  13. Mission completed.

Allotment and Kitchen Garden Book

Are you starting an allotment or planning on growing your own fruit, vegetables, herbs, and flowers in a kitchen garden? If so we highly recommend the book Allotment Month By Month. This does exactly what it does on the cover to help you with what you should be doing in the allotment and kitchen garden each month. Below you can see the link for Amazon where you can purchase the book directly. This book is extremely popular with all allotment holders as you will read in the reviews:-

You can check out all the allotment and kitchen garden books we recommend here.

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Building a Polytunnel

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it comes to building a polytunnel it is not as hard as it actually looks!

It can be quite a manual job building a polytunnel whether it is on your allotment or whether it is actually in your garden. If you have a business it could be a commercial polytunnel.

Some of the job you can actually do it on your own but if there is two of you it will definitely make the job a lot more easier and faster when putting it altogether.

We will explain the steps needed to build your polytunnel.

  1. If you have a council allotment you may need to ask permission to hae one on your plot. Check with them first.
  2. You will need to work out where your polytunnel is going to go.
  3. Then you will need to measure the area and work out the size of the polytunnel you want.
  4. You can order your polytunnel. Work out the extras you need for it. Also if you want black membrane down on the floor to stop the weeds.
  5. Now wait for it to be delivered.
  6. In the meantime you need to be digging out where the polytunnel needs to go. This ideally needs to be level.
  7. You can now erect the framework – this will need two people.
  8. Once the frame is in place you can dig a spade and half channel all the way round it but not in front of where the doors are.
  9. The Polythene can now be put on this will need 2-4 people.
  10. Once the polythene is on put some bricks on it uin the channels to keep it weighed down. Then fill with soil asap as you do not want it blowing off.
  11. You can then cut off any excess plastic round the doors
  12. The doors can now be hung on it.
  13. Mission completed.

Allotment and Kitchen Garden Book

Are you starting an allotment or planning on growing your own fruit, vegetables, herbs, and flowers in a kitchen garden? If so we highly recommend the book Allotment Month By Month. This does exactly what it does on the cover to help you with what you should be doing in the allotment and kitchen garden each month. Below you can see the link for Amazon where you can purchase the book directly. This book is extremely popular with all allotment holders as you will read in the reviews:-

You can check out all the allotment and kitchen garden books we recommend here.

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Cheap Polytunnel

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When looking round at purchasing a polytunnel they come in all different sizes but then they come in all different prices. You can purchase a cheap polytunnel from £40 all the way into the thousands.

The thing about investing in a polytunnel is you get what you pay for!

When purchasing a polytunnel I would always say invest wisely as I’ve seen lots of people purchase cheap polytunnels for there allotments once they have got a plot and come winter they have been destroyed by the wind or the plastic has split on them.

I would definitely recommend saving up for a year and purchasing a high quality named branded polytunnel which will probably set you back about £500. I did this and it’s still going strong in it’s 10th year.

The more costly ones are strong and sturdy – made out of steel and has wooden supports. This will hold down when it does come to winter. You certainly wont be looking in your neighbours plots for your polytunnel after it has taken off and blown away.

Don’t always go for a cheap polytunnel!

Allotment and Kitchen Garden Book

Are you starting an allotment or planning on growing your own fruit, vegetables, herbs, and flowers in a kitchen garden? If so we highly recommend the book Allotment Month By Month. This does exactly what it does on the cover to help you with what you should be doing in the allotment and kitchen garden each month. Below you can see the link for Amazon where you can purchase the book directly. This book is extremely popular with all allotment holders as you will read in the reviews:-

You can check out all the allotment and kitchen garden books we recommend here.

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Polytunnel Greenhouse kits

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When you are looking around for polytunnels you can purchase Polytunnel Greenhouse kits.

The polytunnel kits come well organised when purchasing from an online garden shop these will come all bundled up with the instructions on how to erect the polytunnel up.

The kits will usually come with the steel hoops (which will need putting together), the doors, the polythene, the screws.

When purchasing your polytunnel online you can design your own polytunnel to the specifications you want to how you exactly want it. This means you can choose the variety of the polythene you have on it and the UV rating. You can choose if you want some black membrane for the flooring – Which is highly recommend if you are not planting in the soil. Then you can choose if you want water irrigation added into your bundle. Obviously you can choose the size of the polytunnel you want. Then finally you can chose if you want extras like shelving or hooks ect.

Allotment and Kitchen Garden Book

Are you starting an allotment or planning on growing your own fruit, vegetables, herbs, and flowers in a kitchen garden? If so we highly recommend the book Allotment Month By Month. This does exactly what it does on the cover to help you with what you should be doing in the allotment and kitchen garden each month. Below you can see the link for Amazon where you can purchase the book directly. This book is extremely popular with all allotment holders as you will read in the reviews:-

You can check out all the allotment and kitchen garden books we recommend here.

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Small Polytunnel

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Polytunnels come in all different shapes and even sizes. Even a small polytunnel

As well as the large polytunnels you get for commercial or for allotments you can now purchase small ones for the garden which are perfect for growing some vegetables in or protecting your plants.

The difference between a commercial polytunnel and a small polytunnel is that a small polytunnel can be moved quite a lot easier then a commercial one. It is quite a hard job to dig up a commercial one and move it.

There are two types of small polytunnels. There is a mini polytunnel and then there is a cloche type polytunnel.

The mini polytunnel is one that you can walk in as it is about head height depending how tall you actually are. These will add an extra 6-8 weeks growing time in the garden. Plus you can use them for protecting plants in the winter and also continue growing some vegetables throughout the winter period.

The cloche is not like a polytunnel this just covers the plants. So when it comes to weeding and watering you will need to remove it to gain access to the plants. These can be removed very easy but it’s not like walking inside one.

Out of the two I would choose the mini polytunnel as you can use it to work in as well as growing things inside it.

You can purchase these from Polytunnel suppliers and also from online garden centres as well as online shops.

Allotment and Kitchen Garden Book

Are you starting an allotment or planning on growing your own fruit, vegetables, herbs, and flowers in a kitchen garden? If so we highly recommend the book Allotment Month By Month. This does exactly what it does on the cover to help you with what you should be doing in the allotment and kitchen garden each month. Below you can see the link for Amazon where you can purchase the book directly. This book is extremely popular with all allotment holders as you will read in the reviews:-

You can check out all the allotment and kitchen garden books we recommend here.

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Polytunnel

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Here you will find out all about Polytunnel

Polytunnels are also known as a polyhouse, hoop greenhouse, hoophouse, grow tunnel or a high funnel.

Polytunnels come in all different sizes. They are often used in commercial business and garden centres for growing there plants in to sell.

Polytunnels work by heating up from the suns radiation which warms up all the plants and the ground.

Polytunnels are often made out of steel and polythene but they can be half brick then polythenee for the roof. It just depends how much you are willing to spend on your polytunnel.

Polytunnels are ideal for working in commercially and on the allotment as they can obviously be very hot in the summer but in the autumn and winter when it is colder and the weather is more unpredicatable you can use them to protect your crops from the snow and bad weather. Plus it stays that little bit warmer in them.

In more recent years polytunnels have now started to be used for livestock and farm yard animals. These can be from sheep, alpacas, goats, calfs, and chicken.

There are many different types of polytunnels. There are the more expensive ones which are made out of steel and need to be dug into the ground to support them. There are also a cheaper variety which has a green cover on – this cover does not provide the same UV as the ones with the clear covers on. These are a bit more flimsey and are usually for back gardens or even allotments.

When it comes to constructing a polytunnel it is definitely a two man job. It can be quite easy putting up a polytunnel but it certainly makes it easier have two sets of hands to put it up than just the one. Especially when putting the cover on over the top. The wind can be your worst enemy when trying to put it in place

Allotment and Kitchen Garden Book

Are you starting an allotment or planning on growing your own fruit, vegetables, herbs, and flowers in a kitchen garden? If so we highly recommend the book Allotment Month By Month. This does exactly what it does on the cover to help you with what you should be doing in the allotment and kitchen garden each month. Below you can see the link for Amazon where you can purchase the book directly. This book is extremely popular with all allotment holders as you will read in the reviews:-

You can check out all the allotment and kitchen garden books we recommend here.

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