How Important is Polytunnel Maintenance?

Regular polytunnel repairs and maintenance ensures that your tunnel is always ready to use and any plants stay healthy. Here are some of the things you should do every week:

 

Having your polytunnel refurbishment completed, it is important to maintain it. Even when the growing season is not at its peak in your polytunnel, there are a few things that you should check every week, or so.

 

It is all too easy to not look after any polytunnel repairs in the winter, this can have an impact on the productivity. Then again, there is no reason why your polytunnel should not be productive during the winter when checking regularly and ensuring good preparation procedures.

 

 

Inspect Your Tunnel

 

At least once a week, you should inspect your tunnel both on the inside and outside. Any small tears in the covers can easily turn into large polytunnel repairs or evenrequiring a full cover refurb. When you catch them early, they are much easier to deal with andsort out straight away.

 

The problem with tears in polytunnel covers is that the wind can catch them and make them much larger. As the climate is changing, we are seeing more storms. If storm-force winds get into your tunnel, they can tear the covers if not checked for tension or tears. Before you know it, you will end up with a bill for a complete polytunnel refurbishment.

 

Check the Plants in Your Tunnel

 

Yes, it is tempting to leave your polytunnel refurbishment to its own devices when it is cold and grey outside.  It is not the smart thing to do!

 

If you still have plants or crops growing in your tunnel, you should regularly check how they are doing. Do they need water or are they too cold? There are many ways you can deal with plant problems in your polytunnel. Regular ventilation is important when you want to maintain good plant health.

 

On a regular basis, you should ventilate your tunnel. Good airflow will stop or reduce the build-up of mould and fungus in your tunnel. Even if it is a cold day, there is no reason why you should not ventilate your tunnel for the crops or plants.

 

Your plants should be inspected for pests every week. Pests can very easily take over your tunnel and cause problems. It is unlikely a pest infestation will lead to a polytunnel refurbishment, but it may lead to problems with the crops or plants health.

 

When not carrying out the necessary polytunnel repairs, you may find that pests and unwanted critters will make your polytunnel their home. You be surprised how quickly mice and squirrels can decide your polytunnel is the perfect home for them.

 

An Integral Structure

 

Your polytunnel is an integral structure. It often has its own microclimate. To make sure your plants and crops stay healthy, you need to make sure that you look after your tunnel. It is important to constantly monitor your tunnel and know what polytunnel repairs you need to do.

 

If you are not sure how to do your own polytunnel refurbishment or repairs, it is best to contact a professional service and ask them to do them for you. Asking a professional to help you to maintain your polytunnel is not expensive.