When Is the Right Time to Have My Polytunnel Refurbished?

Do you have a polytunnel in your garden? Most keen gardeners that have a polytunnel in their gardens don't make any long terms plans.

 

Most of us would take the opportunity to install a tunnel, but polytunnel repairs and polytunnel refurbishment are both two subjects that we don't initially think about at first. The truth is that both are crucial when you want to prepare for the different growing seasons to be able to carry on gardening in your polytunnel permanently throughout the year.

 

Looking After Your Polytunnel

 

Once you have had your polytunnel installed, it is important that you look after it on a regular basis. Yes, polytunnels are sturdy structures, but to make them last longer it is important that you look after them properly.

 

One of the first factors you should consider is its placement. Should you place your polytunnel in the sunniest spot in your garden? It is tempting to think your polytunnel is going to produce the most crops when you locate it in the hottest part of the garden.

 

Just like anything else that is in an open environment, polytunnels are sensitive to heat and cold. If you are planning to put your polytunnel in the warmest part of your garden, you knowingly face having to deal with polytunnel repairs in the future. It can get so hot in a tunnel that the polytunnel becomes damaged if it is not fitted and constructed correctly on erection.

 

Although polytunnels will stand a lot of heat build-up, you have to remember the climate is gradually heating up. Placing it in a semi-shaded part of your garden is a better idea and can decrease the chances of polytunnel repairs or refurbishment.

What About a Polytunnel Refurbishment?

 

There are numerous reasons why you should consider a polytunnel refurbishment. When you have already been growing plants and crops in your polytunnel for a while, you will probably feel ready for new growing challenges.

 

If so, it is a good idea to consider a complete refurbishment in preparation for the type of crop to be grown. An overhaul and refurbishment of your polytunnel will allow you to easily introduce new crops. For instance, if you feel like trying your hand at growing mushrooms, you should consider a complete polytunnel refurbishment to suit that crop.

 

Mushrooms need totally different growing conditions than other crops. They need more dappled light for starters. Many polytunnel enthusiasts that have started to grow mushrooms also claim, mushrooms do have a tendency to spread easily.

 

When you introduce mushrooms to a polytunnel, it is a good idea to add in an in-between screen or polytunnel cover to make sure your mushrooms don't spread to other required growing areas.

 

The same rules apply if you are planning to keep livestock in your polytunnel. You need to make sure that you cater as much for the livestock as you do to your plants and crops, always check and make any polytunnel repairs immediately. It is always a good idea to screen off different sections of the tunnel, if you have a longer than average tunnel. As polytunnels are flexible structures, you can also create separate sections in smaller polytunnels when carry out a polytunnel refurbishment.

 

A polytunnel is an amazing way to grow plants and produce. Plan ahead and be ready to make polytunnel repairs or refurbs, to keep your tunnel in good order.