There is no escaping the fact that a Polytunnel environment is unnatural. We are exposing plants and vegetables to light and heat that they would not be exposed to under normal weather conditions in Ireland. Growing anything in an unnatural environment can provide a few problems, but nothing that can’t be solved with caution and vigilance.
1. Maintain the Health of Your Plants
The most serious hazard to the health of your plants is a lack of moisture. Plants that have been dry at the roots for an extended period of time are more susceptible to mildew as the summer progresses. And because it’s the busiest time of year, when many precious crops are ripening, the disease can be particularly harmful, as the fungus can destroy maturing fruits and weaken plants.
2. Soil improvement
Digging is necessary if you don’t have raised beds and grow most of your vegetables directly in the Polytunnel dirt. If the soil is too dry to dig, start by soaking the entire soil area inside the polytunnel and let it to drain until it is just perfect for digging. Then top it with as much organic deliciousness as you can. You can use layers of grass clippings where you want to plant leafy vegetables, as well as homemade compost and manure. Allow it to decompose for a few weeks before digging it all up and starting anew for another year of growing.
3. Beds on Risers
Growing any plant in your polytunnel on well-prepared raised beds makes it much easier to keep it healthy. The added soil depth will: –
- Improve fertility if you top them off with well-rotted manure, good quality topsoil, or rich compost.
- Slow down the drying process to reduce stress on your plants.
- Assist in the eradication of weeds, which grow remarkably quickly in a Polytunnel.
Before you start building the bed, make sure the ground is free of perennial weeds. The safest way to ensure your beds are weed-free is to mark out the area for the beds and spray the area first. To reach them all, make sure your raised beds are accessible from all sides.
