November has arrived and the weather (although surprisingly reasonable at the time of writing) could soon begin to feel gloomy. Some gardeners will soon be thinking of retiring their polytunnel for the winter, while others will be determined to get the best out of their undercover space for a little while longer.
If you are planning on putting in a few hours in your polytunnel this month, here are some hints, tips, and advice from the experts to help see you and your crops through November…
DID YOU KNOW? November is an ideal time to plant a grape vine!
PICK off yellowing and dead leaves and continue with the big TIDY UP started in October.
SORT plant labels, ready for next year… A job always better to be done inside the comfort of your polytunnel, rather than out in the cold, wet borders of the garden or allotment!
ORDER seeds, ready for next year… Sort through seed catalogues and place your order in advance to ensure you don’t miss out and that your new seeds arrive in good time! Any seeds you still have should keep over winter if they are stored in a cool, dry, airtight container, although parsnip and parsley are best bought fresh.
CLEAN the polytunnel cover to remove any grimy green coating of algae. This will LET MORE LIGHT into the polytunnel during the dark winter months. Try Algon for a safe and effective way of cleaning your polytunnel cover or greenhouse glass.
SAVE on heating bills and insulate your polytunnel with bubble wrap before the cold winter weather really sets in. Close the doors and any vents/blinds, covering any net ventilation in the polytunnel.
PREPARE FOR A BRITISH WINTER! Don’t forget the last couple of years’ long winters of heavy snowfall and below zero temperatures.
Ensure your polytunnel is SECURED against strong winds and storms – Check door catches are fixed tight and that doors and side vents are secure. Doors which rattle in gales can be reinforced using timber braces or a heavy weight against the door.
Be on the LOOK OUT for flying debris or branches which may fall and puncture the polytunnel cover. Polythene Repair Tape is always handy to have on standby for unforeseen mishaps.
What should I do to protect my Polytunnel when it snows?
Premier Polytunnels recommend that heavy snowfall is brushed off the polytunnel as soon as possible. The weight of a big snowfall can put strain on the frame and may cause the polythene cover to stretch and sag if left to lie on the roof.
Remove excess snow by tapping on the sides of the polytunnel cover, and on the roof inside the polytunnel if you can reach! Use a soft brush to gently knock snow from the harder to reach areas/roof.
Hints and Tips from our customers….
Use a gas or electric heater inside the polytunnel to turn up the temperature and encourage the snow to slide off!
‘BELT AND BRACES’ METHOD – Tried, tested and recommended by a customer on the Shetland Isles – In very heavy snowfall support the curved roof with timber struts inside the polytunnel, positioned from the ground up to the centre of the hoops (excluding the end hoops).
Do you have any hints and tips that you would like to share with fellow polytunnel gardeners? Share your experiences by e-mailing the Premier Polytunnels Team at info@premierpolytunnels.co.uk
