Best Polytunnels for Growing Tomatoes
There are three main benefits that polytunnels provide …
- They extend the growing season at both ends keeping temperatures higher at the early and late parts of the season.
- They provide cover from the rain and help avoid blight!
- Polytunnels are a less expensive option than a greenhouse.
Having grown tomatoes in both a polytunnel and greenhouse, the polytunnel is by far the best value for money.
Polytunnel Tips
The Right Frame
It’s best to buy a polytunnel with a galvanised frame – the less expensive thinner frames won’t last very long.
Polytunnel Covers
Covers are an issue and will need replacing every few seasons or so.
Buy a good quality cover when replacing the original as this will last a lot longer and be better value in the long run.
Extra Support
In stormy weather a few precautions are a good idea.
You can buy bracing for extra frame strength but guy ropes similar to the ones used to secure a tent can also be very helpful.
Use of Reflected Light
One thing I always do is to lay white plastic over the floor – a kind of tarpaulin. This reflects a lot of light upwards and increases growth considerably. Of course it will need a wipe over now and again!
The photo right shows the tomatoes growing in Easy2Grow AutoPots. A Quadgrow Planter is farther down on the right.
To get a good harvest, and the maximum amount of fruit, it is best to grow under cover in a polytunnel or greenhouse.
When it comes to getting the best value and size, when comparing a greenhouse to a polytunnel, the polytunnel is a lot less expensive.
For a wide selection of good value polytunnels take a look here. Remember to look for ones with a galvanised frame.