Maximise - Space in Your Polytunnel: Three Borders Instead of Two
How
can you increase production and maximise the space in your polytunnel? Space is
an important factor when it comes to garden polytunnels, or commercial
polytunnels. Needless to say, when you utilise space more effectively, the
amount you can produce in your polytunnel increases. If you are running a commercial
business operation, productivity is important. However, it is also just as
important when you are using the produce from your polytunnel to provide fresh
produce for your own family or for sale.
The More Borders the Better
Many
garden polytunnels only have two borders, or beds, with a small aisle in the
middle. You need to ask yourself if you actually need an aisle in the middle of
your polytunnel. If you look at commercial polytunnels, you will find that most
aisles are either narrow or wide depending if machinery needs to access crops
on either side. This helps to increase the amount of space available for
growing more produce.
Planning Ahead in Your Polytunnel
Selecting the right size and design of your
polytunnel can be a big influence on what types of crops you are intending to
grow. Before you
go ahead and stock your polytunnel, it is a good idea to plan the lay it out.
When you have completed this process, stand back and take a look at the amount
of available space. This is how most keen and commercial grower’s approach the
layout of polytunnels. As a matter of fact, it is a good idea to see or visit,
how commercial polytunnels are differently laid out. Although they are much
larger than garden polytunnels, the principle is very much the same, ensuring
you can grow the crops you require to accomplish what you want to be achieved.
How Do I Layout A Polytunnel?
The best way to lay out garden polytunnels and commercial polytunnels is to peg them out. Once you have pegged your tunnel out, tie a brightly coloured string or twine between the pegs. This makes it easier for you to plan and see what exactly the borders are going to look like.
Stand
back and make sure that you are making the most out of the available space.
Once you are sure, you can start digging or installing your beds.
Going Vertical
Another way of making the most of the space available in your garden polytunnels is to grow produce vertically. Not only does this save space, but it also lets you increase the variety of produce you can grow.
The
choice of vertical growing systems is pretty endless. If you visit commercial
polytunnels, you will find that many commercial growers use vertical growing
systems for plants such as tomatoes, peppers and courgettes’.
Don’t Forget About Water
When
planning to maximise the space in your polytunnel, it is important not to
forget about the type of watering system required. This is the one basic
commodity that helps your plants to thrive.
As you plan your beds, make sure you allow for access for watering
systems. The last thing you want is to trip over hazards such as hoses or
pipes. It is a good idea to plan on paper exactly, where to place your watering
system or other required systems, to help improve crop growth.
Finally…
Getting
creative with space means you can grow more produce and other different crops.
Most well-planned polytunnels have a wide range of crops and also have far
fewer problems with pests and other problems including mold and fungi.
Read More:
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