Polytunnels Are a Popular Choice in the UK’s Cold Climate for Many Growers

1. Polytunnels Are a Popular Choice in the UK’s Cold Climate for Many Growers There are so many reasons why small polytunnels have become an essential solution, for gardeners and growers around the UK. Commercial polytunnels suit most growers' needs who rely heavily on these multiple structures to protect and provide a controlled micro- climate environment These versatile structures allow us to produce a multitude of crops, and flowers, from farm use to commercial producers and home growers, wanting to cultivate a wider variety of plants, fruits, salads, greens, herbs and more, even during the colder months and unpredictable year-round UK weather, helping to supply a steady and reliable food and plant production. How Polytunnels Help in Cold Climates From commercial polytunnels and their differently cultivated operators, down to back garden use of small polytunnels, they all act as protective barriers against frost, heavy rain, and cold winds, all creating their protective and individual microclimate, depending on the quality of covering in place, allowing temperatures and humidity levels to remain more stable than crops grown in open fields. They allow growers to start seeds or young plants in an early spring boost and a pro-longed consistency of harvesting, later into autumn and winter.

2. The warmth and protection generated inside large and small polytunnels come from solar UV radiation, the sun’s rays are dispersed through the cover allowing light levels through and heat is then trapped, raising the temperature and preventing cold damage. On commercial operations and niche or for business growers, additional methods are used in the form of thermal insulation, heating systems, and strategic crop placement, helping retain warmth, and ensuring crops can thrive even when outdoor temperatures drop below freezing. Still, ventilation and the UV-stabilised covering are also key factors in healthy crops and plants. Crops Grown in Small and Commercial Polytunnels During Winter Growers across the UK use different sizes and build types, of large and small polytunnels to cultivate cold-sensitive crops that might otherwise struggle, in the UK open-air environment. Common crops grown can include: A wide range of green crops such as cauliflower, cabbage, lettuce, spinach, kale, and chard, all thrive in warmer temperatures within all sizes of polytunnels, that have a quality level of protection and insulation. Vegetables like carrots, beetroot, onions, turnips, parsnips, and salad produce such as lettuces, cucumbers and radishes benefit from warmer and protected soil temperatures, preventing frost damage and allowing for continuous growth. Different herbs or other favourites of rosemary, thyme, basil, parsley, coriander, and chives thrive inside large or small polytunnels. Fruits including strawberries can also be planted and nurtured in milder wintery conditions and warmer UK locations, strawberries grown in commercial polytunnels are assisted by watering and temperature-controlled systems, often protected on a bed of hay to produce an early spring harvest before outdoor plants are mature. Materials Used for Small and Commercial Polytunnels Quality manufactured and constructed polytunnels are made from durable materials, where the many different types of coverings are purposely designed to maximise or minimise light penetration, depending on what they are being used for such as embracing heat retention while withstanding harsh UK weather conditions. This can vary from standard UV stabilised covers to high-level insulated coverings. Why Large and Small Polytunnels Are a Worthwhile Investment For many UK growers, these easy-to-construct smaller-build housings provide year-round growing opportunities, protecting your valuable crops from extreme cold, and improving harvest consistency. Whether for commercial polytunnels with various growing needs individual or big business farming operators or personal and business food production, they significantly increase crop yields, reduce losses, and create a more sustainable growing environment. With the right materials and tailored setup, growers ensure a good level of protection and a suitable growing enhancement to enjoy endless fresh produce throughout the winter. Making the different sizes of polytunnels an indispensable asset.