Growing Winter Crops in a 15’ X 10’ Polytunnel.
Growing winter crops in a 15’ X 10’ Polytunnel by John Oldham.
Unlike glass, polythene radiates heat gained back into the atmosphere. Temperatures in a polytunnel can therefore actually be lower than outside, so only hardy salads and veg. can be successfully grown, although of course the tunnel provides excellent protection against the elements!
Because Winter light values are low, the tunnel must be sited in the brightest place possible, but sheltered.
Winter salads are excellent value, especially oriental varieties. They include:
- Mustards, e.g. Mizuna (mild), Chinese Green-in Snow (hot), Chinese Giant Red (very hot!).
- Radishes, e.g. Chinese Mantanghong, Japanese Mooli.
- Spring Onions. Sown in late June, Guardsman crops well and is fully hardy.
- Endives, various, mostly quite hardy.
- Lamb’s lettuce is an excellent winter salad.
- Baby Turnips, Tiny Pal stands well in Autumn and early Winter. Also wonderful as a steamed vegetable.
Many vegetables can be grown on in a polytunnel for late Winter or early Spring cropping, mostly Brassicas. Personal favourite:
I’ve got several Oriental vegetables growing in my greenhouse for winter use, including Chinese cabbage, pak choi and tatsoi.
I would add leaf beet, chard and parsley to your list. Although they’re all pretty hardy, they will be more consistent and tender when grown with a little bit of protection.
Comment by Emma - November 21, 2007 9:08 am
I found this interesting since I am winter gardening this year. One of my favorites is kale. For those who like kale, I’m guessing it would grow well in the tunnel. I’m glad you mentioned turnips. I bet I could grow them too and I have family members who love turnips. Take care, Carver
Comment by carver - November 21, 2007 1:20 pm
Emma
Thanks for adding to the list. I am particularly anxious to keep the parsley going all through the year!
TopVeg
Comment by TopVeg - November 21, 2007 2:26 pm
Carver
Kale is becoming more popular in the UK - and it seems pretty hardy. I agree that turnips make a refreshing change!
Best wishes
TopVeg
Comment by TopVeg - November 21, 2007 2:28 pm
Just a note to say thanks for the advice John, I can get on get growing now
Comment by Keith - November 22, 2007 6:14 pm
Hi TopVeg
When my dad used to grow beetroot and swedes he used really big sheets of polythene in the field to ‘bring them on’
Comment by Familynatters - November 26, 2007 8:16 pm
Hi
‘Bringing the beetroot & swedes on’ will have brought the season forward by a couple of weeks - which makes a huge difference after our long winters! Good old dad!
TopVeg
Comment by TopVeg - November 27, 2007 6:03 am