Condensation

[Wendy]

When the sun comes out my polytunnel and plastic greenhouse get all condensationy - should i open the doors to get this clear so the sun can get through better and less damp or should i leave them shut to keep the warmth in???

[shirlthegirl43]

I would open the door and see how it feel inside - my 6 x 4 plastic greenhouse got quite hot even on a chilly day when the sun came out.

[Protea]

I used to get this with my plastic greenhouses, i had to roll up the door every morning and close it up every night - was a right pain!

It doesn't happen with my glass greenhouse - perhaps its becasue its better ventilated?

I would try to improve the ventililation so it doesn't get too 'steamy' in there and encourage fungal infections. As long as you shut the door at dusk you shouldn't loose too much heat thats built up on sunny days.

[JennieAtkinson]

I have had this problem too Wendy these last few weeks, so I have been opening one of the roof vents and its amazing how quickly it all goes. I normally only manage to get one of the vents open as it depends on the direction of the wind!

[Two_Sheds]

Yes, I'm up and down zipping open the mini-greenhouse too...bit of a nuisance especially when the stoopid bees fly in there and can't get out

[sewer rat]

I'd open the doors - the condensation drips can be bad for your young plants. Dunno about your weather but my tunnel was 35 with the doors shut and 27 with them all wide open yesterday and today.

[Alice]

I'd open it all up Wendy, and get rid of all that excess moisture. It only leads to botritis.

I know what you mean about the weather rat. Last few days the thermometer on my open south facing terraces has been reading 25 degrees. It's like the Med out there. On the north side of the house thermometer reads 11 degrees. I know where I'm having my coffee break.

[Wendy]

Thanks for the advice - i spend so much time with these lil plants anyway i may as well be zipping and unzipping at the same time!

[nick the grief]

Just so long as you have a clear day with a bit of air movement I'd open it up. If its a still day & foggy damp stuff leave it shut or it will just get worse.

You could always run some fans in there to move the air around, that'll help