Polytunnel v Open air

[Dead Dogs]

Hi all,

This has been my second summer, if it could be called that, with my polytunnel and I have been running a comparison between plants grown inside against those outside.

Thought I would pass on some of the results.

Brussel Sprouts are from the same sowing. potted on and kept in the poly untill planting out under plastic for about 4 weeks. Planted the remainder in the poly about same time. Best of the those surviving outside is around 1.5 feet tall, where as in the poly they are over 4 feet.

In mid July I was given some cabbages; Hero, Greyhound and January King. Planted some in the poly early August and remainder outside a week or two later. Had to wait untill I had got the onions and garlic havested. The poly cabbages are much further developed, to the extent that the Heros already have a frim head.

To say I am chuffed with my poly would be and under statement. It has eben stood up to the seemingly constant gales, much to my near neighbour amusement.

[sewer rat]

Hi DD
Good to have another grower from North of Inverness. I grow in the garden, outside at a nearby farm and in my tunnel (also at the farm) - the tunnel makes a huge difference, esp this far north.
This year I have grown Summer Cabbage (two sowings), Savoy Cabbage , Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Bell Peppers, Chilli Peppers, Runner Beans, Aubergines,Onions,Courgettes, Calabrese, Cauliflower and a Giant Marrow. These were all in the tunnel as I am rejigging the outside area this year.
Of the above I am still cropping bell peppers, savoy cabbage, chilli peppers, tomatoes and runner beans. And the Giant Marrow is still growing.
The courgettes and cucumber were removed recently due to a huge glut of both - that plus the Giant Marrow smothered the courgette plants. The onions were lifted in July.
I love my tunnel !

[taff]

yup, polytunnels are brill and I'd rather have one of those than a greenhouse, just because the air stays warmer in them...

[Alison]

I find the polytunnel a real bonus although I still grow lots outside and find that although some things will grow bigger they aren't necessarily better however I'm further south than you. At the moment it looks a bit of a mess in there as the toms are nearing the end of their season and the spring cabbages are rather small as yet. I also have cabbages outside which will be ready later to extend the season.