Heating a Polytunnel

[Twendy]

Hi, I am considering putting up a large Polytunnel on a site facing NE/SW. It is also next to a shed on the SE side, therefore receiving no morning sun and it would be worse in winter. Could I overcome this problem sufficiently by adding supplementary heating in the form of a fan heater connected to a biomass boiler located in the shed??? Thanks in advance!!!

[Alison]

Depends on what you want to grow in there. To be honest the bigger problem could be light,big the area is shaded too much your crops won't do well.

[Martin H]

I honestly don't think heat will be a problem. However the lack of light in winter and early spring could be a constraint. Adding heat without light doesn't help, it just promotes weak growth.

So I wouldn't worry about supplementary heating, I'd just accept the limitations of the site. For example you could grow cucumbers etc in the shadiest bits, that's what I do in my badly-sited greenhouse.

[marchogaeth]

You could maybe investigate reflected light using suitable material otherwise, like Martin says - heat without light will give you gangly weak plants.

The shelter a poly offers is worth its weight though. Brassicas will grow fantastically well all through the year, certainly over winter. I grow cauli, calebrese and spring cabbage. You will get late and early crops of carrots and french/runner beans, I'm sure there are lots of others even if it's not suitable for chillies/peppers or tomatoes.

[Twendy]

Thanks all for your replies...feeling a bit more encouraged . I do think the benefits probably outweigh the limitations so hope to chat to you again on here for some polytunneling tips !!

[marchogaeth]

Thanks all for your replies...feeling a bit more encouraged . I do think the benefits probably outweigh the limitations so hope to chat to you again on here for some polytunneling tips !!

Check out the Things You Do Want To See In Your Poly Tunnel thread on the Undercover forum.