Preparing Your Polytunnel for Autumn
Preparing for the autumnal season
As the summer season comes to an end, it’s time to prepare your polytunnel for autumn. The thought of it can be off-putting as you know that there are potentially tools everywhere, weeds, half grown plants…unless, of course, you are in the 10% of people who are always organised! If this is the case, you probably don’t need to read any further. And for the rest of us, here’s a short guide on how to best prepare your polytunnel for autumn and consequently winter.
The changing weather and shorter days can have a significant impact on your plants, so it’s essential to take the necessary steps to protect them.
With just a few hours of preparation for the winter season, you will get much better yields in the spring, and the polytunnel itself will become a much more pleasant place to be – a nook where you can go, be on your own and have some of that mindfulness everyone is talking about these days.
There is also nothing better than being in an organised environment and then seeing the fruits of your labour literally bursting forth from earth – and all it takes is a little planning and a little work on your part.
Tips and tricks
In order not to get overwhelmed by the slew of different tasks, it’s the best to have a simple plan on how to best prepare your growing space for the cold season:
- Clear out the summer crops before you start preparing your polytunnel for the autumn season. It’s essential to clear out any summer crops that are no longer producing. Remove any dead or diseased plants, and harvest any remaining crops. This will give you a clean slate to work with and prevent any diseases from spreading to your new plants.
- Clean your polytunnel thoroughly. Use a soft brush or a sponge, and warm, soapy water to scrub the walls, roof and any hardwood or plastic flooring. This will help remove any dirt, debris or pests that may have accumulated during the summer. Be sure to rinse everything well with clean water and let it dry completely before moving on to the next step.
- Prepare the soil. Autumn is the perfect time to prepare your soil for the upcoming season. Remove any weeds or debris from the soil and add a layer of compost or well-rotted manure. This will help replenish the nutrients in the soil and improve its structure. You can also add a layer of mulch to help retain moisture and suppress weed growth.
- Plant autumn crops. Now that your polytunnel is clean and your soil prepared, it’s time to plant your autumn crops. Some popular crops for the autumn season include kale, spinach, lettuce and carrots.Be sure to choose crops that are suited to your climate and growing conditions.
- Protect your plants. Autumn weather can be unpredictable, so it’s essential to protect your plants from the elements. Use a frost cloth or a row cover to protect your plants from frost and cold winds.
In conclusion, preparing your polytunnel for autumn takes some effort, but it’s well worth it – by following these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to protect your plants and ensure a successful autumn harvest.
Check out our polytunnel & gardening essentials
6x3x2m Polytunnel Pro Galvanised
- 600 x 300 x 200cm / 19.6 x 9.8 x 6.5 ft
- Door size: 89 x 192cm / 35 x 75.5 inches
- 25mm thick, fully galvanised, non rust frame
- Extremely strong and durable
- 6 section frame design
- Full ground bars
- Diagonal storm bracing bars
- Two longitudinal roof bars
- One large roll up window on the wide
- Integral fly net
- UV open, allowing natural UV levels
- Speedy construction with an easy to read assembly guide
2 Rectangular Raised Beds
- Ample room for planting: the overall dimensions of this raised bed are 119 x 60 x 23cm / 46.8 x 23.6 x 9 inches. This provides sufficient space for various flowers or vegetables.
- Simple assembly: screws and an assembly manual are included. Accurate and detailed assembly steps are presented in graphic form which is clear and easy to understand.
- Stable and long lasting frame: this bed is constructed with environmentally friendly, durable fir wood.
- Breathable and protective design: the frame can perfectly protect plants roots. With no bottom base, the raised bed offers excellent ventilation, necessary for roots oxygenation.
Polytunnel Anti-Hotspot Tape
Two rolls of anti hotspot tape – 9m each – 18m in total. Tape width: 25mm.
The hot spot tape is placed on each of the polytunnel roof hoops. During the warmer days this helps prevent the cover binding to the steel frame, preventing wear and increasing the life of your cover!
