As winter approaches, many gardeners may think it's time to hang up their gardening gloves and wait for the warmer days of spring. However, with the right tools and knowledge, winter can be a fruitful season for gardening enthusiasts. One invaluable resource for winter gardening is the polytunnel – a versatile structure that provides protection from the harsh elements and allows for the cultivation of a variety of vegetables. In this blog post, we'll have a look at the benefits of polytunnels in winter, discuss suitable vegetables for overwintering, and highlight some creative uses for polytunnels during the festive season.
Benefits of Polytunnels in Winter:
Temperature Regulation: Polytunnels act as natural insulators, capturing and retaining heat from sunlight during the day. This helps to create a microclimate within the tunnel, preventing extreme temperature fluctuations and protecting plants from frost and animals from the cold and wind.
Extended Growing Season: With a polytunnel, gardeners can extend the growing season well into the winter months. This allows for a continuous harvest and the ability to grow crops that would otherwise struggle in colder outdoor conditions.
Protection from Wind and Snow: Polytunnels shield plants from the biting winds and heavy snowfall that can damage or destroy crops. This protection is particularly crucial for delicate winter vegetables as we face into the stormy months ahead.
Vegetables Suitable for Overwintering:
Root Vegetables:
Carrots
Beets
Parsnips
Turnips
Leafy Greens:
Kale
Spinach
Winter lettuces
Swiss chard
Brassicas:
Broccoli
Brussels sprouts
Cabbage
Cauliflower
Herbs:
Parsley
Chives
Thyme
Sage
Alliums:
Onions
Garlic
Shallots
Leeks
Use of Polytunnels at Christmas:
Christmas Tree Farming:
Polytunnels provide an excellent environment for growing and nurturing Christmas trees. This allows for controlled growth, resulting in green and healthy trees for the festive season.
Winter Flowering Plants:
Extend the beauty of your garden into winter by cultivating winter-flowering plants like Poinsettias, Christmas cacti, and winter jasmine within the polytunnel.
Herb Garden for Holiday Cooking:
Maintain an herb garden throughout the winter to ensure a fresh supply of herbs for holiday cooking. Rosemary, thyme, and sage are popular choices.
Seasonal Decorations:
Transform your polytunnel into a festive haven by adorning it with lights, wreaths, and other decorations. It can serve as a cozy retreat for family gatherings or a unique space for a winter celebration.
The winter use of polytunnels opens up exciting possibilities for year-round gardening. By selecting the right vegetables and incorporating creative ideas for the festive season, gardeners can not only extend their harvest but also enjoy the beauty of a winter garden.
So, embrace the potential of polytunnels this winter and watch your garden flourish even in the coldest months.
