Starting Seeds In a Polytunnel

AlanFletcher · Rank attained: Hazel Tree Joined: 19 Feb 2015 Posts: 12

Hello
Last year i got into gardening and bought a polytunnel recently. Last year before getting the tunnel I started a lot of seeds outside by wrapping the pots in cling film or covering with a sheet of glass. I just want to know if i should still wrap the pots in clingfilm inside the poly tunnel or leave it off. Any help and points of view appreciated. (Dimensios of Polytunnel 6m * 3m) 1.5m high

Regards
Alan

Blowin · Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2015 6:32 am Post subject:

Morning, Alan, and welcome.

Others may confirm this but the main reason for covering seeds/seedlings is to protect them from frost and/or wind, the latter being a big problem in many parts of Ireland, and your tunnel should do just that, I'd have thought.

Good luck with it and it may help if your profile tells the rest of us which part of the country you're in?

TMAK · Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2015 9:23 am Post subject:

Good Morning Alan,

I'd probably put some fleece over them at night as it still gets quiet cold in the tunnel esp at night.
Im starting the same Job myself this weekend, looking forward to getting started

James Kilkelly

AlanFletcher, covering with cling film or covering with a sheet of glass is acceptable, but it comes with one warning.
As soon as the seedlings begin to sprout then remove it.
Leaving it on past this point can lead to two things.....
1. Spindly seedlings stretching for light, as cling film or glass can cut a bit on available light depending on its position during the day.
2. lack of air movement and the seedlings touching up against damp cling film or glass can lead to fungal infections.

Just keep a good eye on things.

Good guy · Posted: Sat Feb 21, 2015 12:46 am Post subject:

Good to see another gardener join the forum, Alan. Welcome, and all the best with your endeavours.