Polytunnel Damage

 Protecting plants in the polytunnel

We’re filling our three bird feeders up twice a day at the moment. On frosty mornings we are also breaking the ice on the rain barrel and buckets so they can have a drink.

Word really got around this year by our flying friends and I think we have birds coming in from all over the county.  There are all types of birds too and it’s really entertaining watching them dance around the different types of feeders we have. The reason for their attendance in the garden might be something to do with the cold snap we are having.  With the ground being so hard they can’t get to dig for worms.  Some of the smaller birds have been hopping underneath the polytunnel door and having a rummage around the pots but even the soil in there is frozen too.

It’s the first time for about five years that frost has got into the tunnel and as well as the solid soil, some plants have suffered. I have some no rather soft, squidgy cacti in there and some early broad beans that have just withered and died. 

I was chatting to someone who also has a polytunnel and they were concerned about the weight of snow on the plastic, thinking it could bend or buckle the poles collapsing the frame.  They were wondering whether to scrape off the snow with a brush so it doesn’t build up.  I have never heard of a professionally built tunnel collapsing under the weight of snow but I should think it could happen, although they are really strong when they are new, the plastic could get weaker with time. The only tunnels I know of collapsing are the homemade ones formed out of plastic water pipes or wooden frames.

I think the biggest threat to a tunnel is the wind really so I’d leave well alone as there’s more chance of damaging the plastic with the brush.  If the snow is sitting for a long time it could affect the light in a tunnel and also it could trap cold air as it would block the sunlight. Again though, around here the snow never really hangs around that long to cause any lasting problems.

I have had some damage done to the tunnel this week though and it wasn’t the snow. There suddenly appeared a two foot slit in the side near to the doorway. I of course immediately blamed the dog (It’s generally her to be fair) and thought no more about it and went to get the repair tape.  When I got into the tunnel I was greeted with the culprit, a foot square piece of corrugated plastic sheeting.  It had come from nowhere blown by the wind and its sharp edge sliced into the plastic. I still have no idea where it came from and it’s one thing I can’t really blame the dog for doing. 

Is Snow a Problem in the garden?

Most damage by snow in the garden is when it sits on brittle branches of shrubs such as buddleia. It can also flatten early sprouted vegetable stems. A light dusting such as we usually get won't do much harm. But an inch or two covering tiny, newly planted veggie starts could mean you'll have to replant the garden.

There might come a time when we need to cover a few delicate plants, not crocus or snowdrops, have you seen how resilient they are? Amazing.

Covering a Plant

To eliminate this issue altogether, your best option is to cover your plants.

You can use anything. Here are some ideas to cover your plants so they are not exposed to snow at all. That way, you won't have to worry about the cold or the weight of snow from harming them. 

Cardboard box: Use a cardboard box to cover plants. You could even cut in some holes on the sides for air. Just remove it as soon as possible to let your plants get the light they need, as the cardboard will prevent plants from getting light. Remember though they will soften and could do more damage if you left them on for too long.

Plastic milk jug, or plastic pop bottles with the bottom cut out: These are good at fitting over individual plants.

Plastic storage bin: A clear bin will protect the plant while letting light in. If it's not clear, remove the bin as soon as possible once the snow stops.

Plastic tarpaulin, held up with garden stakes or large pots: This is another way to protect your garden from snow.

Plastic bag: Your standard plastic bag fits over smaller plants and can keep blooms from getting broken or too cold.

If you are anything like me though you’ll only have plants in the garden that can look after themselves. The lazy gardening way!