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!
