Growing all year round can be tricky, but a polytunnel provides a practical solution by creating a stable environment where crops can grow out of season. With control of temperature, humidity, and ventilation, you can have a steady supply of fresh produce, whatever the weather.
Choosing the right crops is key to consistency. Some will thrive in a polytunnel and produce all year round with minimal input, while others will struggle with the space and humidity. Knowing which crops are best for this environment is crucial to long-term success.
The following crops have been chosen for their adaptability, nutritional value, and reliability in a polytunnel. Each will give you a good return, whether in flavor, yield, or ease of growing.
1. Leafy Greens
Leafy greens love the climate-controlled conditions of a polytunnel. Unlike the variable conditions outdoors, where temperature fluctuations might cause bolting or frost, a polytunnel offers a reliable environment for these plants to thrive. The humidity levels are stable, ensuring you can grow spinach, kale, and chard all year round, even in the colder months.
Another advantage of growing leafy greens in a polytunnel is their protection from extreme weather. Excessive rain and gusty winds can ruin delicate greens, ripping the leaves and making them inedible. In a polytunnel, the plants are undisturbed and grow without the disadvantages of outside conditions.
Pest control is a significant advantage. Aphids and caterpillars that feed on leafy greens are much less of an issue in a polytunnel than in an open garden. With some mesh screens and regular checks, you can minimize infestations. As a result, leafy greens produced in a polytunnel are healthier, more productive, and easier to control throughout the year.
But before you decide on growing leafy greens, install a quality polytunnel with galvanized steel frames, easy assembly and enhanced protection. This helps in growing variety of crops without any worries about frequent repairs or maintenance.
2. Carrots
Carrots like a stable environment where the soil doesn’t freeze and can grow all year round. The controlled climate gives consistent root development and high-quality yields. No prolonged frost exposure for young seedlings and overall crop viability.
Soil preparation is key to good carrot growth. Loose, well-draining soil prevents root deformities and deep rooting. Soil should be moist but not waterlogged; too much water can cause splitting or disease. Once established, carrots need minimal maintenance, so they are a low-maintenance crop for the grower.
Moreover, successional sowing extends the harvest period, giving you a steady supply of fresh carrots. Early-sown carrots will provide you with tender baby carrots, while later-sown carrots will give you fully mature roots with more flavor.
Choosing different varieties gives you a continuous harvest; some mature earlier than others. A well-managed polytunnel environment removes seasonal restrictions, so you can grow carrots all year round.
3. Tomatoes
Tomatoes flourish in polytunnel, benefiting from the warmth and protection from the outside fluctuations. They need consistent temperatures and shelter from too much rain. The steady climate in a polytunnel reduces disease risk and increases plant life.
Cherry tomatoes are prolific, with loads of small fruit for fresh eating. Heirloom and beefsteak varieties also do well in a polytunnel as long as they get support and regular maintenance. Pruning excess growth and ensuring good ventilation prevent disease and encourage fruiting. Staking or caging the plants helps maintain their structure and prevents branches from breaking under the weight of the fruit.
Regular feeding with balanced fertilizer promotes healthy growth, and careful watering prevents blossom end rot. A steady supply of nutrients, including potassium and calcium, improves fruit quality and taste. With careful attention, tomatoes will give you a long harvest. They are one of the best crops for year-round polytunnel growing. And their versatility in the kitchen makes them even more valuable to the grower.
4. Herbs
Herbs grown in a polytunnel are guaranteed to have flavors all year round. Unlike many vegetables with short harvesting windows, herbs can be harvested for months with minimal input. The polytunnel’s conditions protect them from frost and excess rain, so they’ll grow steadily and heavily.
Whether culinary or medicinal, herbs are a must-have in any growing space.
Basil, parsley, and coriander love the warmth and shelter of a polytunnel. Basil can’t handle sudden cold snaps, which will stunt growth. Parsley will produce regularly if you harvest it regularly. Coriander will bolt in the heat but grow more reliably in a sheltered environment. Woody herbs like rosemary and thyme will do okay with minimal input, just occasional pruning.
A well-managed polytunnel allows for succession harvests without the need to replant constantly. By spacing and ventilating correctly, herbs will be healthy and disease-free.
5. Peppers
Peppers love warmth and stability, so they are perfect for a polytunnel. Both sweet bell peppers and chilies benefit from the extended growing season in a polytunnel. The higher temperatures inside the polytunnel will speed up fruiting and increase yields.
The polytunnel’s ability to control temperature and humidity will support healthy plant growth. Peppers need regular feeding with potassium-rich fertilizers to encourage flowering and fruiting. Consistent watering will prevent bitterness and ensure proper fruiting.
Mulching around the base of the plants will retain soil moisture and suppress weeds, further supporting growth.
With plenty of space and staking for support, peppers will continue producing for an extended period. They are colorful and versatile and add beauty and practicality to any polytunnel. Keeping it warm and airy can increase yields and prevent problems like blossom drop or fruit cracking.
6. Strawberries
Strawberries are associated with summer but can be grown almost all year round in a polytunnel. The protection from the weather allows for longer fruiting periods, especially with everbearing varieties.
The controlled conditions prevent frost and heavy rain from damaging the fruit.
Early-season strawberries start producing as soon as the temperature rises, and later varieties will keep producing well into autumn. Proper planting and regular maintenance, including removing runners and ensuring they have enough space, will give you the best fruit and health of the plants.
A well-ventilated polytunnel will reduce humidity and prevent fungal diseases like grey mold.
Growing strawberries in raised beds or containers minimizes disease risk and makes harvesting easier. With proper care, polytunnel-grown strawberries will give you a constant supply of fresh fruit, reduce your reliance on imported ones, and increase self-sufficiency.
Moreover, regular feeding and watering will give you healthy plants that produce sweet, flavorsome strawberries throughout the season.
Bottom Line
A polytunnel is a must-have for growing a wide range of crops all year round. By choosing the right plants, you can maximize your productivity and have a constant supply of fresh produce no matter the season.
Leafy greens, root vegetables, fruiting plants, and herbs each have their benefits and make a rounded and sustainable system. Harvesting fresh from a polytunnel increases nutritional value and food security.
Moreover, picking crops that do well in a polytunnel means efficiency and long-term success. With a bit of planning and management, year-round growing becomes a pleasure, not a chore, and this shows why controlled environments are at the heart of modern growing.
