A polytunnel is one of the most versatile and rewarding additions you can make in your garden - a great investment and a gamechanger if you are serious about growing your own - you’ll enjoy bumper crops with plenty to share with friends and family!
By creating a protected microclimate, polytunnels extend the growing season, shelter crops from wind and rain, and provide reliable protection against pests. At Knowle Nets we supply durable Polytunnels and protective Garden Netting that make it easier to grow your favourite fruits and vegetables all year round.
If you’re thinking of stepping up production in your kitchen garden here are ten of our favourite crops that thrive in a polytunnel environment.
1. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are perhaps the most popular polytunnel crop, benefitting from the warmth and shelter. Choose cordon or bush varieties depending on your space and support them with canes or string. Ventilation is key to avoid blight – roll-up sides or opening doors will help.
2. Cucumbers
These love the humid stable conditions a polytunnel provides - Train climbing varieties up supports or netting to save space and increase airflow. Keep them well-watered and they’ll reward you with a generous harvest tasty enough to eat on their own!
3. Peppers & Chillies
Both sweet peppers and fiery chillies flourish in the extra warmth of a polytunnel. They’ll ripen more fully than outdoors, giving you glossy fruits in a range of colours - try drying them on strings or preserving in oil as gifts for Christmas!
Protect young plants with Horticultural Fleece early in the season for extra warmth to get them off to a flying start.
4. Aubergines
Tricky to grow outdoors in the UK, aubergines are much easier under cover. They enjoy the heat and will produce large, shiny fruits if given consistent water and regular feeding.
5. Salad Leaves
A quick, cut-and-come-again favourite. Lettuce, rocket, mizuna and spinach germinate well under cover and can be grown almost year-round in a polytunnel. For winter crops, add a layer of fleece or a Cloche Tunnel inside for extra insulation.
6. Strawberries
Polytunnel strawberries crop earlier in spring and later into autumn thanks to the milder conditions. Cover plants with Fruit Netting to keep birds away and enjoy fresh berries over a longer season.
7. Herbs
Tender herbs such as basil, coriander, and parsley grow much better under cover than in exposed garden beds. Keep pots of herbs near the polytunnel door for easy picking and regular use in the kitchen.
8. Courgettes
Just a single plant in a polytunnel can produce an amazing number of courgettes - although you might be tempted to grow more, do think about just how many courgettes (or marrows if you leave the picking a day or two too long) you can really get through!
The shelter from wind prevents damage to leaves and flowers which helps ensure a steady supply throughout summer.
9. Carrots & Root Crops
Sown directly into the ground inside your tunnel, carrots, beetroot and radishes benefit from protection against carrot fly and other pests. Ultra Fine Mesh Netting is ideal for young seedlings if you need extra reassurance.
10. Brassicas
Cabbages, kale, and broccoli can be grown inside polytunnels to protect them from caterpillars, pigeons and flea beetles. Use a Vegetable Cage Kit or cover with Butterfly Netting to keep plants safe and healthy.
Why Choose a Polytunnel?
Polytunnels extend the harvest season, help you enjoy more variety in your diet, and allow you to experiment with crops that might struggle outdoors. Whether you’re a keen grower or just starting out, a Knowle Nets Polytunnel combined with our range of protective netting and garden covers will help you get the most from your plot.
Ready to start your polytunnel journey? Explore our range to give your crops the protection and care they need to thrive.
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