Can I Grow Vegetables Hydroponically in a Polytunnel?

1. Can I Grow Vegetables Hydroponically in a Polytunnel? When you grow plants hydroponically, a lot of moisture is produced. If you can't control the growing environment in your polytunnel construction, you can end up with a lot of mould and mildew. Traditionally, plants have always been grown hydroponically in large greenhouses or specialised growing environments. But there is no reason why you can't grow plants hydroponically within polytunnels. If you would like to have a go, it is best to consider a complete polytunnel refurbishment to ensure all of the required hydroponic growing environments are in place. Polytunnel Refurbishment for Hydroponics If you would like to grow plants hydroponically, there are a few factors you need to take into account. The biggest issue is the humidity level. You must be able to control the humidity level in your polytunnel construction. If you already have a tunnel set up, you could try controlling the humidity by leaving the flaps open for a couple of hours every day. The only problem with that is that it may let insects you don't want in your polytunnel. Installing Vents During your polytunnel refurbishment, you should have vents installed when you wish to garden hydroponically. Vents make it easier for you to regulate the humidity in your

2. polytunnel. At the same time, vents offer your crops construction protection from insects. Most vents are covered by a fine mesh so you don't have to worry about insects and other bugs getting into your tunnel. The mesh will not stop moisture from getting out. Still, you need to check that mould and mildew spores don't attach themselves to the mesh. Adding Fans If you have electricity, or solar power in your tunnel, you can try adding fans. They help with air circulation making it more difficult for mould and mildew spores to take hold in your polytunnel construction. Is it necessary to complete a polytunnel refurbishment to add fans? If your tunnel is fairly secure and well protected, you should not have to worry about adding fans. You can buy fans that hang from the framework of your tunnel or fans that sit on growing benches, or the floor. Fans are really important when it comes to growing plants hydroponically. They help to control humidity and keep the temperature more ambient as well. The Benefits of Hydroponics Can I grow all vegetables hydroponically? There are some vegetables that favour hydroponic growing conditions in a polytunnel construction more than others. If you have just completed a hydroponic polytunnel refurbishment, you may want to try salad crops. Lettuce and other salad crops do well and grow fast when grown hydroponically. Cucumbers also like to be grown in this way. Cress plants do well and certain herbs like parsley and lovage are excellent performers. Don't be afraid to experiment, you never know what is going to work for you. It would be fair to say that salad and miniature niche crops often produce the best results. Read More: Polytunnel vs Greenhouses Growing In a Greenhouse against a Polytunnel and polytunnel