Polytunnel

[chriswells]

Hi,

Perhaps not the right forum but any advice would be appreciated.

 

I have a polytunnel that is in the shade of a large oak tree. This tree is too big to trim to provide enough light for growing in the tunnel. Any suggestions on a reasonably price lighting system to assist the growing of vegetables, or any other solution? The polytunnel is cemented in so moving is not a great option.

 

Thanks

Chris

[Haironyourchest]

You could try using mirrors to reflect light into the tunnel. Or just grow mushrooms.

[eggsarascal]

Growing vegetables under lights, yeah right.

[Arrozdoce]

Growing vegetables under lights, yeah right.

 

best tip ever

[Arbitree]

250w or 400w metal Halide lighting system would be sufficient to cover a 10ft sq area so you may need 2. Halide provides red spectrum ideal for vegetative growth however you Can always use High Pressure Sodium lamps instead. They give off the blue spectrum more conducive to producing fruit/veg however they do give off more heat. Cost brand new for both will set you back approx 240. Cost to run is about £1.50 per day. Alternatively there are some excellent LED systems available. Check out your local Hydroponics shop. 😉

[Haironyourchest]

You could also get a climbing harness, learn to climb, and grow your vegetables in the oak tree, in flexi-buckets hanging from the branches. They will be safer that way, from animals, get more light, and have better air circulation to prevent mildew.

[fagus]

Make the most of the brightest garden space and make growing upright tubes with corrugated cardboard,wire netting and soil/compost. Ok for salad crops. Spuds in bags, other vegetables in raised beds.

[Arbitree]

#6 lmfao. Excellent idea.

Also worth considering are light movers. Rather than static lighting systems you can power up to a 600w High Pressure Sodium set up and cover the entire space with one bulb as it runs slowly along a track like system. Cheap to buy, cheap to run and more than ample for veg. Also, have you considered having the oak crown cleaned & thinned and or crown lifted/reduced. It all depends on site orientation, site aspect n all that. Hope this helps. Food for thought.

[devon TWiG]

Why do people put greenhouses under trees ???

[cornish wood burner]

We have installed led lights in some of our glasshouses so I expect several 400 W SON T lamps will become available.