Lately, one of many attendees eventually yr’s Floriculture 101 workshop requested me some questions on how she ought to handle her caterpillar tunnels stuffed with ranunculus flowers. I hope by sharing our alternate under it might probably assist extra individuals with comparable questions.
D’s query: Ought to I increase the edges every single day through the day after which decrease the edges at evening? Or ought to I solely increase the edges when the temperature reaches a sure degree? I do not wish to lower off airflow, however I additionally do not wish to negate all the advantages of utilizing a tunnel. I’ve by no means used low tunnel for improvement earlier than, and I am having bother discovering the precise data I would like. What’s your view? (Observe: her caterpillar tunnels are about 4′ tall in-built raised beds and the mulch is greenhouse plastic)
My reply: I’ll increase the edges at any time when the solar hits the tunnel and the daytime temperature (outdoors the tunnel) is about 40 levels larger. It will get a lot hotter within the tunnel as the perimeters shut in and the ranunculus/anemones do not wish to develop when it is too scorching. Air flow is essential to assist cut back the danger of growing fungal issues. On cloudy, wet, chilly or windy days, you possibly can maintain the edges closed. I all the time shut them at evening, simply in case the wind picks up or the temperature drops. You’ll nonetheless get numerous advantages from utilizing a tunnel, primarily in that you may defend your vegetation from extreme rain, wind, and very chilly temperatures. You would possibly even contemplate buying shade fabric to cowl over the plastic in early spring. I add shade fabric to our excessive tunnels in late March/early April as a result of that’s when daytime temperatures can attain 70. The shade will maintain them about 10°F+ cooler and thus permits for an extended harvest interval.
D’s query: If the temperature drops under freezing, ought to I add anti-frost cloth or is obvious plastic sufficient?
My reply: When the temperature drops under about 86-28°F, I am going to add a layer of frost-proof cloth beneath the plastic (nonetheless grasp the row covers over the vegetation so they do not contact the leaves). As soon as the flowers have budded, I add row cowl if the temperature drops under freezing as a result of they’re extra prone to chilly harm and it’s tougher for the plant to get well from any harm.
