In the United Kingdom, we are somewhat limited as to what we can grow in our gardens owing to the fact that we do not have a stable climate. One minute, it could be glorious sunshine while the next the heavens could open; and don’t even get us started on the forever fluctuating temperatures!

But what can you do about this? Well, one answer is to try under cover gardening which allows you to create a consistent and stable environment for your plants so that they can thrive. If you’re new to the idea, we’ve got all the information you will need to get started.

Why is under cover gardening so popular?

Under cover gardening may sound like something that James Bond would do, but in reality, it is much simpler. This type of garden simply refers to the act of growing plants outdoors, but not out in the open. Some of the most common methods of doing this are in a greenhouse or a polytunnel. We have a guide here on the difference between these two methods, if you are struggling to decide between them.

The reason that this type of gardening is such a huge hit is that it allows gardeners much more versatility in what they can grow. In the UK, growing certain plants and crops would be almost impossible because of the climate. However, when under cover gardening in a polytunnel, this becomes a lot simpler.

Moreover, having a polytunnel will provide you with a dedicated space for growing. Installing beds in the ground may not provide you with as much space and it could also interfere with your social space in the garden. Not to mention the fact that you’ll be able to take cover yourself and spend a bit of quiet time caring for your plants. No matter what the weather.

What can you grow under cover?

One of the things that is evident when it comes to under cover gardening is that you have many more options when it comes to choosing what to grow.

The beauty of using a polytunnel, greenhouse or even a simple garden cloche is that you are able to grow plants that prefer warmer conditions. For the UK, specifically, this means an ability to grow a huge variety of fruits and vegetables.

Of course, what you grow will vary across the year and what you grow in winter will be different to what you grow in spring. However, you have options from fruit bearing plants, to flowering plants to cropping vegetables.

In spring, around May, is a great time to plant things like tomatoes and cucumbers as well as aubergines, basil and peppers. As winter moves in, you can begin planting turnips, kale, radishes, garlic and a variety of winter flowering plants.

Why every garden should have a polytunnel

There are so many reasons that you should consider installing a polytunnel in your garden. Primarily, you need to consider that this type of under cover gardening is far less expensive than a greenhouse and yet affords you more space and protection. What’s more, since a polytunnel is not a permanent structure, it can be moved or taken down without any hassle.

But much more than this, you will notice how your crops grow much more quickly and likely larger than when growing them out in the open. This is mostly down to the superior protection that a polytunnel provides for your plants.

If that wasn’t enough, a polytunnel is a versatile structure that can be fitted with an irrigation system as well as a fertiliser drip system. During the winter, this means that you won’t need to spend long hours tending to your plants in the cold!

Under cover gardening in a polytunnel

If you have ever tried to grow plants that need a warmer climate then you will know that this is not easy in the unpredictable UK climate. However, this isn’t to say that it isn’t possible and when you use a form of under cover gardening, it gets so much simpler.

Under covering gardening relates to any type of plant growing that is not done out in the open. Usually this refers to a polytunnel but it can also include cloches and cold covers. If you want to boost your plants and give them the environment they need, this is the best way forward.

To see our full range of polytunnels, all made by us in our Norfolk workshops, click here.