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Allotment Stuff => The Basics => Topic started by: Jesse on December 28, 2004, 13:14:05

Title: Would it work?
Post by: Jesse on December 28, 2004, 13:14:05
As I don't have a greenhouse at my allotment I was thinking of making some sort of temporary tent structure so that I can grow some pepper plants. I was thinking about planting in grow bags and then making two rectangular panels using bubble wrap and positioning them over the plants creating an A-framed tent structure, I could also block the two ends if necessary with a bubble wrap "curtain". I guess it would be a bit like a polytunnel but instead of a tunnel shape it would be a tent shape.

Would the bubble wrap let in enough light for pepper and possibly tomato plants?
Title: Re: Would it work?
Post by: sandersj89 on December 28, 2004, 14:00:49
Should be fine, once the weather warms up in June you could then take the end panels away to prevent "cooking" and help ventilation/polination.

Bubble wrap should let enough light through, after all a lot of people put shading on their greenhouse to prevent scorching.

When making the frame consider fixing two diagonals inside the rectangle so you can attach the bubble wrap to this as well as the edges, this will make it more secure and prevent it from ripping when windy.

Jerry
Title: Re: Would it work?
Post by: Kerry on December 28, 2004, 14:45:27
taking a slightly diiferent view: blight-wise for outdoor tomatoes, your structure sounds a bit like bob flowerdew's anti blight tent for outdoor toms. another benefit?
Title: Re: Would it work?
Post by: ACE on December 29, 2004, 12:06:34
I use the large bubble variety to insulate the greenhouse, but I  have replaced the polythene on my long cloche with it and so far, so good with the tender varieties that are planted under it. I bent the wires  in mini tent shaped  with 18" sides as I wanted  a usable height  throughout.  Make sure you have plenty of mousetraps.
Title: Re: Would it work?
Post by: Jesse on December 29, 2004, 13:17:08
Have a look at this:

http://www.growquest.com/supplies%20wall_water_plant.htm

An idea suggested by John. Has anyone seen these in the UK? Have read some comments on other forums about these, mixed reactions, some people love them, others think they're a waste of time. I am tempted to give them a try to decide for myself.