[alcur]

Hi All

First time post on here so be gentle.  I've looked through these marvellous forum and can't see an answer to this so apologies if it has been covered before. I've lurked in these forums for a long time and have picked up more useful info than I realise.

On our allotment we have a large communal polytunnel and we're starting to disagree on when the doors should be opened.  One member has started to put up signs demanding that others leave the doors open.  I think it's far too early to be thinking about having them open just now other than for a little blow through.  I've lost a tray of basil, which isn't the end of the world but is annoying, and others have been whispering their malcontent.  We're all new to this so really aren't sure what we should be doing.

I've searched the internet and read all sorts of documents but I can't find a definitive answer as to how we should do this.  Should we wait until the thermometer hits 20 degrees or should we make a habit and start as we'll need to go on in the summer (if it arrives this year)?

I know this isn't an exact science but any pointers that anyone can give me I'd be hugely appreciative of.

[Totty]

If people have seedlings growing and trying to germinate seed, although ventilation is important, I would say it's inconsiderate to demand that the doors are opened up much at all yet.
I would discuss with the committee the idea of fitting windbreak netting instead of polythene on half of the doors. This will give sufficient airflow at this time of year without letting gusts of wind inside or losing heat.

Totty

[JayG]

I think Totty has got it absolutely right - growing under glass/plastic always involves trying to balance heat and humidity; there isn't much of the former about so far this year but it's never wise to ignore ventilation altogether.

[bravemurphy]

I can see the 2 sides point but ventilation is needed or everything in that tunnel will get wiped out by grey mould,once its in there that would be it for this growing season.

[kitch]

I've a Tunnel and i cant see the point in giving it a good scrub in feb and then starve of air for all them nasty bugs to come back in.
Put seedlings in a glass greenhouse much better.

[Eblana]

I have replaced the polythene in the top half of both doors with green windbreak netting which seems to be working well.

[Totty]

Best solution all round I think.

Totty