Managing seedlings in polytunnel in heat

[Chasingmytail]

Once again its happened I didn't get up there yesterday and this morning lots of devastation with my lovely strong seedling dead. I cant work out how you raise seedlings when the temp sores - without spending on endless covers etc. Tips

 

[Hesstondriver]

can you get a thermostatic window / door opener ? for a polly tunnel

like this one ? https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0027DJ...t=&hvlocphy=1007101&hvtargid=pla-421663459913.

 

[Chasingmytail]

Yeah my door is always open this time of year but it can still get to over 50.

 

[BobTheSmallholder]

A solar powered fan?

 

[Kidds]

Don't have them in the tunnel then.

Garden fleece does a good job at protecting them from the sun, I think it is the intense light that gets them more than the heat and the fleece shades the plants well.
But seriously, don't have them in the tunnel as seedlings.

 

[Chasingmytail]

where do you raise many seedlings then? I don't have much area to raise - heat and light?

 

[Kidds]

If the tunnel is the only place you have to raise them then make a frame and cover with fleece. Set up an automatic misting system (solar powered) or sit seed trays on capillary matting.
The cost to do this doesn't have to be enormous.

Water trickling out of a barrel/tub onto capillary matting is probably cheapest, just watch out for rooting into the matting.
Battery powered irrigation timers are cheap ish and easy to set up. Run off 9v battery and will switch mains pressure water.

With today's weather your tunnel has probably blown away anyway.

 

[renewablejohn]

Easiest way is first to design your polytunnel with a sloping ridge that way even on a still day you get natural ventilation as hot air rises up the ridge. This will easily create a 10C temperature difference from one end of the tunnel to the other. Then place your seedlings on a flood table in the cool end and water before 10 am to avoid the water droplets scorching the leaves.

 

[Chasingmytail]

I think for next year I'll put them outside on a simple system using an old shower door - keep it open in the hot days. Build a frame shaded from the day sun. I cant mess with the poly and it will allow for any days when I cant get there. Theres a lot to do when you GYO. Something thing to do in February.