Autumn Polytunnel Guide Ireland – What to Grow This Season

Autumn Growing Guide for Polytunnels in Ireland

Autumn is the perfect time to keep your polytunnel productive in Ireland. Cooler temperatures and shorter days don’t have to mean the end of your harvest. With the right crops and care, your tunnel can continue providing fresh produce throughout the season.

What to Grow This Autumn (October – November)

Hardy leafy greens: kale, spinach, chard, rocket, and pak choi flourish in cooler conditions.
Late root vegetables: carrots, beetroot, and radishes can continue growing under cover.
Winter salads: lamb’s lettuce and mizuna provide fresh leaves well into winter.
Garlic and onions: plant now for a spring and early summer harvest.

Tips for Autumn Polytunnel Care

Ventilation: Open doors or vents on warmer days to prevent condensation and fungal problems.
Succession sowing: Sow small batches every few weeks for a continuous harvest.
Frost protection: Use cloches, fleece, or heaters on especially cold nights to safeguard tender crops.

Why Use a Polytunnel This Autumn

A polytunnel protects your crops from wind, rain, and early frost, giving you extended growing opportunities compared with open garden beds. With careful planning and maintenance, you can enjoy a productive autumn harvest and prepare for winter planting.

👉 Make the most of your tunnel this season — check out Polydome’s range of high-quality Polythene Polytunnels and accessories for your garden or allotment.

Polycarbonate vs Polythene Polytunnels – Which is Better for Irish Growers?

Polycarbonate vs Polythene Polytunnels in Ireland

When choosing a new polytunnel, one of the first questions people ask is often: ‘Should I go with polycarbonate or polythene?’ At Polydome, we supply both options across Ireland, and each has its own strengths. This guide will help you decide which cover suits your garden, allotment, or farm best.

The first thing to say is not all Polytunnels are the same and not all Polycarbonate Tunnels are the same. As a rule of thumb things that are very cheap can be supplied that way because the materials are not as durable as more expensive options, as the saying goes ‘if you buy cheap you buy twice’. For example the cheapest Polycarbonate sheets will not be as long lasting or have good light transmission for as long as good quality sheets.

Durability and Quality

Polythene: Flexible and cost-effective, our premium-grade 900 gauge polythene outperforms standard covers, providing excellent durability and extended usability compared with cheaper alternatives. It is manufactured with the highest amount of UV inhibitors that the manufacturer offers and consequently it is graded by them as extra long life polythene.

Polycarbonate: Our polycarbonate panels are high-quality and come with UV protection on both sides of the sheet (most suppliers only have UV protection on one side), making them extremely resistant to damage, weathering, and fading.

Strength Against Irish Weather

Polythene tunnels: Also manufactured with robust galvanised steel frames, they provide excellent shelter and reliability across Irish weather conditions. Our polythene being 900 gauge is more resistant to tears than lighter covers and if a tear comes (from something flying and hitting it in a storm) we have a super repair tape which has a very strong adhesive and the tape itself is strong, being nearly as thick as the polythene).

Polycarbonate tunnels: The rigid panels and dual UV protection make them ideal for areas exposed to wind, rain, and harsh sun. The rigid nature of the panels adds structural strength to the building but on top of that our frames are made with 50mm box section galvanised steel tubes making them even more robust. Polycarbonate sheets can be cut with a stanley knife so could get damaged if something sharp hits them, but they are more resistant to impacts than polythene.

Light Transmission & Growing Conditions

Polythene: It will provide a higher light transmission than twin wall polycarbonate sheets, and has some diffusion of light (which is beneficial for plant growth), it is a good all year round cover for growing a variety of plants, particularly vegetables and flowers.
Polycarbonate: Provides excellent insulation as it is a twin wall material with an air gap between the walls, stable growing temperatures, and gives a lot of light diffusion – scattering the light so you don’t get sun scorch.

Functionality

Polythene tunnels: As we have a wide variety of polythene cover sizes available we can make a wider range of sizes more readily, and as we have been manufacturing Polytunnels for 40 years we have lots of options available such as crop support bars, roll up side vents which can be motorised, rainwater collection gutters and more. Our covers typically last 10 to 15 years before you need to recover, but sometimes they last longer.
Polycarbonate tunnels: Premium investment with long-lasting durability and protection for your plants. The insulated nature of the structure will benefit you if you wish to use a heater as the cost of running it will be a lot less than an uninsulated structure. Good quality polycarbonate sheeting should have a lifespan in excess of 20 years and it maintains higher light transmission than most other plastics. We would recommend Polycarbonate Tunnels particularly for situations where vandalism would be likely as it is less easy to damage compared to Polythene, or where you might want to use the building as a Workshop or Swimming Pool Dome.

Practical considerations

Polythene Tunnels: If you have a site of easily diggable soil and it has a slight slope along the length you can erect the Polytunnel without doing any levelling and construction for smaller sizes can be done cost effectively.

Polycarbonate Tunnels: The steel base of the Polycarbonate Tunnel must be put down exactly flat and level and ‘square’. It is preferable to put down a concrete strip foundation that is slightly proud of the surrounding ground (to stop surface water outside coming in), or erect it on a concrete slab.

Cost Considerations

The price for either a Polycarbonate Tunnel or a Polythene Tunnel depends on the specification that you choose (i.e. what optional extras you choose) and that will depend on how you want to use it and what the site is like where it is being constructed. Please consult with us on your requirements and we can price it for you.

Which Tunnel Should You Choose?

👉 At Polydome, we only use the best materials, ensuring whichever option you choose will stand the test of time and Irish weather. The first step in figuring out which one will suit you is to consider how you want to use it and also knowing where you wish to site it (what sort of ground conditions and whether it is level or not). We will be pleased to discuss all of this with you and advise.

Strong, Stylish, and Built to Last: Our New Polycarbonate Tunnel Coming Soon

New Polycarbonate Polytunnel Coming Soon from Polydome

At Polydome, we’re always working on innovative ways to help growers get the best from their crops. Our latest development is a brand-new polycarbonate polytunnel, designed for unbeatable strength, durability, and practicality.

Why Choose a Polycarbonate Polytunnel?

Polytunnels are a popular choice across Ireland for extending the growing season and protecting plants from wind and rain. This new model takes things a step further, offering:

Heavy-duty frame: Built with 50×50 square section galvanised steel tubing, it’s one of the strongest tunnels on the market.
Durable polycarbonate covering: Long-lasting and weather-resistant, perfect for the Irish climate.
Flexible sizing: Available in 3m, 4m, and 5m widths, with a range of lengths to suit gardens, allotments, and commercial growers.

Practical Features for Everyday Growing

Every detail of this new tunnel has been designed with gardeners in mind:

Single sliding door on each end for easy access.
Optional windows to improve ventilation and airflow.
Optional shelving to maximise growing space.

This makes it an excellent choice for both hobby gardeners and serious growers who need a strong, reliable structure.

When Will the New Polytunnel Be Available?

Construction of these new polycarbonate tunnels will begin by the end of this year, with availability expected shortly after.

If you’re looking for a heavy-duty polytunnel in Ireland that will stand the test of time, this new model is the perfect solution.

👉 Register your interest with Polydome today and be among the first to get updates on availability.

How to Storm-Proof Your Polytunnel in 5 Easy Steps

Introduction
Here in Ireland, sudden storms and strong winds can cause serious damage to even well-built Polytunnels. We’ve all seen video clips and evidence of storm damage to buildings that haven’t looked the best after a storm. Whether you’re growing for personal use or selling produce commercially, it’s vital to take precautions before bad weather hits. At Polydome, we’ve heard all the stories and have hands on experience in helping our customers have secure Polytunnels.

Here’s a simple 5-step guide to help you get your tunnel storm-ready and protect your crops all year round.

Main Tips

Inspect and Repair any existing Damage

Polydome Cover Repair Tape

Start by thoroughly inspecting your Polytunnel for any signs of wear and tear. These could be loose fittings, a small tear or some add jobs you never got around to when keeping the maintenance under control. Use Polytunnel repair tape to seal up any rips or holes in the cover – especially those caused by previous storms. Even a small tear can expand rapidly during high winds.
Secure All Doors
Ensure that all doors and ventilation flaps are locked or securely fastened. This prevents flapping in the wind, which can destabilise the structure and damage the cover.
Clear the Area Around the Tunnel
Look around the perimeter for any tools, pots, or loose materials. In high winds, these can become dangerous projectiles that could pierce your polythene or damage the frame.
Reinforce Tunnels in an Exposed Location
If your tunnel is in an exposed or elevated location, consider installing additional storm bracing or anchor points. You can also weigh down the sides with sandbags.
Act Early
Don’t wait until the storm has arrived. Keep an eye on weather alerts and take preventive measures in advance to save yourself costly repairs later.

You can purchase Replacement Polytunnel Covers here at Polydome!

Bad weather is inevitable here in Ireland, but damage to your Polytunnel isn’t. With a few preventative actions, you can protect your crops and extend the lifespan of your tunnel. If you’re in need of repair kits or storm bracing equipment, get in touch with Polydome for expert advice regarding all things Polytunnels.

A Proven Investment for Professional Growers

A Polytunnel is not just a structure -it’s a strategic asset. It reduces weather risks, improves output, and enables consistent, high-quality growing regardless of the season. For Irish growers navigating market pressures, labour constraints, and environmental challenges, a Polytunnel offers a return on investment that’s measurable in yields, margins, and resilience.

Ready to take your growing business to the next level?

Get in touch with Jonathan and the team at Polydome.ie to discuss the best setup for your site, your crops, and your growth goals.

Or give us a call on 057912 0424!

Polytunnel Side Windows: Better Airflow, Healthier Plants

Airflow and ventilation are essential for maintaining plant health inside a polytunnel. Without proper air movement, condensation can build up, diseases spread, and plant growth is hindered. That’s why Polydome has introduced a new side window system—offering growers more control over their tunnel environment with a simple, practical solution that delivers immediate results.

Whether you grow for home use or commercial supply, adding side ventilation can improve performance, reduce disease risk, and extend the life of your crops.

Easy Installation with Wiggle Wire System

The cover is fixed to the side window with wiggle wire, and the window mounted with a frame that is fixed with brackets to the Polytunnel frame. This method allows the polythene to be held firmly in place while remaining easy to adjust or replace if needed. The fitting is straightforward, even for growers installing it themselves, and ensures that the tunnel remains structurally sound with no compromise on weather protection.

Adjustable Ventilation for Better Crop Management

Each side window includes three distinct opening positions:

Fully closed for full protection during cold or windy conditions
Partially open to allow passive airflow while maintaining warmth
Fully open to maximise cross-ventilation on warm days

This adjustability gives growers the ability to fine-tune their tunnel’s climate across different seasons and crop types. It’s a key benefit for maintaining consistent temperatures and humidity, particularly in spring and summer when overheating is a risk.

Reduces Condensation and Disease Pressure

One of the most common issues in Irish-grown crops is the build-up of moisture inside Polytunnels. Poor airflow can result in condensation dripping onto plants and encourage diseases such as botrytis, powdery mildew, and damping-off. By installing side windows, you allow air to move naturally through the tunnel, improving plant health and reducing the need for chemical treatments.

Polytunnel windows help to manage the damp, humid conditions that frequently cause problems for growers in coastal and inland areas alike. With this addition, you gain a passive climate control tool that works without needing constant adjustment.

Improved airflow leads to:

Healthier foliage with less leaf spotting or fungal damage
More consistent temperatures, reducing plant stress
Increased productivity, particularly in fruiting crops like tomatoes and peppers

How do I buy a Poltunnel Side Window?

Side windows are available as optional extras on most new Polydome tunnel builds and can be retrofitted to existing structures depending on the model.

For advice on whether side ventilation is suitable for your tunnel, or to place an order, contact the Polydome team.

Protect Your Crops Naturally with Reusable Insect Mesh

This is another question we get asked here at Polydome. Lots of people want to know how to protect their crops, even within a Polytunnel or greenhouse. Protecting crops from pests without relying on chemicals is one of the key goals for both hobby and commercial growers. That’s where Polydome’s reusable insect mesh comes in. This sustainable, no-fuss solution keeps crops safe from common pests while allowing sunlight and moisture to reach your plants.

Key Benefits

Sustainable Protection
The mesh is made from durable materials with built-in UV resistance and comes with a 5-year guarantee. Unlike single-use options, it can be reused season after season, making it an eco-friendly investment.
No Support Frame Required
Simply lay the mesh directly over your crops. The lightweight design ensures your plants are protected without the need for additional structures or installation.
Effective Pest Barrier
This mesh provides a physical barrier against carrot fly, cabbage moth, aphids, and many other common garden pests. It’s particularly effective for brassicas, salads, and root vegetables.
Better Crop Quality
Because the mesh reduces the need for sprays and shields plants from insect damage, you’ll see healthier leaves, better root development, and cleaner produce.

Stop pests before they start—without resorting to chemicals. Polydome’s reusable insect mesh is a smart, eco-friendly way to protect your crops with zero hassle. Explore our crop protection range online or contact us for advice on the right mesh for your garden or tunnel.

5 Strategic Advantages of Using a Polytunnel for Commercial Growing

In commercial horticulture, every square metre—and every weather event—can affect your yield and profitability. A high-quality polytunnel is more than a protective shell: it’s a business tool that allows you to extend your season, improve output, and control key variables.

Here are five compelling reasons why serious growers across Ireland are investing in polytunnels to future-proof their operations.

1. Maximise Yields and Crop Quality in a Controlled Environment

Consistency is key in commercial production. Polytunnels create a protected microclimate where conditions are stable, helping crops:

Germinate faster and establish more uniformly
Mature with fewer disease pressures and less mechanical damage
Deliver higher yields per square metre

By sheltering crops from harsh weather and temperature fluctuations, growers can achieve a more predictable harvest schedule, making planning and delivery to buyers, markets, or processors more efficient.

Achieve Better Climate Control – All Year Round

With a properly managed polytunnel, you can manipulate growing conditions in ways that are simply not possible in open field production:

Maintain warmth during cold snaps and shoulder seasons
Reduce humidity when needed to control mildew and rot
Use ventilation systems to balance airflow and temperature for optimal plant growth

This control gives you the ability to extend growing seasons, increase crop cycles, and bring forward harvest times—giving you an edge in the market.

3. Reduce Input Costs and Improve Sustainability

Polytunnels help you meet environmental and cost-efficiency targets:

Reduced pesticide use: Physical barriers keep out many common pests, lessening the need for sprays
Efficient irrigation: Drip systems and moisture monitoring are more effective under cover
Less nutrient leaching: Fertiliser stays where it’s needed—near the plant roots

For organic and low-input operations, polytunnels offer a sustainable method of increasing productivity while adhering to environmental standards.

4. Perform in Challenging Irish Conditions

The Irish climate can be a major risk factor for outdoor growers. Rain, wind, hail, or late frosts can compromise entire crops—but not inside a reinforced polytunnel:

Heavy-duty frames and anchoring systems stand up to strong winds
High-grade polythene covers provide great all year round growing conditions and are thermal for improved yield in cold weather.
Optional storm bracing, mesh doors, and roll-up sides offer tailored protection

A polytunnel gives you consistency and reliability, which is crucial when working with retailers, wholesalers, or contract supply chains.

5. Modular Design with Customisable Features

Every commercial site has its own layout, labour routines, and crop mix. Polytunnels from Polydome are designed to scale and adapt:

Choose the length, width, and height to match your operation
Add side ventilation, double doors, insect mesh, irrigation kits, or shelving systems
Plan for access points, machinery clearance, and workflow efficiency

Whether you’re producing vegetables, soft fruit, cut flowers, or transplants, Polydome polytunnels can be customised to fit your exact commercial workflow.

Versatile Beyond Horticulture

While polytunnels are widely used in commercial growing, their flexibility makes them ideal for a range of other business applications. In the construction sector, they serve as weather-protected workspaces, material storage areas, or temporary site shelters. Farmers and livestock producers use polytunnels to create dry bedding areas, lambing or calving shelters, and feed storage zones.

They also provide cost-effective solutions for machinery cover, pallet storage, and even small-scale workshops. With customisable sizes and optional extras like double doors, vents, and anchoring systems, polytunnels are a practical, durable asset for any operation that needs flexible, protected space.

May – Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head!

Our frequent rainfall keeps Ireland green and beautiful. However, since you’ve put up a tunnel and blocked it out, now it is up to you to keep your plants hydrated!

Water, along with oxygen, sunlight and soil, is a basic need of all plants, even though their requirements can vary considerably. From one type of plant to another, from tiny seedling to full-grown, from pots to open soil, and from overcast days to sunny ones this job can keep you on your toes!

How Often?

There is no correct answer to this, but you want to keep your plants somewhere between waterlogged and parched! If the soil feels dry below the top inch or two, it is probably time to water. If plants start to droop or lower leaves begin to yellow they are too dry. When you see moulds and mildews appearing on the soil surface, it is likely too damp. Intuition for this develops quickly enough.

Morning vs. Evening

This is a point of debate. Most everyone agrees that in the heat of the day is not the best time to water. However, if a plant is wilting or is a tiny seedling drying out, it is always better to water than let the plant suffer damage or death. The advantage of evening watering, particularly in very warm weather, is that the moisture can be retained overnight and will evaporate the next day once the heat soars again. The advantage of morning watering is that if you have a hearty nocturnal slug and snail population you can discourage them from slithering along on moist soil munching all of your plants overnight by keeping things at their driest then.

Manual vs. Automatic

This is another point of debate and probably something in between is ideal. Automated systems can be put on a timer and adjusted throughout the season. This is ideal to cut down on time and effort, but it is always wise to monitor the situation and not fully depend on automation. Manually watering allows you to reach every plant and give more or less in specific situations, but it does require a dedication of more of your time. Polydome does supply irrigation equipment, including simple battery-powered automatic timers.

Overhead vs. Underneath

Overhead watering, including overhead irrigation lines and the use of a hose, does have the advantage of washing down leaves like the rain. However, some plants work better with underneath watering, from watering a tray under a pot to using capillary mats or low-level drip lines. Reason for this vary, but this often suits plants that are prone to mildews or blight from remaining damp or leaves that scorch from being watered in the sunlight. In a protected structure where there can be less natural wind and ventilation, this is often an ideal solution. An example of this is using low-level drip lines for tomato plants to avoid blight or feeding potted cyclamen from a capillary mat to keep their leaves healthy.

In the winter, having a roof that keeps excess rain out is a great advantage to many plants. However, the surrounding areas outside the tunnel moisten the areas near the edge, so this is something to bear in mind.

So, the next time it rains, enjoy the raindrops! They are little droplets supporting life!

March- Propagation time!

It’s March and high time to start some seeds! Here are a few tips for success.

1)Unless you are sowing directly into the soil, having a bench that is the correct height is a must. This saves your back and also allows you better precision when sowing tiny seeds that are difficult to see.

2) Next, follow the instructions on the packet. Not all seeds are sown in the same way.

3) There are several factors involved in triggering a seed to germinate. These include light, temperature and moisture. At this time of year, the temperature is too low for certain seeds, so using a heating mat or heating cables in sand can speed up germination, resulting in a stronger plant.

4) It is a good idea to label everything clearly as you go along. This can avoid confusion later on when the little darlings start to emerge and you don’t know who is who! It is also a good idea to record when and what you sow in a notebook or diary for future reference.

5) A seed is a tiny miracle that contains everything it needs for life. However, once the outer coat has been broken down, the emerging seedling is very vulnerable until it has formed sufficient root to acquire moisture and nutrition for itself. At this stage it is vital that it isn’t allowed to dry out. Here are some ways to ease your seedlings through this delicate stage:

*Pre-water the growing medium well.

*Partially cover seed trays with polythene or glass (allowing some air flow) to retain moisture.

*Gentler forms of watering such as using a watering can with a rose, overhead irrigation, drip lines or capillary matting are preferable to using a garden hose on young plants. (Of course, the more vigorous plants like peas and beans will withstand much more than a delicate cactus seedling.)

6) Did you know that keeping your young plants up on shelving isn’t just for convenience? It also serves to protect them from pesky mollusks. Yes, slugs and snails. They love damp, dark corners to hide in during the day, saving their energy to come out and graze all night. So, keep your root babies as far away from them as you can!

Best of luck to everyone who is setting out to sow seeds for the first time or the 50^th time!

Category: Polytunnels