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.