Rain cover

So, we've managed to erect 4.25 mtr polytunnel hoops over our peaches, what do we use to provide a temporary cover between leaf drop and bud burst to keep the rain off?

mochyn

Umm... polythene?

tahir

Yeah but these are on 1 mtr legs so they're quite high off the ground, I was thinking of having something that just covered the canopy, maybe held down by ropes?

mochyn

I should think that's do-able with polythene. You'll need a piece big enough to cover the top between the legs and (obviously) long enhough, then I thhink I'd make reinforced holes at intervals along the bottom edges and tie weights on to those. Once it was over the arches, of course.

mochyn

Fialing that you may be able to get something from (for example) First Tunnels that has green mesh at the lower edges with a polythene top.

tahir

Maybe I should ring a tunnel co and ask their advice.

mochyn

We've always found First Tunnels very helpful.

Tavascarow

I think what you are looking for is something like the spanish tunnel that a lot of fruit growers use now to extend the season.
The plastic isn't burried or fixed as in a conventional tunnel but tensioned & held down with ropes over the tunnel & rolled away when not needed.
Would be useful to keep the rain off at ripening/picking time as well?
Smile

tahir

Tavascarow wrote:

Sounds like the stuff.

tahir

Spoke to UAP (agrichemicals firm that we've got an account with, they do polytunnel covers etc) they're worried that:

a) polythene will be difficult to keep down
b) it'll be difficult to store and reuse

They suggested speaking to someone who made curtainsiders for lorries, spoke to this lot:

http://www.hautintarpaulins.co.uk

They're sending me material samples, including something translucent they use for oil rigs.

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