Herbs in horticultural tunnels

Herbs in horticultural tunnels

Herbal gardens in horticultural tunnels return to grace, and for centuries humans have used herbs not only as spices but mostly as medicines for the diseases that troubled them. Used in medicine as a mean to strengthen the work of the body, they are in many respects irreplaceable. In cosmetics, they are appreciated for their anti-inflammatory properties, supporting treatment of skin regeneration and helping in the fight against rashes, strengthening nails and hair. Unmatched in gastronomy, their incredibly intense aroma comes from freshness. Although hundreds of hermetically sealed packs of herbs are available in stores, they lose a lot of their medicinal, cosmetic and flavor properties. Only freshly cut, bred in the garden or horticultural tunnel herbs will show their full potential.

Growing herbs in a garden tunnel is very easy, and in terms of everyday care,  there is not much work to do besides weeding and irrigation. In the garden greenhouse, we can plant them on a small patch of fertile land and still get enough herbs for a whole family and a long time.

Soil and herbs position in the garden tunnel

We plant them near the house, preferably near the kitchen door to keep them easily accessible. As we use them constantly, we place the foil tunnel in a sunny spot. But not at the end of the plot. Although many herbs do not have too demanding requirements in terms of soil. The most abundant will grow on a ground with a high content of humus and a granulated structure. Before planting. We dig and aerate the soil, remove all impurities like weeds and other plants that would interfere with the growth of herbs. Every garden is a fight with pests, in this case we can ease the struggle with tagetes.  Planting them around the edges , to scare rodents and butterfly larvae.

Which herbs in the garden tunnel?

We can choose among cultivation methods, we can grow herbs in the tunnel by planting seeds. From seedling or by buying them in pots. For those who start growing, it is a good choice to buy herbs in pots. Then the plants can be harvested and directly put into the ground to mature. Seedlings can be grown or purchased ready-made. Regardless of the way, we can grow herbs in the greenhouse for a season or many years.

Seasonal herbs:

  • Basil – oval and serrated leaves are collected in the summer to freeze or dry, perfect for the kitchen. In March or April, we plant it in a warm foil tunnel and in the middle of May we plant it preferably in a nutrient-rich soil.
  • Summer savory – we introduce them to the tunnel from April to May, and in June we collect the plant when dry. It has a peppery flavor and is ideally suited for beans, peas and fatty meats. It helps the digestive system, stimulating appetite, offering relief for indigestion and embarrassing bloating.
  • Coriander seed – we sow in spring because of its slow growth, and harvest will be possible only in late summer. The garden tunnel significantly speeds up the vegetation of the plant, which prefers warm, sunny, and calcium-rich soils. Young leaves can be used frozen or used fresh, for pastries and sausages.
  • Garden Fennel – we plant it in the garden greenhouse directly into the ground in a sunny spot. Fennel can be grown on a regular basis during summer, and rapid growth allows for several harvests during the season. The harvested leaves ,frozen or fresh , are mixed with cucumbers, potatoes and fish dishes.

Perennial herbs:

  • Estragon – we sow it in March into containers and in May in the garden tunnel. We can harvest it throughout the season if it is properly trimmed. Freeze leaves or use fresh for cucumbers and pickles, fits well with eggs and fish dishes.
  • St. John’s wort – we can sow in the spring in poorer land because it has low soil requirements. Blossoming ends are harvested in summer to use in the fight against liver disease and as wound dressings, to accelerate regeneration.
  • Lovage – we sow it in August, and in spring or autumn ,we multiply by division. Large leaves are collected next season in the spring, using them in soups, broths and meat.
  • Lemon balm– we sow it in March or April in containers, and in May in the greenhouse. Leaves are collected before blooming, used in dishes and teas that refresh and soothe nerves.

The argument of growing herbs in the garden tunnel. That your own bred herbs surpass those that are available in the shop. The variety of these plants makes it impossible to describe them all. As well as listing each application and the positive effects. Choosing herbs for your own use should be guided by individual needs. Buy high quality seeds and familiarize yourselves with their actions.

Planting herbs in a garden foil tunnel

Herbs are planted in rows, grouping them in a way that makes it easier for later care and proper fertilizing and feeding of plants. Those growing high sit in intervals , not to obscure sunlight. Annual and perennial herbs are planted in various positions. So they do not hamper the fast growing or slow growing ones.

Cultivation of herbs at home: watering

As mentioned above, herbs do not require too much care and yield can be harvested throughout the season. Irrigation is most important at the initial stage of growth, just before planting into the garden tunnel or sprouting. Root herbs are watered with a weak stream of lukewarm water to avoid damage  and wash out of soil.

The watering frequency depends on the soil, avoid complete drying. As the lack of water significantly reduces yield and can lead to disease or pest later on.

Fertilization of herbs in foil tunnel

Growing plants consume nutrients and micronutrients, and watering also eliminates what the plants need. We supplement them with organic fertilizers, we can make them ourselves (nettle extract) or buy them in gardening stores. Much of the herbs do not need any fertilization, only water them when they need it.

Care of herbs in a horticultural greenhouse

We remove weak shoots and yellowing leaves to prevent infestation by disease, fungus and mold. We constantly observe crops, removing diseases immediately from plants by hand or using natural remedies. Those that don’t survive are removed from the tunnel so that they do not come in contact with plants free of pathogens or pests.

Herbs after a season in the foil tunnel

At the end of the season, we remove all annual plants, refreshing and fertilizing the soil. We enrich it with nutrients, getting rid of all organic contaminants. And we keep perennial plants in a warm place away from the minus temperature. Then, following next season’s winter, we introduce them again to the foil tunnel.

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