Gardening and camping are two enjoyable pastimes that can go hand in hand. In some ways, a polytunnel is similar to a tent. Though you are unlikely to be sleeping in your polytunnel, you will be spending time in it – there is an overlap between items that are useful on camping expeditions and items that are useful in a polytunnel garden. Here are some items sold to campers – camping gear – that could also come in handy in your polytunnel:
A Portable Camping Stove
With all the fresh produce at your fingertips, gardening in a polytunnel can make you a bit peckish. Rather than bringing all your home grown food into your kitchen, why not bring the cooking into the polytunnel itself? With a portable camping stove, you can whip up quick meals right there and then – getting food onto your plate in next to no time. Camp cooking equipment can often work well for whipping up speedy meals in your polytunnel, as well as on camping holidays.
A Solar Powered Fan
In summer, a polytunnel, like a tent, can heat up very quickly. It is important to make sure that there is good airflow at all times, and that ventilation is adequate for the needs of the gardeners, and the plants. Solar powered fans, sold for camping trips, could also be used to improve the air flow in a polytunnel, without the need for mains power in the structure.
Solar Powered Lighting
Since a polytunnel, like a tent, is often not connected to a mains electricity supply, it can also be useful to have a means of lighting the structure that does not depend on the grid. Fortunately, there are many solar powered lighting options for campers on the market, and these could also work very well in a polytunnel, making it easier to work in your polytunnel garden once the evenings draw in.
Wind Up Radio or Portable Speakers
A wind up radio can be a fun addition to a camping trip – allowing you to listen to music or other broadcasts while you are out and about. You may also enjoy being able to listen to the radio while you are gardening, or simply enjoying some relaxation time in your polytunnel. Another way to enjoy listening to music is to purchase some portable speakers which can be hooked up to your smart phone. There is no need to be short on entertainment when camping, or when spending time in your polytunnel.
Do you enjoy a camping trip? Do you ever use your camping gear in your polytunnel? Let us know in the comments below.
Elizabeth Waddington is a writer and green living consultant living in Scotland. Permaculture and sustainability are at the heart of everything she does, from designing gardens and farms around the world, to inspiring and facilitating positive change for small companies and individuals.
She also works on her own property, where she grows fruit and vegetables, keeps chickens and is working on the eco-renovation of an old stone barn.