Top Vegan Crops to Grow in Your Polytunnel All Year Round

 What is Veganism

Veganism is a lifestyle and dietary choice that seeks to avoid all forms of animal exploitation and cruelty, whether for food, clothing, or other purposes. At its core, veganism involves abstaining from consuming or using animal products, such as meat, dairy, eggs, honey, leather, wool, and cosmetics tested on animals.

Top Vegan Crops for Polytunnels

Polytunnels are a fantastic way to extend your growing season, making it possible to grow fresh, nutritious produce throughout the year — even in colder climates. For vegans who rely heavily on plant-based foods, growing crops in a polytunnel is an excellent way to ensure a steady supply of vegetables, fruits, and herbs without relying on seasonal availability. Here’s a guide to some of the Top Vegan Crops for Polytunnels you can cultivate year-round in a polytunnel.

1. Leafy Greens

• Spinach: Spinach grows quickly and is rich in iron, calcium, and vitamins. It thrives in cooler weather, making it ideal for winter growing in a polytunnel.
• Kale: Known for its hardiness, kale can withstand colder temperatures and will continue producing fresh leaves throughout winter. Curly, dinosaur, and red Russian varieties are all great options.
• Lettuce: There are many varieties of lettuce that you can plant for year-round harvesting. Lettuces like ‘Winter Density’ are especially suited to colder months, while butterhead and romaine varieties thrive in spring and summer.

2. Root Vegetables

• Carrots: Carrots are perfect for polytunnel growing, especially shorter, rounder varieties like ‘Paris Market’ that mature faster. Carrots planted in late summer will be ready for harvest throughout fall and winter.
• Beets: Beetroot is another hardy root vegetable, rich in antioxidants, iron, and fiber. With proper protection, beets can be grown nearly year-round in a polytunnel.
• Radishes: One of the quickest-growing root crops, radishes mature within a few weeks. This makes them a great crop to interplant with slower-growing vegetables.

3. Herbs

• Parsley: Parsley grows well in cooler temperatures, making it a perfect winter herb. Plus, it’s packed with vitamins C and K and can add fresh flavor to any vegan dish.
• Cilantro (Coriander): While cilantro struggles in hot summer weather, it thrives in the cooler months, producing fresh, flavorful leaves that enhance many recipes.
• Thyme and Rosemary: These perennial herbs are resilient and can be grown year-round, providing you with fresh herbs even in winter. They’re low-maintenance and will fill your polytunnel with a delightful aroma.

4. Brassicas

• Broccoli: Growing broccoli in a polytunnel protects it from pests like cabbage worms. It’s a slow grower but worth the wait for its high nutrient content and versatility.
• Cauliflower: Another slow-growing crop, cauliflower prefers cooler temperatures and can be grown in a polytunnel all winter, with varieties like ‘Winter Wonder’ producing well.
• Cabbage: Hardy and resilient, cabbage can handle colder temperatures and is great for late fall and winter harvesting. Plus, it stores well after harvest, adding to its convenience.

5. Legumes

• Peas: Both sugar snap and snow peas are perfect for polytunnel growing. They’re relatively frost-resistant, and a polytunnel will protect them from extreme cold. Peas are an excellent source of protein, a staple for vegan diets.
• Broad Beans: These beans tolerate colder temperatures well and are ideal for winter growth in a polytunnel. They’re a valuable source of protein and can be harvested young for tender pods or left to mature for shelled beans.

6. Tomatoes and Peppers

• Tomatoes: With the extra warmth a polytunnel provides, tomatoes can thrive even in cooler months. Look for determinate varieties that are better suited to smaller spaces if you have limited room.
• Bell Peppers: While they require a bit more warmth, bell peppers can still grow well in a polytunnel, especially with early spring planting. They add vibrant color and nutrition to any vegan meal.

7. Winter Squash and Courgettes (Zucchini)

• Winter Squash: While winter squash grows best when started in warmer months, you can extend its season by using a polytunnel to protect it from early frosts, allowing the fruit to ripen longer.
• Courgettes (Zucchini): Fast-growing and productive, courgettes are ideal for summer, but with a polytunnel, you can extend the harvest well into fall, providing a reliable source of fresh vegetables.

8. Alliums

• Garlic: Plant garlic in late fall and let it grow over winter for a summer harvest. Garlic is easy to grow and packed with nutrients that are beneficial to a vegan diet.
• Onions and Shallots: These alliums grow well in cooler temperatures and can be planted in fall for a spring or early summer harvest, making them ideal for a polytunnel environment.

Tips for Growing in a Polytunnel Year-Round

To get the most from your polytunnel, here are a few additional tips:

• Maintain Temperature: In winter, add thermal mass, such as water barrels, to retain heat. For summer, consider ventilation options to keep temperatures manageable.
• Water Wisely: Even in winter, plants need adequate water. Use mulch to retain moisture and consider drip irrigation for a consistent water supply.
• Rotate Crops: Avoid soil depletion and disease by rotating crops, especially root vegetables and brassicas, from one season to the next.
• Regularly Harvest: Many of these plants will continue producing if harvested frequently. Pick leaves, pods, and roots as they mature to encourage new growth.

Conclusion

Growing vegan-friendly crops in a polytunnel is an effective way to have fresh, nutritious produce all year round, regardless of the weather. With a variety of leafy greens, roots, herbs, and legumes, you can ensure your meals are always packed with the best nature has to offer. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, polytunnel gardening makes it possible to grow your favorite vegan foods while creating a more sustainable, self-sufficient lifestyle.