Will this cover work?

[Rich.H]

Have recently turned the front yard into a veg garden, while doing so I though I would devote a small square in the center to herbs for attracting a few bugs along with being handy for the kitchen. As I live in Northern Ireland I went with perennials and have the following planted. Sage, Rosemary, Chives, Thyme, Oregano. Since this part of the world likes the cold and wet so much I figured perhaps a form of shelter would help so threw together this idea quick.

The idea being it can stay on all year round but is lightweight so can easily be lifted for watering and harvesting. Basic construction would be a timber base and using some left over parts of pvc roofing. As you can see there is an opening on one side near the top of the slope, this was with the idea that excess heat can get out during summer, but also for an entry for insects.

I'm a little concerned over a few things though. Firstly this is construction grade pvc and as such has a 15 year guarantee for being uv proof, will this have any impact on plant health? Second The cover is around 2ft x 3ft at the base and around 2 1/2ft high meaning the opening is only around 3-4 inches wide, will this be enough to stop overheating or should I consider an extra opening on the front at the bottom to create a current of airflow? Lastly will insects be able to find their way in or again will an extra opening near the bottom or top help?

[oldjerry]

I personally wouldn't go that far.Herbs that originate in the Med and such will suffer a bit of cold(and you can always fleece them up if it goes way down) what you have so rightly realised is they don't do prolonged damp.I'd make do with just a slightly sloping roof on upright posts. This would ensure plenty of ventilation,and pollination,and cost less.I've seen this done in specialist alpine collections where the plants hate their crowns being damp.Anyhow ,good luck with it,...temperate climates huh? what a pain in the A--e.

[diggernotdreamer]

I agree, bit belts and braces for a few herbs. I live in North West Ireland and grow these things outside. The thing you need with these herbs is to make sure they are not sitting in damp, heavy soil. Dig in plenty of grit for drainage, when you plant things, make sure the planting hole has more grit dug in for the roots to sit on, a raised bed would also be an idea for herbs, also do not manure or overfeed herbs, it just makes them grow too much sappy leggy stuff, herbs such as thyme, origano, rosemary, etc need to struggle a bit to be at their best

[Odsox]

I also agree.
I grow all of those without any problem and they put up with all the rain and salty gales we get here.
After all, thyme and origano grow wild in Ireland.