Joined the club

The weather over the holidays has given me the opportunity to do lots of gardening. I bought a Polytunnel(6x3M) from ebay some time ago after reading the excellent threads on this part of the forum. After digging the ground over and removing stones and roots last week today was the day the Polytunnel was raised.

I dug the trench and hammered in 4 posts that I put 1 hoop away from each corner. Erection was pretty straightforward and after trenching in I laid some very large concrete blocks at the corners. There was a 10-15mph wind today and it was rock solid but I will keep my fingers crossed that it will survive the bigger winds. I used the hotspot tape (4 rolls of 9m) and that was just slightly too little so I concentrated on using it for the tops and left the bit below the bottom stabilizer without the tape.

A big thanks for all the great ideas in this thread. Lots of which will be copied!

 

If that metal strapping used to secure the frame to the timber posts doesn't have tape over it, the straps could wear through the cover as it will rub against them when it's windy.

 

The straps will be covered up in tape today. It was on my list but thanks for reminding me.

 

Couldn't find the gaffa tape so just wedged some carpet underlay in between the ties and cover.Nice tight fit so should stay in place easily enough.

 

The next question is what should I sow and where to put everything. I haven't started any seeds so will probably buy small plants from the local garden centre. So far I have brussel sprouts, red cabbage, runner beans, peppers, chilli, brochilli and some tomatoes. I have just put them all on the floor of the tunnel just no as I haven't build a table yet.

Any ideas on what else to grow and if any of the chosen plants would be better straight into the garden without cover.

 

Some staging built from scrap lying around garden and £15 worth of fence slats. Around 90x30 inches. Some of the plants we have bought from the local centres too.

 

Planted some seeds today. Nice family day with the wife and kids. The low temp is around 8 degrees at the moment and goes up to 30 very quickly but I tend to open the vents and keep it in the high teens most of the day. Do you think the seeds will be ok or should I bring them in the house. I planted leeks, turnip, broccoli, red hot pokers, sunflowers and a few others

 

A wee progress report. Lots of seeds planted and plug plants bought are all doing really well. A new bench built out of the remaining scrap wood in the garden. I hope someone decides they don't need a deck soon as the wood I got a wee while back has made loads of things.

Really pleased with the bench and will add an upper shelf to the first one I built.

I am struggling with what I should plant in the Polly. I have put some Carrots, Peas and Cabbage in but am wondering if this is just wasting space. Should I concentrate on the more tender plants like tomatoes and Chillies.

New Bench


View down the Tunnel

 

Well done Simon, I don't have a Poly but hopefully plan on getting one before the start of next years growing season, I would say you can plant most things in the tunnel, when you look at what other people have grown it seems almost endless and your growing season is extended by a few extra months as well

 

That looks great. I like how you made that staging with decking boards - I may "borrow" that idea.