Polytunnel progress

Remember this?

This photo was taken in July 2022 when we were clearing the site for the polytunnel. Since then, the polytunnel has been erected, raised beds constructed and filled with enriched compost, and an irrigation system installed.

First to be planted in late March 2023 in one of the raised beds were lettuce and spring onion seedlings. These thrived. The last of these lettuces are being harvested now, in mid-May, as are the spring onions. Rocket grown from seed also did well, and is still providing plenty of pickings.

As the lettuce have come out, summer squash, pink banana and patty pan, are taking their place.

Meantime, cordon tomatoes, Sungold, and cucumber are filling the central bed, together with tagetes, which give off a distinctive smell that whitefly hate - so planting them under tomatoes, especially in the polytunnel, helps keep this pest at bay. Bush varieties of peppers, chillies and aubergine are planted in the other bed along with more French marigolds.

If the irrigation system proves insufficient in hot weather, pots sunk in the soil beside the tomatoes will allow gardeners to direct additional water straight to the roots. Regular, careful watering will be essential during the summer.

Keeping an eye on the weather will be critical to controlling the temperature and indicating when we need to open the windows and doors in the mornings and close them in the evenings. When the tomatoes begin to flower, regular feeding and pinching out side shoots in cordon types will help produce a good crop.

Fingers crossed for lots of delicious tomatoes in a few months.