Polytunnel

[Cwrw666]

Basically you cover the ground in 8inch of straw/hay

I wouldn't use hay. We mulch round things like raspberries with it but it always sprouts loads of weeds when it gets damp.

 

[MyQul]

I wouldn't use hay. We mulch round things like raspberries with it but it always sprouts loads of weeds when it gets damp.

Maybe it's straw? I havent really payed super close attention to which one, seeing as I'll never do it

 

[Leon103]

It may have been asked before but any suggestions for sites to buy a polytunnel. Missing my greenhouse and raised beds from the old house. Never bothered to buy anything for the new house but as the kids grow up we will finally get out garden back and they may get an interest in growing their own. They enjoy their chickens and fruit trees/bushes.

 

[foxy]

Maybe it's straw? I havent really payed super close attention to which one, seeing as I'll never do it

Yes straw bales there will bee loads of seeds in hay. Have to get loads of pee onto them to get them to perform well.
https://www.diynatural.com/straw-bale-gardening/

 

[Clint]

I bought my tunnel from First Tunnels...not the cheapest but quality, solid and loads of info and help should you need it.

 

[foxy]

M..I shall take a look.
It's funny how some years stuff seems to refuse to grow!

I have the same problem with sweet corn the percentage of germination is pretty low, don't know if its because they are F1's
After earthing up I always mulch my spuds with a good layer of sugar cane mulch, really need it here if there is a lack of rain, plus it keeps the worms active.
I have spuds in the ground now to early but going OK just got to keep my eye on the weather for any frosts.

 

[Cwrw666]

Yes straw bales there will bee loads of seeds in hay

Yeah, when farmers grow cereals they spray off the weeds, and then the combine seperates any seeds off from the straw. Only thing you got to watch with straw is that it hasn't been grown with growth retardants and herbicides still in it which are not a lot of good for your vegies. Same problem with farmyard manure as well. We only use hay because it's the mouldy old stuff from the back of the barn. Got to get rid of it somewhere.

 

[foxy]

Yeah, when farmers grow cereals they spray off the weeds, and then the combine seperates any seeds off from the straw. Only thing you got to watch with straw is that it hasn't been grown with growth retardants and herbicides still in it which are not a lot of good for your vegies. Same problem with farmyard manure as well. We only use hay because it's the mouldy old stuff from the back of the barn. Got to get rid of it somewhere.

Same thing with rice hulls, they are full of chemicals, most sprayed cereal crop there is, make a tea with it and it is foul, and some folk add it to their beer!

 

[StoutWolf]

I have the same problem with sweet corn the percentage of germination is pretty low, don't know if its because they are F1's

It's definitely one where I have higher percentage with new seed. 32 cells in each rootrainer, planted out 60 plants from two rootrainers of new seed yesterday. Root trainer that was 50+% last year's seed left in greenhouse has got ~20 seedlings in.

 

[Turbine-Tel]

Well a few weeks back I finally managed to get the tunnel finished. Hardest single-handed job I've ever done. Very pleased with how it came out though and so far we have a load of tomatoes, peppers, chillies and melons in there with plenty more still coming on in the greenhouse that'll need planting out. Peas, beans and spuds are in the outdoor beds along with a dozen new raspberry canes.

View attachment 26032

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Well done, looks like you've done a good job, Just needs filling with Hops now!

 

[StoutWolf]

Today's planting out, some sunflowers, crown prince pumpkins and hunter butternut squashes. I'll probably keep the squash cloched for a day or two.

I also had a think about where I might be able to fit a hop vine in next year, but there's no obvious options

 

[Leon103]

I bought my tunnel from First Tunnels...not the cheapest but quality, solid and loads of info and help should you need it.

Thanks, I will check them out

 

[MyQul]

Today's planting out, some sunflowers, crown prince pumpkins and hunter butternut squashes. I'll probably keep the squash cloched for a day or two.
View attachment 26133
I also had a think about where I might be able to fit a hop vine in next year, but there's no obvious options

That reminds me of the film Aliens when they come across the brood chamber full of eggs

Next time your out there, better take your pulse rifle to the garden with you just to be on the safe side :tinhat:

 

[StoutWolf]

Next time your out there, better take your pulse rifle to the garden with you just to be on the safe side :tinhat:

Remember, short controlled bursts...

 

[Clint Eastwood]

It may have been asked before but any suggestions for sites to buy a polytunnel. Missing my greenhouse and raised beds from the old house. Never bothered to buy anything for the new house but as the kids grow up we will finally get out garden back and they may get an interest in growing their own. They enjoy their chickens and fruit trees/bushes.

I can't fault these guys. They have things you never knew existed. They supply the professionals & their range is massive.
https://www.lbsbuyersguide.co.uk/

 

[SafetyThird]

It may have been asked before but any suggestions for sites to buy a polytunnel. Missing my greenhouse and raised beds from the old house. Never bothered to buy anything for the new house but as the kids grow up we will finally get out garden back and they may get an interest in growing their own. They enjoy their chickens and fruit trees/bushes.

Another recommendation for First Tunnels, I've just finished building mine and can't fault the product or service.

 

[Ajhutch]

Just saw the picture you posted Clint in the drinking tonight thread, I can’t get over how big your allotment is! It’s looking fantastic mate

 

[Clint]

It's a fair bit of work...good job Mrs Clint is here to take charge!

 

[Ajhutch]

How big is the allotment actually? As far as I can tell most of the ones in Wandsworth are 50-75 square metres

 

[VW911]

'the ruth stout (great name eh) method' of growing veg?

Not unlike "Hugelkultur" (sp). I'd love to give it a try on one of my allotments one day (if I ever get the time...)