I've been given a Polytunnel frame...

[Glutton4...]

I've been given a Polytunnel frame, and I've got the space to put it. I can borrow a Rotovator to get me started, and I have an endless supply of manure to enrich the ground! Since my recent redundancy, I also have the time (but limited funds). So, where do I start? Which way round N-S or E-W? What's best to grow in it (edible obviously)? Any tips gratefully received for this novice who can grow Tommies and Runners, but not tried much else!
I appreciate I may have opened the floodgates, but information is free - isn't it?

[MaureenHall]

Welcome to the vine Glutton4... Sorry I can't help you with your question, but no doubt as you say the floodgates will open and you'll have advice coming at you left, right and centre You've definitely come to the right place

[Novice Gardener]

Hi Glutten4, where abouts are you? I can't help with your questions either but it might help other peeps if they know roughly what weather conditions you have. Good luck

[Glutton4...]

Glutton4... is an Essex Girl!

Hi all!
Yes, sorry (I blame my Parents) I hail from the north part of Essex. The garden is clay (obviously), but my Dad's raised beds were made with screened topsoil when he constructed them a few years ago, so hopefully we have at least a fighting chance
Runners and Toms are fabulous. Brassicas have been eaten alive and are only now worth composting. Protection next time, I think!
Redundancy means that I now have time to look into all this Veg growing stuff, and I now hate buying supermarket Veg. When I do have to, I always check the label to see where it was grown. No wonder most of their stuff has no flavour when you consider how far it has travelled.
Anyway, I talk too much. Gotta go get my aching bones in the tub.
Anyone need a part-time gardener - just let me know1
Cheers all.

[Irie Jan]

Hi all!
Yes, sorry (I blame my Parents) I hail from the north part of Essex. The garden is clay (obviously), but my Dad's raised beds were made with screened topsoil when he constructed them a few years ago, so hopefully we have at least a fighting chance
Runners and Toms are fabulous. Brassicas have been eaten alive and are only now worth composting. Protection next time, I think!
Redundancy means that I now have time to look into all this Veg growing stuff, and I now hate buying supermarket Veg. When I do have to, I always check the label to see where it was grown. No wonder most of their stuff has no flavour when you consider how far it has travelled.
Anyway, I talk too much. Gotta go get my aching bones in the tub.
Anyone need a part-time gardener - just let me know1
Cheers all.

Hi Glutton4!

I'm an Essex Girl as well! LOL I came from London but been near the London end of Essex for about 24 years now. Years ago I grew some great tomatoes, cuecumbers, marrows and runner beans also some nice mellons from seed,not much else apart from flowers though!

You are right about all the supermarket stuff much of it is so bland in taste, guess you kind of get used to it when it is al that is on offer!

I am looking to start growing my own food again, had a few bits going last couple of months, left it a bit late for this year though. Had mostly salad leaves nice and quick to grow! I cant beleive the difference in taste my rocket has been so peppery and strong tasting (nice) compaired to what I was buying. I also had some wickedly hot chillies on the go and one tomatoe plant which I must admit was a cheat! LOL I bought it late on, from my local garden centre just to get me going.

I know what you saying about aching bones! LOL My garden was a mess, it has taken a lot of work to get it into any sort of shape to even think about growing food again. Watch out spring I will be trying anything that stands a reasonable chance of growing!

Good luck!

x Jan

[Glutton4...]

Hi Irie Jan,

I know what you mean about home-grown Rocket. My Dad had a load of self-sown Rocket in his Veg garden this year and it was absolutely gorgeous. It makes the bought-in stuff seem really bland.

Since I got the bug this year, it has renewed my Dad's interest in the garden, so we bought loads of small plants from eBay, and that got us started. We were too late to start from seed, and perhaps not brave enough!

Apart from Tommies, and fabulous Runners, we've had loads of Cues, and a few Marrows, Aubergines, Chillies and some big purple Peppers. I'm not responsible for Dad's greenhouse, so I can't claim credit for any of those - still eat 'em though!

Anyway, good luck with your plans, and here's to a bumper harvest next year.

[Glutton4...]

Hi also to MaureenHall.

I loved your blog page, perhaps in a few years I'll be able to do one. I especially liked the video of the hail-storm - fabulous!

Anyway, hope the Chooks are fine. I'm desperate to get some of my own, having house-sat for Hen-owning friends last month - 'real' eggs (or 'oogs,' as she calls them) are just so yummy! I can't seem to find a decent Coop for sensible money, and I'm even considering making one!

[Stacey Steve]

If you are going to cover your polytunnel with plastic, then I would advise you to first find which way the prevailing winds blow.

I would have it so that a side faces these winds so they travel over the tunnel not facing the door into the wind which could cause you problems.

Make sure that the cover is buried down into the soil so that the wind cannot get under it.

[Glutton4...]

Thanks for that, Stacey Steve - it certainly makes sense. After all, I don't want the plastic getting the wind under it and taking off across the countryside.

I have read a few threads from people who grow veg on windy hillsides, cliff-tops and salty coastal areas up and down the country, so I guess my solid clay soil, and wind from one direction is probably only very minor compared to what some people have to put up with. This site is certainly great for putting things in perspective!

Regards G4!