Bit of a Fruit Problem

[MarkHackwell]

I have a polytunnel and it has fruit trees as well as fruit bushes that I planted all round it. The problem I now have is that the cover has so many holes in it and it needs replacing but the cover is buried in a trench under the fruit trees and bushes. I am wondering how to put a new cover on, if it would be best to take up all the fruit trees and bushes (they have been in there about 3 years now) and put a new cover in a trench, if to take out the cover slowly hoping I can get the whole thing out the ground without disturbing the fruit trees and then putting a base I can put the new cover on too, or if to move the polytunnel completely. I need to build a frame to put the cover on to anyways as I currently have one of the zip up doors. Any ideas? Thanks in advance

[WendyC]

Lesson learnt I think! One of them has to move as this is going to be an ongoing problem every few years. If you decide it's the fruit to move you want to be doing it whilst the fruit is dormant, so now until the end of February ( unless we get a warm spell then it will be sooner). Try to avoid moving them if the ground is frozen or waterlogged. Even if you decide to leave the fruit, you will need to remove any plastic sheeting that may interfere with their roots. Good luck!

[MarkHackwell]

Lesson learnt I think! One of them has to move as this is going to be an ongoing problem every few years. If you decide it's the fruit to move you want to be doing it whilst the fruit is dormant, so now until the end of February ( unless we get a warm spell then it will be sooner). Try to avoid moving them if the ground is frozen or waterlogged. Even if you decide to leave the fruit, you will need to remove any plastic sheeting that may interfere with their roots. Good luck!

Yeah it is a big lesson learn't, totally didn't think when putting the fruit trees there. I am now thinking of putting the fruit bushes and trees elsewhere and then digging trenches to put a new polytunnel cover on when the Spring comes. Here is a picture to show what I mean:

[Alison]

Looking at their position they would be too close to anything you're growing in the tunnel anyway as it looks like they're only a few inches away from the wall so get them moved and give them the space they need to grow.

[WendyC]

Definitely move the fruit. They are going to shade the inside of the poly tunnel and will grow too big and branches will push into it. Lovely Sussex Weald clay you have there. I have similar on my second plot.

[Bigmallly]

The question I would ask myself is: Do I want a Polytunnel or a Fruit Cage. If it's a PT you want, take out the fruit. If it's a fruit cage you want, take off the cover and net it.

[MarkHackwell]

The question I would ask myself is: Do I want a Polytunnel or a Fruit Cage. If it's a PT you want, take out the fruit. If it's a fruit cage you want, take off the cover and net it.

I have a fruit cage down the other end of the plot, soo I was thinking of possibly putting the fruit trees down there. The problem I have is I'm eating up my plot with fruit, a polytunnel and raised beds and not leaving enough room in the middle for much else. I was going to grow Brassicas in the middle of the fruit cage and Polytunnel but not sure 15ft will be enough :/ I have another plot which needs digging over and has some onions in at the moment so its now a big decision if it is worth having the polytunnel or not before re-covering it :/

[Bigmallly]

I personally wouldn't grow Brassicas in a Polytunnel as they prefer cool soil.

[MarkHackwell]

Im thinking if it would be better to move the Polytunnel itself to allow me more room to be able to grow just the normal veg such a Cabbage and Broccoli outside :S

[Bigmallly]

If you think you don't need a polytunnel, remove the cover, recover the frame with debris netting & have a fabulous Brassica Cage.

http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...oor_78729.html

[MarkHackwell]

If you think you don't need a polytunnel, remove the cover, recover the frame with debris netting & have a fabulous Brassica Cage.

http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...oor_78729.html

That's a very good idea how much would debris netting cost though? And just think with a Proper Polytunnel cover I would be able to grow in it during the winter too

[Bigmallly]

About £20..............http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B...317DYSWHZAZMRG

You need to decide how you want to use it first.

[MarkHackwell]

Well I Know I am going to take the fruit up around the outside (not sure where to put everything yet) but not sure if to turn the Polytunnel into a Brassica Cage or get a new cover and start to reuse it as a polytunnel, but I think I would reposition it first. What cover would you recommend if I went to re-cover it?