Ecogreen Aerated Polythene Tunnel

I have started to double-dig the trench for the poly-tunnel.

The tunnel is a nice bit of kit. It measures 3 metres by 60cm and comprises of a number of steel loops covered by thick a green-tinted polythene.

According to the blurb, the green tint filters strong sunlight to prevent scorching and the large aeration holes keep young plants ventilated and encourage pollinating insects to enter. Plants in the growing tunnel are easily watered either by hand or natural rainfall, without the need to remove the cover.

We'll wait and see how effective it is.

The digging was hard work. I have done half now and will finish the rest today. The technique is as follows.

1. Dig a hole 60cm wide and 1 spade deep, placing the soil in a wheelbarrow
2. Once the hole is dug, fork and loosen the soil at the bottom
3. Put a layer of manure into the hole
4. Move along, dig another hole, putting the soil excavated into the previous hole
5. When you get to the end of your row, put the wheelbarrow contents from the first hole into it

Orkney seaweed and other things

I have been on a spending spree recently. I've bought a giant poly-tunnel, some Orkney seaweed fertilizer and some large bell cloches. The cloches come in very handy protecting young seedlings from slugs.

Most of the seedlings are now outside in a specially prepared 'nursery' area. I've planted six of my seed potatoes. I didn't realise that potatoes took up so much room! I have placed them in one half of the big raised bed. The rest of the bed contains purple sprouting brocolli and a lone artichoke.

Yesterday I planted some lettuce, spinach and coriander seeds. Today I potted six runner bean seeds. I thought I would plant these again as they were a great success last year.

My next job is to weed the carrot plot and double-dig the marked-out plot for the poly-tunnel. Once I have done this I can plant the aubergines. I might also get some courgettes in under there where they will be nice a toasty warm!

Good news on the onion front. There are numerous shoots appearing!

I was thinking about how best to attract beneficial insects into the garden. Jake's wildflower garden should help a great deal. Maybe I should plant some more nasturtiums this year. I remember last year they were covered in caterpillars that would surely have been chomping away on my veg.