Have some tunnel vision when it comes to gardening...

EVER felt frustrated when plants and vegetables succumb to a bout of poor weather? Have you ever felt you’re not getting a high enough yield from your vegetable garden? If so, it might be time to consider installing a polytunnel. When one considers the type of climate we have here in Ireland, getting a polytunnel seems a bit of a no brainer. Not only will it create a welcome microclimate, it will also extend the growing season for up to ten months of the year.

Simply choose an area that is protected from the wind and is exposed to plenty of sunlight. The best position to orientate a polytunnel depends on the position of the site. North/south is generally thought to be the best position to erect a polytunnel as this reduces the impact of southerly winds damaging the side of the tunnel. Once installed, you have the option of building raised beds and filling them with soil. Cover the pathways in-between with gravel or stones to reduce the labour of pulling weeds. The latter is just an option and it’s perfectly okay to grow from the ground without raised beds if you prefer, and assuming your soil is in good condition.

Vegetables such as lettuce, tomatoes, sweetcorn, cucumbers, shallots, carrots, even strawberries, will all be guaranteed the best start. It’s amazing how easy it is to grow produce in the polytunnel compared to relying on the weather outside. A tunnel is also a great way to propagate seed flowers prior to growing them outside. Getting a polytunnel is a great way of overcoming unreliable weather.