Frosty the First Tunnels Snowman

It’s Christmaaaaaasssss! The Quality Street are out and its the perfect opportunity to raise a glass and say “CHEERS” to everyone who has supported First Tunnels throughout another tremendous 12 months..With some very exciting projects to share with you in the new year, the FT team would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy, healthy New Year.  . Here’s to platefuls of lovely home-grown vegetables in 2012..

Merry Christmas From First Tunnels

Don’t forget, you can also find us on Facebook. There’s always something new, lots of really useful advice and it’s a great place to start if you’re looking to grow a bit of something unusual, chances are someone else has done it as well or knows someone who has.

We look forward to another fun packed year with lots of useful tips and advice to make the most out of your Polytunnel all Year Round!

There might not be much happening inside the polytunnel just now – “Don’t forget about it”. Although a light layer of snow can provide good insulation, try to avoid letting it build up in excess. On small Polytunnels, a soft broom can be used to clear off any fallen snow. With larger Polytunnels, a rope over the tunnel can be used. With a person at each end of the rope, walk along the length of the Polytunnel using the rope to carefully dislodge the snow. You could also increase the temperature inside the Polytunnel with a heater, as this will allow the snow to slide off.

It’s worth your time and effort!

Heres how First Tunnels cleared the snow off their 16ft x 30ft Polytunnel

You can always make a snow man out of the soft snow like First Tunnels

We may live in a hi-tech, on-line world, but if you love Polytunnel Gardening, chances are you like nothing better than browsing through your favourite gardening books. So how about sharing the pleasure with family and friends?

First Tunnels featured Polytunnel Gardening books are best-sellers…essential reading for everyone who wants to make the most of every inch of space, every day of the year. So they make really great Christmas gifts for polytunnel fans. Click here to find out more

Vouchers too…

Don’t forget, First Tunnels Vouchers are just the thing for Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries or just to say thank you. £10, £50 and £100 available.
So if you’re looking for the perfect gift that has real practical value…you’ve just found it!

Cloche Hoops covered with Fleece

In December daylight levels are at their lowest ebb and even if you have installed a heater, you won’t see a huge difference in the growth rate of your Polytunnel plants. However, another thing you shouldn’t see is frost damage, even without protection of a fleece cloche.

Winter on the Allotment

December is when you can really begin to notice a difference between the Polytunnel raised beds  and those outside. Inside the Polytunnel you could have fat, juicy lettuces, beetroot, mustard seeds, pak choi and more….but you won’t find any of those outside at this time of year! This is what Polytunnel growing is all about.  It’s easy enough to grow vegetables of all kinds outside during the summer, but to have your own walk-in larder of fresh organic vegetables at this time of year is downright special.

When, for instance did you last pick a salad in December? If you don’t have a Polytunnel, you would probably need to live somewhere far south of the UK to do so – but if you do have a Polytunnel, you could live in the North of Scotland and still be able to pick lettuce right the way through the winter. 

Broad Beans in a Polytunnel

Broad beans and peas sown earlier may be taller than 30cm by now, and it could be difficult to cover them with fleece if frosts threaten. While winter varieties of both are hardy enough to withstand sub-zero temperatures, if a cold snap is set to continue you may nevertheless need to provide some additional protection. It’s quite possible that peas will flower and even produce pods in December. If this happens, remove (and eat!) them to prevent the plant getting the message that it’s all over. They will then continue to pod in the spring…. 

If you need to water, try to do so early in the day. Avoid wetting the leaf surface, as on overcast days the Polytunnel will stay cool and evaporation is a t a minimum. If the leaves are still wet when nights comes, this could result in frost damage! 

Order your Seeds!

Top Tips for December  – Keep everything well ventilated, whenever it’s possible, open the doors for a few hours even on overcast, cool days. Only if it’s really cold should the Polytunnel remain closed…….Order yours seeds! Take time to sit down and work out what you would like to grow next year..

Clear up debris regularly and often. Left alone it will quickly become a source of mould, a habitat for pests, or both! 

Don’t neglect watering. Even though plants require far less water during the winter the beds shouldn’t dry out.

What to Sow in your Polytunnel in December
Coriander, Broad Beans, Winter Lettuce, Mangetout Peas, Rocket.

© Mark Gatter 2011

Visit http://www.firsttunnels.co.uk/ for all your polytunnel products, spares, accessories and guidance.