Heading the list of culprits are our feathered friends, most of which are extremely partial to feasting on the fruits of your labour. So keeping them entirely at bay is definitely the order of the day.

Rising to the challenge is the First Tunnels Fruit Cage. Available in a range of sizes to suit everything from low growing bushes to the loftier heights of a cherry tree, these premium fruit cages complete with a door are constructed from the finest galvanised tubular steel, galvanised tube connectors and covered in netting. So, whether you’re protecting from flocks of smaller birds, the unwanted attention of pigeons, foraging by rabbits…even the pest threat of butterflies…the strong (17×17mm) polypropylene side mesh and the super light double knitted roof mesh (18×18mm) are more than up to the job.

Building your cage is quick and easy. And the finished construction will be strong, durable and ready to guard your fruit…year after year

First Tunnels Fruit Cage

It’s back! The 10% discount is here again…for a limited period First Tunnels are giving you 10% off EVERYTHING!

That’s not all, with every complete Polytunnel Kit you’ll receive our FREE “Growing Pack” consisting of 2 Top Polytunnel books, by Mark Gatter & Andy McKee, a really useful crop wheel which will tell you when to sow, grow & harvest and last but not least, a packet of tomato seeds to get you growing! Polytunnel gardening just got better value than ever!

*Offer ends 31st January 2012

Come and join in the fun, make friends, share Polytunnel Gardening hints and tips on First Tunnels Facebook page.

It’s the place to hear first about new promotions, products and competitions, share pictures of your polytunnel construction, tell us what you are sowing and harvesting and in general share your progress reports on what you’ll be growing over the winter months & what you are hoping to sow, grow & harvest in 2012

 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.

PLUS there’s lots of great pictures, videos and other polytunnel info on there from leading gardening experts like Paul Peacock, Mark Gatter & Andy McKee. So make yourself a brew and log on to find out more.

www.facebook.com/Polytunnels

Winter is a time for maintenance and planning

As the growing season winds down and the remaining hot weather crops are stripped out, the Polytunnel will suddenly look more spacious and calm and this is the golden opportunity for a general tidy-up.  Repair any accidental damage or tears in the polythene cover. Secure doors! Unless you have sliding doors, put a weight against the outside of hinged doors to prevent them catching in gusty winds. Clean the Polythene cover allowing as much light transmission as possible through the darker months and….. start planning for the new growing season ahead, grab your seed catalogues and enjoy a few minutes thinking about what you’d like to grow in 2012. 

Fleece Protection inside a Polytunnel

Frost Protection - The Polytunnel Gardener  should protect all tender crops from extreme temperatures, whilst still making sure they get as much light as possible. Cloche hoops covered with Fleece and Mini Polythene Polytunnels act like double glazing and are just as useful inside a Polytunnel throughout winter in much the same way as they are in the outside garden in early Spring. Whatever the surrounding temperature, frost sensitive plants will be several degrees warmer with extra protection..

Heaters for Polytunnels

Heating – Check your heaters before you need them. If you rely on any heating in the Polytunnel over the winter, make sure that it is over hauled and in good working order. It’s also a good idea to check your gas bottles are full in readiness for the cooler nights ahead too!

Winter on the Allotment

 Watering - Although very little water is needed during the winter, be careful to get as little water as possible on the foliage, where it could cause damage if it freezes. Watering is best done as soon as the temperature in the Polytunnel rises above freezing, to give any accidental splashes as long as possible to dry. In extended periods of freezing weather, no watering is required at all. *TIP TOP * Make sure to drain all automatic irrigation systems to prevent frost damage.

Tidy up the Polytunnel

Clear up Debris – Try to pick up plant debris as soon as you see it. Mould can be a real problem at this time of year because of the damp weather.  Also woodlice, slugs and other pests will be happy sheltering under leaves, in small piles of rotting plant matter or snuggled away in little nooks and crannies to hibernate, storing up an enormous appetite for the spring time and your spring veg… get rid of them as far away as you can

Time to Sow – Broad Beans, Winter Lettuce, Early Carrots, Mangtout Peas, Rocket and Mustard Greens.

Mark Gatter

For more of  ©Mark Gatter  monthly growing tips and advice please visit First Tunnels Growing Guide

Polythene Repair Tape

Don’t worry, First Tunnels have a solution. Polythene repair tape is a flexible long lasting translucent tape designed to effectively repair accidental damage or tears in Polythene covers on Polytunnels. Repair tape is available in three widths to suit most applications and is hardly noticeable when applied. Not only is it excellent for repairing Polythene covers or cloches, it is the ideal solution for repairing cracked panes in greenhouses. Never the less, it’s aways handy to have a roll of repair tape on standby for those unforeseen emergencies.

Watch the video