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.

Raised Bed Kit

Now you can make any size raised bed for your garden, greenhouse or polytunnel with these innovative raised bed brackets.  Each kit comes with four brackets and screws for making one tier ideal for all salad crops. They can however be made up to three tiers high, perfect for deep rooted vegetables.

Timber required needs to be 22mm x 150mm and can also be purchased from First Tunnels or sourced from any timber merchant or DIY store.

 Create any size, any shape  – The possibilities are endless!

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