Still winter isn’t it? But Spring is just around the corner, so there’s lots to do in the Polytunnel. If you are planning your First Polytunnel this year, a sunny day in February is a great time to put the cover on in time for early Spring planting as the polythene is more flexible when it’s warm.

February is the perfect time to cover your Polytunnel

You’ll be amazed how quickly it warms up inside the tunnel when the cover is pulled on. After just a few minutes, the cover will be flexible enough to tighten down and you won’t need to re-tighten it later in the year.

If you already have a Polytunnel, February is a great month to clean up in preparation for the growing season in March. There will be spaces here and there from winter harvesting, and you should fork some compost into all these as soon as possible.  Staging and tools, as well as seedlings pots should get washed with a solution of warm water and a non-toxic biodegradable soap such as Citrox.

Clean the Polytunnel's Polythene with Algon

Clean the cover as well inside and out, so everything can benefit from the increasing day length. Algon Organic, available from First Tunnels, is ideal for cleaning your Polythene cover. Simply apply with a garden sprayer, soft broom or paintbrush and leave it to work – there’s no need to scrub or rinse off later. For more cleaning and constructing tips, watch the video at http://www.youtube.com/polytunnels

Sow Now- Start chitting first early seed potatoes (set them out in egg boxes, “eyes” upwards) When the sprouts are about an inch long, plant the spuds in the tunnel. You’ll be rewarded with the earliest of earlies, sometimes in the second half of April. Contunie to sow broad beans, garlic, peas and turnips. Start sowing aubergines, peppers, strawberries, sweet potato and tomatoes and anything else on the “harvesting” list below. In a Polytunnel, you can sow any of these right now.

Harvest- Beetroot, cabbage, carrots, cauliflowerm celeric, celery, chard, coriander, radish, rocket, spinich, spring onions and turnips!

©Mark Gatter

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

First Tunnels is delighted to announce that – along with only 1% of UK companies – we’ve achieved all the requirements for BS EN ISO9001 accreditation. First Tunnels would like to thank all employees for their commitment to achieving this award.

ISO9001 is internationally recognised and sets the standard for quality management systems, leading to enhanced customer confidence and ongoing improvements giving our customers the added reassurance of buying from a company that meets the most exacting quality standards

FREE sliding door upgrade with any complete First Tunnels Polytunnel throughout February – Save up to £200…. More growing space, more ventilation, more flexibility BUT…NO MORE TO PAY! Simply select the FREE upgrade when placing your order and we’ll look after the rest. If no sliding door options have been selected, we will supply our hinged doors.

That’s not all – order any complete Polytunnel kit and you’ll receive a Growing Pack including 2 best selling Polytunnel books “How to Grow Food in your Polytunnel all Year Round” AND “The polytunnel Handbook” A handy Crop wheel and a packet of tomato seeds to get you growing!

*COMPETITION TIME WITH FIRST TUNNELS* Your chance to WIN lots of Polytunnel goodies…including the two best selling Polytunnel books, our very own Crop Wheel and everyone’s favourite, tomato seeds. If you’re in the market for a new Polytunnel, we’ll also give you £50 towards the purchase. Simply “LIKE & SHARE” the competiton post on our Facebook Page and add a number between 1 – 49 in the comments box to enter. Camelot will pick the winner(s) with the bonus ball in Saturday’s Lottery draw on 4th February 2012. Good luck everyone….