[galwaybeginner]

This is a bit of a strange question, I know, but I have just finished preparing the ground for my polytunnel and expect to have it up in the next 2 weeks (weather permitting).

I'll be out of Ireland for a month from early August so do not want anything growing then - a month without watering will be veg genocide! At the same time, I've spent two months working preparing a very difficult site for the tunnel and am very excited, so would love to get something grown.

Now, as a veg grower I'm an absolute novice, so not sure of growing times and anything I read is times for outdoors - not polytunnel which I know differs.

So - can anyone tell me if there is any veg I could grow from seed to harvest from now to the first week in August?

[SG]

You need to get an automatic watering system and even at that a month is a long time in gardening. Perhaps you could get someone to keep a check on it while you are away. It's a pity to cut the season so short after putting it up.

[galwaybeginner]

Yeah, I've considered the cost aspect of that and to be honest, after all the cost of the tunnel I want to keep my spending down for a wee while.

So - anything I can grow between now and the start of August??

[michael brenock]

yes consider radish lettuces, white turnips,salad onions,spinach, red beet. If you can get plants of courgettes, peppers, aubergines, all these would be worthwhile.
michael brenock horticultural advisor (retired)

[galwaybeginner]

That's great, thanks Michael.

[ian]

can you not wait till you come home in sept. to put the plastic on? might have a good summer, ! you never kow and we are due a good one.

[galwaybeginner]

Yeah, might be an idea. Just that it'd be nice to have grown something before heading off.

Any idea how it is growing under plastic from September onwards?