[Jerrymc]

I have just taken delivery of a Polytunnell. Its 20' by 10' by 6.5' high.

I have all the materials ready to go [Timber for beds, Topsoil, Sand, Horse manure etc]. Now I will construct the Tunnell over the next few days.

My problem is that I am a beginner, and living in Donegal.[I dont mean this is a problem....beautiful County], but its a few degrees colder than further south. I know its a little late in the Season, but I would like to try to plant some Veg [Lettuce, Onions, Potatoes, Strawberries etc]
I would welcome any advice you folks can give, as to what I should consider for this year. I will be better prepared next year.

[Sive]

I'm not the vegetable grower in our family, but what I have noticed is that the garden centres are full of young vegetable plants, all ready to go....why not experiment with a variety of these plants just to get you started while you think what else you can do ?
They wouldn't be on sale now if it wasn't the right time to plant them, I presume.

[cathd]

The veg you've listed can all be grown quite easily outside, so planting a bit late just means you need to extend the season- which is exactly what you can do in a polytunnel.
Personally I'm not sure I'd bother with potatos in a tunnel- they take up alot of space- plus if you grow tomatoes- where a tunnel really comes into it's own- (you'll need to buy plants now- a bit late from seed) there's a risk of blight. If you get it on potatoes it will spread to tomatoes and strawberries.
Keep an eye out for courgette plants and squash plants too- I'd love a tunnel to extend the growing season- but they're great beginner's plants cos with a bit of care, water and good soil- you get loads of crop. (Don't plant too many or you'll get to hating the sight of courgettes)

[Jerrymc]

Many thanks indeed for the replies. Now to get it constructed, and planting.

[michael brenock]

potato blight does not affect strawberries. As a rule any crop that you can grow outside can be grown in a polytunnel but better value is got from the covered space by growing the more valuable crops early strawberries early potatoes early carrots. Courgettes will do alright outside from now onwards. Dont grow cabbage or Sprouts inside nor onions or leeks.
Early crops benefit from the tunnel and also late crops like salads at the end of the summer.
michael brenock horticultural advisor (retired)

[cathd]