The Joy Of A Tunnel, During A Slow Spring

We all know how all gardeners like to have a winge about the weather. I am always aware that I sound like Goldilocks whenever I mention the weather it is either too hot, too cold, too Wet, or too Dry. It’s rarely just right, and this March has been one of those months where it’s just been too wet and too cold. The consequence is that the soil thanks to the extreme cold at the beginning of the month has just not warmed enough to get newly planted hardy annuals growing. The light levels have increased however and the plants which were already established are now making small limps forward. After years of growing, you get to realise that you can’t beat nature, Spring will happen eventually but what you can do is cheat it slightly, I do this with the use of Polytunnel growing. Even without heat a polytunnel can dependent on size bring your season into bloom 4 weeks earlier at the beginning of the year and extent the flower season by 4 weeks at the end as it warms earlier in the Spring and can provide protection from the first few early touches of frost as we head into the end of the season. Too many people 8 weeks might not sound like a lot but when your income depends on producing flowers that’s 2 months more potential income so that is why well-planned use of growing space in these spaces is essential

I have been harvesting tulips from the tunnel since March 10th. Tulips outside won’t be ready for harvest for another few weeks.

The tunnel space on my field is the most expensive space I grow in. As I have to cost in the initial investment in the tunnel and depreciate its value over the following years along with the maintenance of it, like when it has been previously damaged by storms. If i was a home gardener growing for pleasure admittedly this wouldn’t matter so much but even for those growing as a hobby you might find how I use this space of interest.