Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
page 16), running right up to the hungry gap for the following year so that every-
thing gets started in good time. This will be your last chance to eat some of the
marginally hardy crops still left in the soil beds, as the coming hard frosts will
probably finish them off despite the protection of a fleece.
What to sow
Coriander.
What to harvest
Beetroot, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celeriac, celery (becoming poor towards
the end of month), chard, coriander, daikon, fennel, kohlrabi, lettuce, pak choi,
peppers, potatoes, radishes, rocket, spinach, spring onions, turnips.
January
With day length not increasing appreciably just yet, and temperatures markedly
lower than those in December, the polytunnel grinds to a virtual halt. This is
where all your planning for winter pays off, since the polytunnel functions as a
walk-in larder, holding crops in good condition even while no growth occurs.
Even though there is very little light, try to air the plants by removing their fleece
except on the rare days when the polytunnel stays frozen inside.
What to sow
Broad beans, coriander, peas, spinach.
What to harvest
Beetroot, cabbage, carrot, cauliflower, celeriac, celery, chard, coriander, daikon,
kohlrabi, lettuce, pak choi, radishes, rocket, spinach, spring onions, turnips.
February
It is still horribly cold outside, but the second week in February - usually the
coldest period of the year - also has a good chance of bringing some clear skies,
and it is towards the end of this month that you will notice the first signs of new
growth despite the continuing frosts. It is time to roll up your sleeves and get
sowing in propagators and on sunny windowsills, because the difference in the
tunnel over the next couple of months is going to be nothing short of miraculous.
Chitting seed potatoes
The first 'new' potatoes are one of the most awaited harvests of the year. If you
plant a few in the tunnel in February, you could be eating them towards the end
of April - far sooner than if they'd been grown outside. For many people, potatoes
aren't an obvious crop for the polytunnel, but they only take up one square foot
(30cm x 30cm) each and are out of the way well before you need the space for
summer plants such as tomatoes and melons. Do give them a try.
