Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Tips on planting times
1.
Start your tunnel planning by looking at the hungry gap crops, then plan
everything else around them. That might sound draconian, but you'll thank
us for it in April.
2.
Keep meticulous records. What worked last year may not work this year, but
being able to look back over a number of years will give you a much better
idea of the correct planting time for a 'normal year'. Note that the microclimate
in your tunnel is highly individual and depends on a host of factors, such as
the angle of the tunnel to the wind and sun as well as shelter and shading
(this is covered in detail in The Polytunnel Handbook), so what works for you
will not necessarily work so well for your neighbour.
3.
Choose your varieties carefully. Faster-maturing varieties tend to be more
predictable.
4.
Consider less traditional vegetables. Kohlrabi may not be a mainstream
choice but it can be sown every few weeks from February to October, and
although it slows right down during the winter, it doesn't stop growing. Pea
and bean shoots grown directly in the soil beds are also excellent as a salad
crop.
5.
Making smaller sowings in succession gives you a better chance of having a
harvest ready just when you need it.
Andy says:
“Looking at past years, the best time to sow overwintering peas for an
April harvest in my polytunnel in Dorset is the second week in September,
but an Indian summer or a cold, dull spring can easily change that.
Instead, I usually make room for two slightly smaller plantings at the end
of August and towards the end of September, and unless April itself is
disastrous I can be sure of a harvest - not so sweet as the outdoor crop at
the end of May, but just as welcome.”
Mark says:
“Many plants will overwinter into the hungry gap and others can be started
off indoors in the very early spring, and between them they will add loads
of variety to your diet through April and May. My particular overwintering
favourite is chard, because as it bolts the leaves become smaller and
smaller, and have such a delicate flavour they can even be added to salads
and sandwiches. You also get enough seeds to last for years!”
