Month by month guide to growing your own and running a polytunnel

HUGE interest in growing your own has led to a surge in “undercover” growing to extend the season. It also enables growing of crops that are not viable outdoors in Irish summers.

Joyce Russell’s practical handbook (€20) guides you through each month in the polytunnel, detailing what to sow, plant and harvest, what to expect from the weather, and sowing and caring for each month’s crops.

Useful tips include watering the subsoil before planting tomatoes; and placing a marker stick with courgettes so that you can water in the right place when all you can see is a mass of gigantic leaves.

Watering, ventilation, crop rotation, pollination, weeding, when to clear crops for others, and the maintenance and washing of the plastic are all there — plus liquid feeds, pests and diseases and how to deal with them organically, mineral deficiencies and severe frosts.

There’s ten steps on keeping the soil in good health, including crop rotation, clearing plant debris, manuring and composting. There’s information on choosing the tunnel, the location, preparing the land, putting it up and laying it out inside.

Essential tools are listed, with advice on seeds and compost, repairs and maintenance.

Money-saving and environment-friendly tips on how to make your own hot-bed, liquid feeds and even potting mixes are included.

The style is uncomplicated, to the point, and practical, still comprehensive, and beginners and experienced gardeners will learn from this book.