A Year In Redwood

I thought of writing about Bloom and I will put I’ve so many photographs to sort through!  That will have to wait for another day.

In the interim, I thought I’d update you on progress in the polytunnel.

All, I can say is, wow! You just would not believe how quickly everything grows.  Maybe it is just particularly noticeable this year, as it has been virtually impossible to get things planted outside.  Is anyone else having this problem?

I have so many things ready to go outside…. I keep hardening them off and then the weather changes again.  Even today 6th June, I’ve the fire lit and we are told that there is a possibility of frost tomorrow and Wednesday night!  For heavens sake!  It’s June guys!  Come on!

It was amazing to see so many people interested in polytunnels and glasshouses yesterday at Bloom.  I can’t ever remember seeing them featuring there before.  So obviously lots of people really are thinking of growing their own…. all I can say is if these weather patterns continue… a polytunnel is your only answer!

We are already harvesting lots of Chinese Greens, Salads of varying types, the marigolds are enjoying themselves in there.

We have coriander, basil and parsley.  I’ve been harvesting courgettes this past week.  There are lots of fruit on the tomato plants.  And tons of flowers on the squash, pumpkin and cucumber…. and you should see the corn!

The whole experience is still a learning curve for me.  I still have loads of questions that only time will answer!

• Can a polytunnel be too hot for plants?
• I have learnt that watering brings the temperature down about 5 degrees!
• I have been watering twice a day – it seems to need it.
• Will I still be able to grow much in it in the winter?

I am so looking forward to our first crop of tomatoes – there are so many on the plants.  And last week I planted aubergine and pepper plants…. fingers crossed they will thrive!

While A is not too happy at the extension to the courgette season.

Rua, the elder cat, loves the polytunnel…. it’s warm, hen and dog free…. cat utopia!