Polytunnel Book

Joyce Russell has thirty years of practical experience of fruit and vegetable growing, while feeding a family from the garden. She writes each month for Kitchen Garden Magazine, as well as regular contributions to other magazines and newspapers. She wrote for Organic Gardening magazine for ten years.Ben Russell is a skilled craftsman, photographer and journalist. He has written more than a 100 step-by-step making articles for woodworking magazines and had over 6,000 photographs published in books and magazines.

• CONTENTSIntroductionHow to use this book1: SETTING UP A POLYTUNNELChoosing the right locationChoosing the polytunnelPreparing the landPutting up a classic, hooped polytunnelLaying out the inside of the polytunnel2: A FEW ESSENTIALSSome thoughts on seedsSome thoughts on compost3: A MONTH-BY-MONTH GUIDE TO A YEAR IN THE POLYTUNNELJanuaryFebruaryMarch AprilMayJune JulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember4: FRUIT AND VEGETABLES AT A GLANCEAuberginesBasilBeetrootBroad beans (early crop)Broccoli(Spring) cabbageCarrots (early crop)CourgettesCucumbersFigsFlorence fennel (as an overwinter crop)French beansGrapesKohl rabiLettuceMelonsPeas (mangetout, as a spring crop)Peaches and nectarinesPeppersNew potatoesPumpkins and squashSalad leaves: rocket, mizuna, etc.Spinach, spinach beet and Swiss chard(Early) strawberriesSweetcornTomatoes5: PESTS, DISEASES AND OTHER PROBLEMS - AN ORGANIC APPROACHSome polytunnel pestsSome polytunnel diseasesMineral deficienciesSome physical problems6: ONGOING CARECrop rotation in a polytunnelTen steps to soil healthRepairs and maintenance7: MAKE YOUR OWNHow to make a hotbedHow to make your own potting mixesHow to make liquid feedsList of suppliersGlossaryIndexAcknowledgements

'Enhanced by Ben Russell's colourful and purposeful photos, this is a great book to have by your side, demostrating the range and variety of what you can grow in a polytunnel - and all year round too!