November has arrived and while many gardeners will soon be thinking of retiring their polytunnel for the winter, others will be determined to get the most out of their undercover plot for a little while longer.
If you are planning on putting in a few hours in your polytunnel this month, here are some handy hints and tips to help see you and your crops through November.
PICK off yellowing and dead leaves and continue with the big TIDY UP started in October.
SORT plant labels ready for next year – a job always better to be done inside the comfort of your polytunnel, rather than out in the cold, wet borders of the garden or allotment!
ORDER seeds ready for next year; Sort through seed catalogues and place your order in advance to ensure you do not miss out and that your new seeds arrive in good time. Any seeds you still have should keep over winter if they are stored in a cool, dry, airtight container, although parsnip and parsley are best bought fresh.
CLEAN the polytunnel cover to remove any grimy green coating and dirt. The clocks have gone back and daylight hours are shorter, so cleaning the polythene will let more light into the tunnel during the dark winter months. Try Algon for a safe and effective way of cleaning your polytunnel cover or greenhouse glass.
SAVE on heating bills and insulate your polytunnel with bubble wrap before the cold winter weather really sets in. Close doors and vents, and cover any ventilation net with spare polythene or bubble wrap.