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I've just joined Garden.ie and this is my first post. So, I'm looking forward to comparing notes throughout the year! This is my second year with a poly (25' long) and am delighted with the fruits of my labours from last year. However, I am just at the planning stage for rotating my veggies and need some advice on soil preparation. Should I clear the top layer of soil where I had tomatoes, chillies, cucumbers and then add seasoned farmyard manure or just leave whats in there and add? And do you do a soil test to see what kind of nutrition is left in the soil before adding in additional feed? Also, I need to get a simple irrigation system to put in the three long beds and wondered what you guys recommend. Don't want anything too complicated.
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No need to remove top soil. Ideally you should plant the tomatoes one side one year and the other side the next year. Remember that toms and peppers are the same family where as cucumbers, courgettes are cucurbits, a different family altogether. We run potyunnel courses so do the organic centre in Leitrim. Considering the investment a tunnel is, it's worth getting the most out of it, and a course could really help.
www.kinvarasustainableliving.com
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Thanks very much. I did a one day course in Leitrim and it was very useful but its those little things, like working out a rotation system for my specific plot is taking time. That apart, I have load of seeds up and am going to grow sweet peas in the tunnel this year as they have drowned/died of the cold in the last 3 summers. I'm determined to have some summer scents this year! Happy!
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Hi, sorry I am not giving any advice but I am purchasing a tunnel - 18ft x 25, so the tips you have
been given will come in handy for me also. Thanks everyone. I will let you know how I get on.
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I know it was back in May you were looking for advice on growing in your tunnel but if you need any advice now just ask. I find this is the most important time of the year to do work in the tunnel as it pays dividends in the Spring. I grow crops in half of my tunnel from now until early Spring & the other half i add compost & raw seaweed. Make sure to continue watering the area with the compost & seaweed as it needs water to break down. Obviously compost the side that had the hungrier plants in it during the summer. Courgettes, Marrows, Tomatoes etc etc.
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