Comparing the pros and cons of: cold-frames; low and high polytunnels; greenhouses and mesh tunnels

Be sure to check out the other videos in this playlist https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFhKoRR-NiCKtxqWuvikOnCI3SE91rBiU

If you have more questions, we have a FAQ document and video, which you can find here: https://steves.seasidelife.com/2020/0...

Here's a moderately long video that goes through each of the types of protection that I use on my plot to extend the season. Cold-frames, low tunnels, full sized polytunnels, mesh tunnels and of course the greenhouse. All of these have their relative pros and cons, all of them are worthwhile.

The best place to start is just simple fleece, but my favourite for cost-effectiveness is the low tunnel, for convenience the cold-frame and for sheer flexibility and luxury the big polytunnel. Although they all cost money, the payback is quick, if you harvest intensively.

For more details on the cold-frame see https://youtu.be/3AWBCUG6XFk

For construction details on the cold-frame see
https://youtu.be/cskeYL3eD6Y

If you are new to my allotment videos you might find a bit of context useful. We live in the north west of England, in Lytham St Annes, which I believe is the equivalent of USA Zone 8.

We have three allotments in my family, mine (Steve), my wife's (Debbie) and my middle daughter's (Jennie). We also have a small kitchen garden at home. They are all managed in an integrated fashion, so don't expect to see the usual mix of veg on each plot. I do most of the planning and seed starting. We each have our own plots, but we all help each other out.

Jennie's plot has been designed as a traditional allotment, but we put a lot of focus on minimising the work we do there. It's basically a plant and forget it plot, full of garlic, leeks, onions, beetroot, brassicas, squash, beans and fruit trees. It's heavily mulched to reduce weeds and easy to water.

Debbie's plot is mostly full of perennials, it's a garden plot. Again we did a lot of work to keep the weeds down and Debbie's approach is inspired by the TV programme The Ornamental Kitchen garden.

My plot is all about experimental growing, maximum productivity and year round abundance. As with all of the other plots I did a lot of work to control the weeds, but it's a high maintenance plot. I'm always planting, harvesting, experimenting and generally having a great time.

Collectively the plots deliver an amazing abundance of fruit and veg all year round. Debbie, Jennie, Jon and I are effectively self sufficient in veg all year round and in fruit for much of the year. During winter we sometimes have enough surplus to feed our local family. During the rest of the year when the surplus from our house garden comes on stream we have surpluses in some crops for a few friends as well.

This video provides an overview:

https://youtu.be/q1k-2vIoSQ8

I do an update of the allotments, roughly twice a month, you can find the tours here:

https://youtu.be/eLtltf9Rz0M?list=PLFhKoRR-NiCJn5Y6rZf0RCCqycu3xvofX

Our approach to allotment life is to: grow as much as we possibly can, to be self-sufficient in veg all year round and in fruit in season, to give away our surplus to friends and family, and to have as much fun as possible. For more on self sufficiency check out these videos:

https://youtu.be/nkQgsTJ3iBs?list=PLFhKoRR-NiCLEk16Xu_Axyoe5ZDaDV-Pt

Debbie and I spend about 4 hours a day, 4 days a week on the plots (on average) and we keep nudging that down as we eliminate non-productive work: like grass cutting, weeding and watering as much as practical. We are both newbie gardeners, only starting the allotments in 2016.

I'm a bit obsessive about the nutrient density of the veg that we grow and making the plots easy to work because it's through this allotment lifestyle and food that I've overcome a debilitating auto-immune disease.

I'm always aware though that it might not last so I make sure that I don't work too hard, eat as much organic fruit and veg I can and design the plots so that I can still work them when I flare up.

Видео Comparing the pros and cons of: cold-frames; low and high polytunnels; greenhouses and mesh tunnels канала Steve's Seaside Kitchen Garden & Allotment