[maxibo]

Hi.  Another dafty question from me!   We got our plot last Spring and soon realised that the only people who had any success with brassicas had a netted tunnel.  So, we have treated ourselves to one (3mx5m).  Its a walk in wonderwall that I found browsing this site.  Anyway, we have dug it over and manured etc all all ready to go.

When will it be ok to plant out the brassica's that we have grown from seed? (calabrese, cabbage, sprouts).  I have them in pots, with two good sturdy true leaves.  I'm desperate to get something in the tunnel!

Also, I wondered if there was anything else that would be good to grow in there?  I'm thinking about crop rotation for next year.  So thought we could grow brassicas along one length this year and something else the other side?  Then swap sides for next year so we don't have to move the tunnel til the year after..... I know somethings need to be insect pollinated so are better outside but have read about hand pollinating etc. I'm getting confused now! :blink:

All advice appreciated! Cheers!

[sunshineband]

As long as the plants are hardened off, they can go in your tunnel (I should make this font green really as I am a tad jealous  )

Make sure the ground is well trodden as they like really solid ground.

You don't have to plant the whole tunnel with leafy brassicas: you can grow swede - sow later this month- khol rabi, turnips and radishes, and they will be near perfect (as long as you don't let slugs eat them of course)

You can always grow carrots and parsnips in the safety of the tunnel on the other side, if the mesh is small enough to keep out carrot fly, as well as beetroot.

[Annen]

I grew some onions in my tunnel,(just because they were in before I put the tunnel over them,) and they grew much better than the ones outside.

[maxibo]

Ah thanks! Lots of ideas for us.  I'm thinking swede, parsnips, onions and a carrot bed.  Brussels at the 'top end' as they'll be there for a while and our cabbages and calabrese in the other side. Maybe a sprinkle of radish seeds in any spare bits.  Sorted! We had a complete 'no show' of carrots last year.  We spent the entire Spring/Summer last year with the most awful 'brassica envy'! And spent many a summers eve peering into other plot owners netted tunnels.  The only way we could afford our lovely tunnel is that I share a half plot with two friends so we could split the cost. Thank you! I love this site!