GardenBanter.co.uk - View Single Post

23-02-2006, 06:26 PM posted to rec.gardens.edible

writes:

like the other poster, I use rebar. The rebar is in sections 20 ft
long, fashioned like a tunnel (it doubles as under cover gardening in
the cold season). It is a bit of a nuisance to pick the peas early in
the season, if the vines are too low, it is best to pick from outside
the tunnel. But eventually they reach the top of the tunnel and beyond,
and you can comfortably pick standing inside (a 20ft section is just
above 6 feet at its highest). If you plant them and then beans in
succession you will have a continuous part-shade site for your cabbages
to spend the summer in.

That sounds very much like the cattle panels I use a couple of places in
my garden, usually available wherever livestock fencing is sold. They are
18 x 4 feet with 6" x 8" openings, cost a bit under $20 each. They are
heavy gauge but can be curved for a tunnel. One is a tunnel and the other
is just upright.

They should last forever, at least my lifetime. g

I've planted Sun Gold tomatoes on the tunnel which was great, picking from
the inside as well as outside. The upright was perfect for cucumbers, etc.

It would be an easy matter to cover it with heavy plastic for a temporary
greenhouse/hothouse early in the season (or late to extend growing).

Glenna