Community Gardens, Vegetable Garden

Fantastic cloche/mini polytunnel idea

May 18, 2013

Hinged cloche / polytunnel in an allotmentI admit, I’m not an allotment expert. All of my work and teaching has been in private gardens, village halls and community gardens so I was really looking forward to helping a group of teachers, parents and school children in the Kilkenny Allotments and Community Gardens.

Hinged cloche / polytunnel in an allotmentOne of the immediate benefits I observed of allotment growing was being able to pick up tips and ideas from fellow allotmenteers. I absolutely love this structure built by Gerry on our neighbouring plot! The mini polytunnel/cloche was made from recycled bits and pieces, is hinged and once opened kept in place by rope.

Inside Gerry has tomatoes, peppers and an aubergine growing, none of which would grow well (if at all) in the Irish climate outside.

Hinged cloche / mini polytunnelWhen we’ve seen them, the other allotment holders have been friendly and more than happy to share bits and pieces. I can now see why people enjoy spending time on their plots so much, working away on their own but able to have a chat over the fence.

Are you an allotment grower? Why do you enjoy it so much?

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6 Comments

  • Reply Dr Hows Science Wows (@sciencewows) May 18, 2013 at 7:39 pm

    I think allotments seem like a great idea, pity we don’t have more of them in this country, from what I have read about them. I think it would be a lot easier to get out in the “irish” weather and do some gardening if you get to socialise as well!

    I love the mini-polytunnel idea! My hubby is making a mini greenhouse for our garden at the moment, from old shower doors – hopefully my tomato plants will be happier in there than they are inside my windows at the moment.

    Thanks for a great blog – once again!

    • Reply greensideupveg May 19, 2013 at 6:25 pm

      Thank you 🙂 There are a few allotments dotted around. I was more a community garden fan but having spent some time at the ‘lottie’ can definitely see why people love them.

  • Reply Hugh Cassidy May 22, 2013 at 10:07 pm

    What a great idea! Well done to Gerry the inventor!

    • Reply greensideupveg May 22, 2013 at 10:11 pm

      I think he may have seen the idea on Garai Glas but he’s made a lovely job of it Hugh, I was so impressed!

  • Reply Donnchadh Kilgallon June 29, 2013 at 8:31 am

    good tips well presented keep it up.

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