Article by Felix

I used to have 2 poly tunnels on an allotment but when working full time weed management was a big issue as was keping the soil moist during peak summer. I eventually found a cheap solution that resolved both issues by using bin bags.

Working in sections, dig over the soil and lay out the bin bags flat, using tent pegs to secure them(or reasonable sized stones). You can either leave a small gap between the bags for plants or use a sharp knife and cut crosses in the plastic to allow for expansion and watering.

Try to ensure your soil is slug/snail egg free and if in doubt put some pellets on the soil before you lay the plastic as once the bags are in place it can be difficult too locate and eradicate a slug problem.

I was able to grow tomatos,chillies and beans with almost no weeds appearing and the plastic prevented moisture evaporation during the day. I also found that by planting mint in buckets and sinking them in to the ground at the entrances of the polytunnel it seems to discourage green aphids from taking up residence.