Wicking Irrigation System

Today was the day for laying the wicking irrigation system. Sadly I forgot to take photos but this is how I did it and I hope it works. I used 18ft of plumbers pipe, 1.25 inch thick (£12 for all the piping and joints). I sealed one end and drilled holes the full length of the tube.

I then wrapped the pipe in weed suppressant fabric to allow water out slowly and to stop soil blocking the holes. I then laid the pipe the length of the polytunnel  allowing the open end to come outside (as can be seen in the below picture). I then buried the pipe in about 2 ft of soil and planted my tomatoes on top,  adding water via the make shift funnel below.

Craigella tomatoes are planted above the wicking irrigation system and my Rambling Red Stripe tomatoes are planted in the hanging baskets below.

Nigel's Gnomes and my blue shed in the distance.

Polytunnel Construction

Before and after photos of the polytunnel. The construction was completed in a weekend with the help of Nigel, Eddy and Brian. The tunnel was purchased from www.firsttunnels.co.uk who were very helpful and helped me get this 15'x12' kit in the back of my car. Construction was slow as the ground was sodden, knee pads are a must. 

Still happy with the final result.  Below shows construction of staging and a central raised bed. I've also used some old guttering to provide additional seed trays.  Next project will be to set up a wicking irrigation system, from old plumbing kit.