1 00:00:02,279 --> 00:00:05,919 Speaker 1: Hello, and welcome to Gardening with Ben. You'll go to 2 00:00:06,000 --> 00:00:09,439 a podcast for all things green and growing. I'm Ben, 3 00:00:09,640 --> 00:00:13,400 your allotment guide and here to help you cultivate your 4 00:00:13,480 --> 00:00:17,079 garden and your passion for plants. Whether you're a seasoned 5 00:00:17,120 --> 00:00:20,600 gardener or just starting out, this podcast is for you. 6 00:00:21,320 --> 00:00:24,879 Each episode will dig into tips, tricks, and techniques to 7 00:00:24,960 --> 00:00:30,000 make your garden and allotment thrive from planting, sewing, and growing. 8 00:00:30,199 --> 00:00:32,520 Speaker 2: We will share all the tips and add advice. 9 00:00:33,560 --> 00:00:36,880 Speaker 1: We will also have regular episodes talking about what we 10 00:00:36,960 --> 00:00:40,039 have been up to on the allotment. So sit back, 11 00:00:40,560 --> 00:00:46,799 grab a brew and enjoy today's episode. Hey everyone, and 12 00:00:46,840 --> 00:00:52,039 welcome back to Gardening with Ben for another brand new episode. 13 00:00:52,079 --> 00:00:55,359 We're keeping these podcasts running again. Obviously, we had a 14 00:00:55,399 --> 00:00:58,359 short little break while we were moving property, but they're 15 00:00:58,399 --> 00:01:00,640 now back up and running again, and I hope we've 16 00:01:00,640 --> 00:01:04,000 all found them interesting as Obviously, the last couple of 17 00:01:04,040 --> 00:01:07,359 episodes we've been talking about what you can plant in 18 00:01:07,439 --> 00:01:10,959 December and also the jobs which need doing in the 19 00:01:10,959 --> 00:01:16,159 fruit garden, the vegetable garden, and the flower garden. Well, 20 00:01:16,200 --> 00:01:18,640 today's podcast episode we're going to be talking about all 21 00:01:18,640 --> 00:01:21,719 the jobs which need doing in the polytunnel, the shed 22 00:01:22,000 --> 00:01:24,319 and the greenhouse. This is a new section what we've 23 00:01:24,359 --> 00:01:28,400 started adding in and hopefully you find it useful and 24 00:01:28,480 --> 00:01:31,359 hopefully you can tick off those jobs in the polytunnel 25 00:01:31,400 --> 00:01:34,599 and greenhouse and shed that need doing. But first, we're 26 00:01:34,640 --> 00:01:38,120 going to start off with a little Christmas joke. If 27 00:01:38,120 --> 00:01:42,159 you've not been following our Instagram and Facebook pages and YouTube, 28 00:01:42,400 --> 00:01:44,719 you won't have seen the Christmas joke that we post 29 00:01:44,799 --> 00:01:49,159 every single day. So today's Christmas joke is why do 30 00:01:49,239 --> 00:01:53,840 you never see Christmas trees arguing? Why do Christmas trees 31 00:01:54,200 --> 00:01:58,560 never argue? Because they pine for peace on earth? 32 00:01:59,359 --> 00:01:59,879 Speaker 2: There we are. 33 00:02:00,159 --> 00:02:02,400 Speaker 1: That's a cracker. I hope you enjoy that one. You 34 00:02:02,439 --> 00:02:05,799 can share that with everybody else. But yeah, we'll keep 35 00:02:05,840 --> 00:02:09,000 these jokes running on a daily basis. Like I said, 36 00:02:09,039 --> 00:02:11,919 you can see them also on Instagram and YouTube and 37 00:02:12,080 --> 00:02:15,759 Facebook as well, and obviously TikTok as well. We're on 38 00:02:15,840 --> 00:02:19,919 every platform going well, we're trying to be. But yeah, 39 00:02:20,360 --> 00:02:23,159 today's podcast, we're going to be talking about everything that 40 00:02:23,199 --> 00:02:25,919 you can do in your shed, your greenhouse and your 41 00:02:25,960 --> 00:02:29,599 polytunnel to get them all prepared ready for next year 42 00:02:29,719 --> 00:02:34,919 ahead of the gardening season. And obviously you know that 43 00:02:35,039 --> 00:02:38,879 I've also got a polytunnel. I've got a shed come greenhouse, 44 00:02:38,919 --> 00:02:42,039 what I made myself. It's a shed, but it's got 45 00:02:42,039 --> 00:02:45,360 perspect sides and perspective move so that it lets lots 46 00:02:45,400 --> 00:02:48,840 of warm thing as well. So that is our shed 47 00:02:48,919 --> 00:02:54,280 come greenhouse where we start everything off for growing. 48 00:02:54,080 --> 00:02:54,960 Speaker 2: In the new year. 49 00:02:56,400 --> 00:02:59,439 Speaker 1: So the jobs what you're doing in the polytunnel, if 50 00:02:59,479 --> 00:03:01,879 you've got one, and if you are thinking about getting 51 00:03:01,879 --> 00:03:05,039 a polytunnel, I have to let you know that you 52 00:03:05,080 --> 00:03:08,680 should never try and grow for these cheap varieties that 53 00:03:08,759 --> 00:03:11,400 are about ninety nine pounds. Yes you may say that's 54 00:03:11,400 --> 00:03:15,000 not cheap, but it is a cheap variety of polytunnel. 55 00:03:15,479 --> 00:03:19,280 Don't try and buy any in like the January sales 56 00:03:19,360 --> 00:03:23,080 or anything like that. Stick to buying a proper polytunnel 57 00:03:23,080 --> 00:03:27,080 from a bigger company like First Polytunnels, Northern Polytunnels, all 58 00:03:27,120 --> 00:03:31,680 them sort of companies, as they are made to last. 59 00:03:31,800 --> 00:03:35,159 The ones that are like ninety nine pound there, you 60 00:03:35,240 --> 00:03:39,560 often see them like square mesh material type thing and 61 00:03:39,599 --> 00:03:42,560 they'll just disintegrate and rip when there's a first bit 62 00:03:42,599 --> 00:03:46,400 of strong wind as well. So save your money and 63 00:03:46,599 --> 00:03:49,639 invest in a proper one. I've had mine up about 64 00:03:49,680 --> 00:03:54,240 sixteen years now, and yes the plastic has split after 65 00:03:54,319 --> 00:03:57,159 about ten years, but I'm holding it together and we're 66 00:03:57,240 --> 00:04:00,479 keeping it on and it's still going strong, will last 67 00:04:00,520 --> 00:04:01,000 another year. 68 00:04:01,039 --> 00:04:03,479 Speaker 2: I say this every single year. Every year. 69 00:04:03,520 --> 00:04:05,560 Speaker 1: I keep thinking, I'm we'll have to replace that skin 70 00:04:05,599 --> 00:04:08,520 if it blows off, but nope, we managed to repair it. 71 00:04:08,479 --> 00:04:09,719 Speaker 2: And get it back on again. 72 00:04:11,000 --> 00:04:12,719 Speaker 1: So the jobs which need to do it in the 73 00:04:12,719 --> 00:04:17,120 polytonel for December this month are you need to insulate 74 00:04:17,160 --> 00:04:20,120 them if you're growing inside them. To keep the temperature 75 00:04:20,160 --> 00:04:23,800 stable inside of polytonel during the cold December days and nights, 76 00:04:24,199 --> 00:04:27,439 consider adding insulation. You can use bubble wrap on the 77 00:04:27,439 --> 00:04:30,920 inside walls to help retain the heat while still allowing 78 00:04:31,160 --> 00:04:34,279 light to enter and sure the bubble wrap is secured 79 00:04:34,279 --> 00:04:37,040 and covers the most vulnerable areas, such as around the 80 00:04:37,079 --> 00:04:42,959 doors and the edges where cold drafts might enter. Ventilate 81 00:04:43,000 --> 00:04:46,360 on milder days, yes, we do get some mild days 82 00:04:46,360 --> 00:04:51,959 in December. Proper ventilation is crucial even in winter when 83 00:04:52,000 --> 00:04:54,920 the weather is mild, open the doors or ventilation flaps 84 00:04:54,959 --> 00:04:58,639 to allow fresh air to circulate. This reduces humidity and 85 00:04:58,759 --> 00:05:02,319 helps prevent fungal de such as mold or mildew, which 86 00:05:02,399 --> 00:05:06,160 can develop in stagnant air. Bit sure to close the 87 00:05:06,160 --> 00:05:09,800 events before temperatures drop in the evening to retain warmth 88 00:05:09,839 --> 00:05:12,439 inside the polytonol. 89 00:05:12,560 --> 00:05:13,920 Speaker 2: If you're using heating. 90 00:05:13,639 --> 00:05:16,480 Speaker 1: In your polytunnels, such as electric heaters or gas heaters 91 00:05:16,560 --> 00:05:20,040 or powerffin heaters, check that they're working properly and safely. 92 00:05:20,560 --> 00:05:25,120 Ensure that the heater is thermostatically controlled. To maintain constant 93 00:05:25,120 --> 00:05:29,040 temperatures inside the polytoel. You can also add water containers 94 00:05:29,040 --> 00:05:32,120 to absorb the heat during the day and release it 95 00:05:32,199 --> 00:05:35,759 at night to keep temperatures more stable. Now, I don't 96 00:05:35,800 --> 00:05:39,160 have heating in my polytomoel because obviously I'm not there 97 00:05:39,240 --> 00:05:41,360 all the time, so I don't really want to keep 98 00:05:41,399 --> 00:05:45,639 it down heaters on in there, so I do have 99 00:05:45,839 --> 00:05:49,720 water butts in there are filled with water throughout the winter, 100 00:05:49,800 --> 00:05:52,680 so that any heat that comes into the polytunnel, it'll 101 00:05:52,720 --> 00:05:55,680 warm the water up and it'll absorb it and let 102 00:05:55,759 --> 00:06:00,319 it out at night. Harvest any winter crops. If you're 103 00:06:00,319 --> 00:06:03,439 grow in winter vegetables in your polytonel like kale, spinach, 104 00:06:03,480 --> 00:06:06,600 winter lettuce, or leaks. December is a great time to 105 00:06:06,639 --> 00:06:09,959 harvest them. These crops thrive in cooler temperatures of a 106 00:06:10,000 --> 00:06:14,199 polytonol and require regular harvesting, encouraging further growth. 107 00:06:14,600 --> 00:06:15,560 Speaker 2: Make sure you check. 108 00:06:15,439 --> 00:06:21,480 Speaker 1: Your crops regularly to pick them as they reach maturity. 109 00:06:21,759 --> 00:06:26,720 So hardy annuals and winter vegetables. December is ideal times 110 00:06:26,800 --> 00:06:30,680 so hardy annuals such as sweet peas, colundula cornflowers in 111 00:06:30,720 --> 00:06:34,279 the polytonel. You can also plant fast growing winter salads 112 00:06:34,319 --> 00:06:38,360 and greens like rockets, lambs, lettuce and mustard greens, which 113 00:06:38,399 --> 00:06:42,199 will grow well in the protection of the polytunnel. Use 114 00:06:42,240 --> 00:06:45,040 train or modules to start seeds and place them in 115 00:06:45,079 --> 00:06:48,120 a well lit part of the tunnel for optimal growth. 116 00:06:50,199 --> 00:06:52,720 Speaker 2: Weed control. Even though weed. 117 00:06:54,000 --> 00:06:57,199 Speaker 1: Growth slows down in the winter, weed can still appear 118 00:06:57,279 --> 00:07:01,040 in the polytonel. Regularly inspect the soil and beds remove 119 00:07:01,120 --> 00:07:04,759 any weeds that sprout up to prevent them from competing 120 00:07:04,800 --> 00:07:08,680 with your crops and nutrients and space. Removing weeds now 121 00:07:08,800 --> 00:07:12,199 will also reduce the problem of weed seeds spreading in 122 00:07:12,240 --> 00:07:14,720 the spring. Now I've got black membrane down on my 123 00:07:14,839 --> 00:07:17,079 flooring in my polytop because I don't actually grow in 124 00:07:17,079 --> 00:07:20,839 the ground in the polytonel, but weed still do manage 125 00:07:20,839 --> 00:07:24,000 to pop up and around everywhere, especially in the bind weed. 126 00:07:25,720 --> 00:07:28,439 Inspect and repair the polytonol structure. Now that is what 127 00:07:28,480 --> 00:07:32,240 I was just talking about. Check the entire polytonol structure 128 00:07:32,279 --> 00:07:34,959 for any signs of damage. Look for tears or holes 129 00:07:34,959 --> 00:07:39,079 in the polypen cover and repair them using special polytonel tape. 130 00:07:39,480 --> 00:07:43,600 Ensure the framework doors ventilation systems are in good working system. 131 00:07:44,120 --> 00:07:47,519 Tighten any loose fittings. Keeping the structure in good shape 132 00:07:47,879 --> 00:07:51,720 ensures it remains effective at protecting your plants throughout the winter. 133 00:07:53,360 --> 00:07:57,519 Monitor for pests while growth slows down in winter. Pestla 134 00:07:57,600 --> 00:08:03,720 aphid slugs and red spider excuse me, red spider mites 135 00:08:03,759 --> 00:08:07,399 can thrive in the warmer environment of the pointonnel. Inspect 136 00:08:07,399 --> 00:08:10,720 the plants regularly for any signs of pest infections and 137 00:08:10,839 --> 00:08:15,079 treat them with organic pest control methods such as nam 138 00:08:15,120 --> 00:08:19,560 oil or insectical soap if needed. Remove any effected leaves 139 00:08:19,639 --> 00:08:26,120 or plants to prevent pests from spreading. Plan for next year. 140 00:08:26,720 --> 00:08:29,680 December is the perfect time to reflect on past growing 141 00:08:29,759 --> 00:08:33,240 season and plan for the year ahead. Take notes on 142 00:08:33,320 --> 00:08:36,559 what crops work well and what didn't and start planning 143 00:08:36,639 --> 00:08:40,799 your crop rotations and garden layout for the spring. Begin 144 00:08:40,919 --> 00:08:43,879 ordering seeds and supplies early so you're ready to sow 145 00:08:43,919 --> 00:08:47,879 and plant when the warmer months arrive. Will soon be 146 00:08:47,919 --> 00:08:50,879 starting to sow them seeds. I'm so excited. I love 147 00:08:51,000 --> 00:08:53,360 sowting seeds. That's the best part of the year. I 148 00:08:53,440 --> 00:08:57,799 do absolutely love doing that. So next up, we're going 149 00:08:57,879 --> 00:09:00,480 to talk about what needs to be done in the shed. 150 00:09:01,759 --> 00:09:04,200 Deep clean your shed. Now, this is what I do 151 00:09:04,320 --> 00:09:07,960 every single year. I'll literally ship it back and tidy 152 00:09:07,960 --> 00:09:11,000 it all back and everything. Begin by giving your shed 153 00:09:11,039 --> 00:09:14,559 a further clean. Remove any clutter, all pant pots and 154 00:09:14,679 --> 00:09:17,320 tools that I've been sitting idle. Sweep the floor to 155 00:09:17,360 --> 00:09:20,559 remove dirt, cob webs and plant, depress and wipe down 156 00:09:20,600 --> 00:09:24,639 any structures. A clean shed not only looks better, but 157 00:09:24,679 --> 00:09:28,399 it reduces the challenge of pests a home inside over 158 00:09:28,440 --> 00:09:31,879 the winter months. Now I use disinfectant and everything, and 159 00:09:31,919 --> 00:09:34,960 I spray everything down. Just give it that extra protection 160 00:09:35,320 --> 00:09:38,679 and make it nice and clean for the next year. 161 00:09:39,879 --> 00:09:43,240 Organize and declutter. December is a great time to declutter 162 00:09:43,279 --> 00:09:46,559 your shed and organize your tools, equipment and supplies. So 163 00:09:46,759 --> 00:09:50,639 through all pots, broken tools, unused gardening items, and decide 164 00:09:50,679 --> 00:09:54,639 what you want to keep, repair or discard. Now I 165 00:09:54,759 --> 00:09:58,279 always that's why I always like to get my allotment 166 00:09:58,440 --> 00:10:01,399 sorted as fast as possible after the summer of the 167 00:10:01,559 --> 00:10:04,240 big tidy up and clear all the beds and everything, 168 00:10:04,279 --> 00:10:07,440 because then I can concentrate on doing all the shard work, 169 00:10:07,519 --> 00:10:10,679 all the polytonel work, and tidying it up and getting. 170 00:10:10,399 --> 00:10:13,200 Speaker 2: It all ready for the march so in time. 171 00:10:15,320 --> 00:10:18,240 Speaker 1: Inspect to repair the shed structure a bit like your polytonnel. 172 00:10:18,600 --> 00:10:20,799 Check around and see if if any repairs need doing. 173 00:10:20,919 --> 00:10:24,600 Check for fell check for leaks in the roof, cracks 174 00:10:24,600 --> 00:10:27,360 in the walls, or gaps around the doors. Now I 175 00:10:27,799 --> 00:10:32,320 I my ship shed come crean out leaks everywhere, but 176 00:10:32,399 --> 00:10:34,360 it waters the plants while it's leaking. 177 00:10:36,720 --> 00:10:37,720 Speaker 2: Organize your seeds. 178 00:10:37,799 --> 00:10:40,720 Speaker 1: Go through your collection of seeds and check the expiration date. 179 00:10:41,039 --> 00:10:44,360 Discard any old expired seeds, or organize the ones you 180 00:10:44,399 --> 00:10:47,440 want to keep. Store them in a cool, dry place 181 00:10:47,600 --> 00:10:51,879 inside seal containers or seed storage boxers protect from moisture 182 00:10:51,960 --> 00:10:56,159 and pests, especially squirrels. Make a list of seeds you 183 00:10:56,320 --> 00:10:58,799 need to order in the up and coming plant season 184 00:10:59,120 --> 00:11:05,840 and start planning your garden in for next year. Okay, 185 00:11:06,000 --> 00:11:08,399 so is there any other things that need doing in 186 00:11:08,639 --> 00:11:12,200 the shed? Set up bird feeders and nesting boxes. Now 187 00:11:12,240 --> 00:11:15,120 this is not particularly in the shed, but obviously in 188 00:11:15,159 --> 00:11:17,360 your shed. Filling your bird feeders up and sorting your 189 00:11:17,399 --> 00:11:20,600 nesting boxes out. If you store bird feeders or nesting 190 00:11:20,639 --> 00:11:22,919 boxes in your shed, December is a perfect time to 191 00:11:22,960 --> 00:11:25,759 clean and set them up in your garden. Clean out 192 00:11:25,799 --> 00:11:29,720 bird feeders, fill and fill them with fresh seeds or 193 00:11:29,759 --> 00:11:33,759 fat balls, and position them in sheltered areas. Providing food 194 00:11:33,879 --> 00:11:37,039 and shelter for birds during the winter months encourage us 195 00:11:37,159 --> 00:11:42,440 natural pest control. When the growing season returns, prepare for 196 00:11:42,639 --> 00:11:47,360 early spring planting. I can't wait. Start thinking ahead to 197 00:11:47,440 --> 00:11:51,639 the spring planting season. Prepare seed trays, pots, propagators, sew 198 00:11:51,679 --> 00:11:55,559 the clean and ready for sewing early crops like tomatoes, chilies, 199 00:11:56,320 --> 00:12:00,679 and sweet peas. Consider setting up a designator area in 200 00:12:00,720 --> 00:12:03,559 your shed for early seeds starting. Make sure you have 201 00:12:03,639 --> 00:12:06,759 the tools and supplies you need in place. I need 202 00:12:06,799 --> 00:12:08,919 to start writing all my seed list down of what 203 00:12:09,000 --> 00:12:11,759 I need to start planting pretty soon, because we're going 204 00:12:11,840 --> 00:12:15,679 to get started and I'm thinking about actually starting all. 205 00:12:15,600 --> 00:12:21,240 Speaker 2: My all my onion seeds as well. 206 00:12:21,399 --> 00:12:23,600 Speaker 1: We're going to start sowing some onion seeds this month, 207 00:12:23,679 --> 00:12:27,440 so hopefully we get some fantastic onions growing next month. 208 00:12:28,240 --> 00:12:31,720 So that is all the jobs which need doing in 209 00:12:31,879 --> 00:12:34,960 the shed and the polytomol. We haven't actually got anything 210 00:12:35,159 --> 00:12:39,480 any jobs for the greenhouse, but the greenhouse is basically 211 00:12:39,480 --> 00:12:42,159 the same as the shed in the polytonnel. Make sure 212 00:12:42,200 --> 00:12:46,000 like everything's disinfected, clean down, Clean down all the glass, 213 00:12:46,480 --> 00:12:50,600 clean down any surfaces, tidy up and make sure there's 214 00:12:50,600 --> 00:12:54,039 no cracks in the glasses. And also make sure there's 215 00:12:54,120 --> 00:12:58,159 enough clips holding in the glass sheets because during the 216 00:12:58,200 --> 00:13:01,360 winter months you obviously get a lot of wind than storms, 217 00:13:01,440 --> 00:13:07,399 which can actually damage the structure and once it starts 218 00:13:07,399 --> 00:13:09,480 to bend or anything like that, that is when you 219 00:13:09,519 --> 00:13:13,120 could possibly lose your greenhouse. So make sure everything is 220 00:13:13,159 --> 00:13:17,159 secured and fastened down. So that is all the jobs 221 00:13:17,480 --> 00:13:19,879 which need doing in December. If you didn't listen to 222 00:13:19,960 --> 00:13:23,120 yesterday's episode, yesterday's episode, we will talking about all the 223 00:13:23,200 --> 00:13:25,399 jobs which you need doing in the fruit garden, the 224 00:13:25,480 --> 00:13:27,960 vegetable garden and the flower garden, So make sure you 225 00:13:28,039 --> 00:13:30,519 go back and listen to that episode. If you do 226 00:13:30,679 --> 00:13:33,559 enjoy these episodes, please please please do share them out 227 00:13:33,600 --> 00:13:37,159 to friends and family or in Facebook groups and stuff 228 00:13:37,200 --> 00:13:39,679 like that for people to listen to. The more people 229 00:13:39,720 --> 00:13:41,879 that listen to them, and the bigger reach that we 230 00:13:41,960 --> 00:13:45,399 get out to, the better and yeah, I hope that 231 00:13:45,480 --> 00:13:49,279 you all enjoy them, so we'll be back with an 232 00:13:49,279 --> 00:13:53,440 episode tomorrow for you all to enjoy. So remember, keep smiling, 233 00:13:53,879 --> 00:14:00,679 keep shining, and keep gardening with everyone. Thank you for 234 00:14:00,759 --> 00:14:01,639 joining me on. 235 00:14:01,879 --> 00:14:04,440 Speaker 2: This episode of Gardening with Ben. 236 00:14:04,720 --> 00:14:07,679 Speaker 1: I hope you have found some useful tips and instegiration 237 00:14:07,879 --> 00:14:11,240 for your own gardening and a lotment journey. If you 238 00:14:11,240 --> 00:14:15,159 have enjoyed today's episode, please make sure to follow and 239 00:14:15,320 --> 00:14:19,159 subscribe to the podcast so you'll never miss a new episode. 240 00:14:19,320 --> 00:14:21,120 And if you have a moment, I'd love for you 241 00:14:21,200 --> 00:14:24,000 to leave a review and share the podcast with fellow 242 00:14:24,080 --> 00:14:29,039 gardening enthusiasts. Your support helps us grow this community and 243 00:14:29,120 --> 00:14:33,279 continue bringing you great content. You can also follow us 244 00:14:33,320 --> 00:14:37,480 on social media on every platform called Gardening with Ben 245 00:14:37,679 --> 00:14:42,039 for daily gardening tips and of days, happy gardening. And 246 00:14:42,200 --> 00:14:47,000 until next time, remember, keep smiling, keep shining, and keep 247 00:14:47,200 --> 00:14:48,679 gardening with Ben.