Tunnel of Love

I had that song swimming around my mind the other day as I went about planting up the polytunnel, and failed to notice the connection until some time later. It is strange how we can be one step ahead of ourselves like this, and I suppose the lesson is to trust in your intuition, as it is sharper than you are.

So, naturally acting intuitively, we began the merry task of designing and planting the tunnel this week. For the main path we have a broad sign wave blending into a spiral at the top end. Perhaps not that practical, but it is beautiful, and I want the space to be pleasing, relaxing and meditative as well as productive.

The north-west side is planted with the three sisters: sweetcorn, the oldest, beans, the middle one, and squash, the youngest. These plants have been grown together for generations by some Native American people, who, incidentally, have apparently expressed a preference for being known as 'Red Indians' - better I suppose to be named after the invaders' error, rather than the invaders themselves. The three plants are good companions for each other. The nutrient hungry corn enjoys the nitrogen fixed by the beans, while providing them with something to climb. The squash provides a living mulch, covering the ground with its broad spiky leaves, keeping it cool and moist, and deterring pests. The produce from the three plants is also compatible, each providing vitamins and amino acids lacking in the others.

On the south-east side is a bank of tomato plants with parsley, cabbage, coriander and basil nesting around. In the middle is the achocha (exploding cucumbers) with a lattice of woven bird cherry for them to climb. I am determined that one door of the tunnel will not be visible from the other, so that as far as possible one can get lost in there. The yakon, a tallish South American root crop, should help, as will the sunflowers and french beans.

Around the doors I have planted onions to deter rabbits and insect pests, and asters to attract pollinating insects. Marigolds will follow.

It is such an uplifting time to be outside with the world spring up all around. As Jack Torrance so wisely said, "all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy", so I guess for everyone's sake I'd better get back out there...