Choices, choices

[The Riff-Raff Element]

Pigs of polytunnel? I have some spare ground that is currently scrub. It could, I believe, either accommodate a pair fo pigs for fattening or I could put a polytunnel on it. I am torn. Which one to go for?

[oldjerry]

I've done this,so its not as mad as you think: Mark out the area for the tunnel,then add a couple of feet all round,fence with electric,chuck in an arc,4 months of the pigs,then rotovate ,then put tunnel up!

So basically,BOTH!

[Green Aura]

Being good at geography (not!) I've just googled your area and there seem to be an awful lot of outdoor swimming pools. I'm guessing your weather is a little better than ours

So I'd go with OJs suggestion, as far as marking out and getting the pigs - see how you like being a swineherd and then make your decision.

[2ndRateMind]

Oh, the pigs, definately. If you are not planning on going anywhere, or have someone to look after them in your absence. Much more value in the meat than the veg. Good luck!

[the.fee.fairy]

I like OJ's suggestion. Pigs first to rotovate and fertilise the ground and then polytunnel when the pigs have gone to the big pig heaven in the sky.... (I like pigs ok! I don't eat pigs so I don't like to think about the A place or the S place...).

[red]

pigs

if you get on well with keeping pigs and enjoy the resulting pork, then you can have pigs again next year. and if not, you can put the PT up on cleared ground :)

[The Riff-Raff Element]

Thanks for the replies. I need to give the matter more thought - I'm very keen to extend the growing season, but the idea of combining the two does appeal.

[oldjerry]

Bear mind,if they're weaned at say 10 weeks(might be a bit different over there) then you will have them 14 to 16 weeks.It's best to have them when you expect it to be relatively dry (otherwise you'll need a JCB not a rotovator!),so midsummer or midwinter is ideal,so time it accordng to your in/ tunnel growing season.(hope that makes sense).

[boboff]

if you haven't had pigs, then this is a must.
If you get some now, they will be slaughtered late November, that will give the Poo time to settle and wash, rotavate and put up polly tunnel in the Spring.
Job Done!

[grahamhobbs]

The area you need for 2 pigs is surely going to be more than you need for a polytunnel, so why not construct a polytunnel on top of their shelter (ok an enlarged shelter). Raised up off the ground with the pigs under, the pigs will provide valuable heat on winter nights. You'd need to think about what you could grow your veg in, but perhaps you could exploit some sloping ground. I don't know I just thought I'd throw the idea in.

[oldjerry]

That's a wild idea! Sort of hen powered propagator on steroids! ( I was thinking 40' by 12' say for the tunnel,a good run for the pigs).

[The Riff-Raff Element]

That's the sort of space I have - it's actually part of the chicken's area, but they never range that far, so I've decided to reassign it. Negotiations are now in progress with OH.

[oldfella]

Negotiations are now in progress with OH.

Good place to start, do the hard bits first.

[clare]

OOh pigs definately!We had one and it filled a freezer so 2 would keep you in meat for ages and then you can put up the poly tunnel on the nicely fertilized roativated land!We went the whole hog(parden the pun)and had bacon,ham,sausages,roasting joints,chops etc and it fed our family for a year.A great experience too,the children loved the pig(with no name) but understood he was going off to be sausages.We are going to get 2 more very soon but I need to sort my freezer space first!