T2 is our second tunnel. This tunnel was built from a frame which we bought at a local garage sale. Loads of work went into pulling it apart (by Jim of course) and bringing it home. Then it became another family “project”. We swapped potting mix for bird net (thanks Tony) which became the cover over the frame. Being involved with Batrescue, we are seriously conscious of the damage netting can do to bats, birds and other wildlife and we agree that if you can avoid it, don’t use net at all. If you have to, look carefully at the types of netting available. Avoid black net – it is hard to see. White net is fine, but not the rigid plastic variety, this will cut through a bat limb or wing very quickly indeed. The best type is the white stretchy fabric type, which is easier to manipulate in a rescue situation. The other consideration is how you net. If you drape it over your trees or plants, the bats and other wildlife will be quickly tangled. It has to be stretched out taut, so there is no give in it to cause problems. And that is of course how we have netted our tunnel. It could be stretched tighter, and will be soon.
Levelling the ground was not as important with this tunnel, as the cover was not going to be dug into the ground, but we didn’t want the pots permanently leaning. The site was obvious – next to T1.
There was more digging involved which is always the most dreaded task on this rocky block. We did have a post hole digger for the bobcat, but it didn’t come with a rock breaker, so we couldn’t use it often enough to justify its existence. We buried the posts and put the frame together. It was amazing how easily it went together. Then it was a case of the weednet, the net, the watering system which runs from the house tank, and moving in the plants.
Note how helpful Coco was this time? She was supervising!
T2 is home to our cayennes, birds eyes, aji orchids, a couple of rocotos and the jalapenos that just don’t work for me! We have had a few pest (usually of the small animal kind) problems, but with the wonderful rain, there is plenty out there for them to eat, and they may leave the chillies alone.