MINI-POLYTUNNELS are the perfect solution for small plots where space is at a premium. They’ll work a treat in back yards, city gardens, patios and can even be used on raised beds. The tunnels are ideal for grow-your-own. And when crops are harvested in autumn, the mini-polytunnel can be swung into action again to protect tender plants during the colder months.Mini-polytunnels are available from First Tunnels in three lengths with a choice of polythene or net covers. Each hoop is made from strong galvanised steel tubing (reaching a height of 3ft, 7in, while tunnels have 1ft, 9in straight sides). They even come with two extensions to allow ventilation.

Homemade jam is making a comeback as recession-hit Britons turn their hand to creating the sweet treat.

While jam-making has long been the preserve of organisations such as the Women’s Institute, it has recently soared in popularity. More than 8,500 electrical jam producing machines have been sold by home appliance firm Lakeland this year as Britons try to save their pennies.

A huge increase in the number of people growing their fruit and vegetables at home had ddedto the boom. The most popular jams are strawberry and raspberry. The Daily Express reported yesterday that one-in-eight women in their 20s had turned to growing produce to save money. But Lakeland spokeswoman Wendy Miranda said that men were also buying the £88 jam-making machines.

They had been inspired, she added, by television programmes like River Cottage, in which viewers followed the adventures of chef Hugh Fearnely-Whittingstall as a smallholder.

Christine Bracken, president of the Women’s Institute in Kendal, Cumbria said “There is a renewed interest in jam-making and home baking. It is financial common sense and it also tastes much better.”