Walk-in Polytunnels

[nixy]

Hi all,

I have managed to get a bargain from ebay, a large walk-in polytunnel....Result.

Now, the pressing question is where should I locate it.

Are there any guidelines/tips that I should adhere to. Obviously putting it where the sun gets to it is a good start.

Our garden is perfectly south facing with a slight slope to the SE and trees at the bottom.

So, general tips would be brilliant.

Thanks.

Paul

[Dogstar]

Well done, I'm sure you will not regret getting a tunnel. It's by far the most productive component of our garden, but there are definite things to consider. Obviously avoid shade from trees; they can be good for shade in the height of summer, but if a branch falls in the winter... and then there's leaves and bird sh... Best avoided! It's also best to have your water butts higher than the tunnel so you can water with seep hoses, or at least not have to walk uphill with watering cans.

If you site it with the ridge N-S, when the sun is low in the autumn/winter/spring months you will get little light; it the ridge is E/W the sun will rise at the east door and gradually expose all the south-facing side to light till it sets in the west. In the summer the sun is largely overhead anyway. So work out what you want to grow and when; long rows of early/late stuff will get more sun with an E/W ridge.

Another thing to look at for the long term is replacing the PVC cover. I find 5 years is about the limit for PVC, but I always move the frame at the same time so as to avoid soil depletion, diseases etc. It's easier to just lift it to the next plot rather than dismantle is and carry it round the garden.

TIP: Keep the old plastic to "doubleglaze" a bit of the tunnel from inside using plastic plumbing pipes as hoops, so as to help with overwintering plants.

The main problem I have had with tunnels is inadequate ventilation. Mine has two doors and is aligned so the prevailing winds blow through. When the sun is high, temperatures easily get to 45°C and above, so the doors need to be open all the time, which rabbits, birds and cats love. So if these are a problem, build a second door with wire mesh on so as to let air in and keep pests out.

Best of luck!

Dogstar

[nixy]

Many thanks. I think either this or next weekend have been penciled in for "Project Poly".

Let the digging begin......

[stupo74]

Hi Nixy, bit of a cheeky question, would you mind telling me the price you paid for your bargain polytunnel, and the size. I am trying to gauge what would be best for myself, depending on the price, size etc. Many thanks in advance, Paul (stupo74)

[nixy]

ebay, about GBP60 inc P&P and its about 3mx2m, try eBay UK Shop - Outdoor Line Store: Green House, Marquee, Canopy, EZ-Easy Pop Up Tent I think these are the ones I got it from.

[stupo74]

Hi again Nixy, Thanks for reply. Bought one myself, for the money, i think it will do the job nicely, and should last a couple of years at the very least, if put away in the really bad weather. Nice size as well, loads of room for the few things i like to grow, with space, to try some new ideas. Good luck with "your growing" this season, cheers,,,,,,,,, paul (stupo)

[Liam]

I put up a polytunnel about 7 years ago...was great for the first couple of years then weeds started to take over, couldn't control them so then I covered it with myplex ground cover and put down some raised beds filled with compost and also some containers...now I have plenty of veg....and hopefully for most of the year....overall they are a very wise investment...extend the growing season by a lot..good luck with it