Topic: Greenhouse versus poly tunnel

[Marymary]

i have finally managed to persuade OH that we need to dig up part of the lawn for more veg - still arguing about how much - so I'll have lots of questions in the weeks to come but the first thing to decide is about the greenhouse.

We inherited an old greenhouse when we moved here 6 years ago, it has several broken panels & others filled with polycarbonate some of which has gone black so light levels are not good.  We did think of getting an new one but then I thought it might be a better idea to get as small poly tunnel as well.  So the options are:
1 replace greenhouse with a new one
2 replace greenhouse with a poly tunnel
3 fix up old greenhouse & add a poly tunnel

Can't afford both but would the poly tunnel be really worth it - what would it offer that a greenhouse doesn't?  

I would be very grateful for any ideas.  Thanks

[Merry Tiller]

I love my polytunnel............ best thing on my allotment

[kt.]

Never had a polytunnel but I would think it is cheaper to replace a sheet of broken glass tha a ripped poly

[Merry Tiller]

Yes, cheaper agreed but initial cost per square yard?

[saddad]

I wouldn't be without either of my two 8x6 greenhouses or my 8x10 poly you get more area for the same cost with a poly. In a garden I would go for a GH every time. Still hoping to get a second tunnel though!
 ::)

[manicscousers]

it would only cost about 70.00 to replace our 30 foot poly cover, God forbid we need to just yet,
I'd go for both if it was me, the green house, this time of year and spring gives you, in my opinion, better light levels ,but you get more space for your money with a poly, ours cost about 380.00 two years ago, for 30' by 10', our 6x8 greenhouse cost us more than that when we bought it, 8 years ago.. :)

[Merry Tiller]

My poltunnel cost me the price of the polythene, I "found" the frame on a disused plot :o

[ipt8]

If you can keep the greenhouse do so. Its possible to heat in the winter against frost easier than a polytunnel. BUT get the biggest polytunnel you can as well.

[Marymary]

Thanks for the advice.  We have spent most of the day measuring the space in the garden & eventually decided to reglaze the old greenhouse AND buy a small polytunnel only 8 x 10 but it will tripple the amount of indoor space.  I'm sooooooooo excited, can't wait. Any suggestions for the best place to get it from.

[Merry Tiller]

Try Firsttunnels

http://www.firsttunnels.co.uk/

[manicscousers]

got ours from northern poytunnels, good service  :)

[saddad]

I've always used "first" since I started with polys over a decade ago...