Cheapo polytunnel?

[lewic]

I've found these on Ebay http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/4-5m-Polytunnel-Greenhouse-Pollytunnel-Poly-Tunnel_W0QQitemZ150370173105QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Home_Garden_Garden_Structures_Fencing_CV?hash=item2302c2c0b1&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

Wondered if anyone had one and were they any good? I can't afford a greenhouse!

[lewic]

[elvis2003]

wow what a bargain,im wondering too now

[thifasmom]

i haven't got one but i'm sure i read on here that others say they make great kites if not in a sheltered spot ??? :-X.

[steve76]

That's what I'm getting ;D
Theres one on our site and its very good had a chat with him other day and he said to make sure you put it properly and dig in the sides if you intend to keep it up over winter.
His Will be 2 yrs old this winter.

[lewic]

Thanks for the advice. Hope to get one in the next couple of months, will be digging it in and weighing down the sides though!

[chriscross1966]

This one seems to be the bigger model....
http://www.warehouse24.co.uk/6m_x_3m_polytunnel_for_gardens_and_allotments-large.html?category_id=20.... it's not quite as big as what I was planning to DIY but it isn't expensive (less than my DIY one for instance).... I'm sorely tempted.....

chrisc

[Squash64]

I've got one, from Ebay too, and I would NOT recommend it.

The frame is fine, very sturdy and no problems with it.  We put metal stakes into the ground and attached it to them and it hasn't moved at all.

However, the covering is complete rubbish.

In less than a year most of the seams came undone in a strong wind.  I sewed them up but now the fabric itself is disintegrating.  There are holes all over it letting the rain in.

In its first year it was brilliant.  I grew tomatoes and peppers/chillies in it and they did really well.  This year, it never got really warm inside because of all the holes and rips in the fabric. 

Maybe I was just unlucky and other people havn't had these problems.  It's a shame, because you get a lot of polytunnel for the price. 

Sorry to be so negative.

[lewic]

Oh dear.. I suppose if I find somewhere where I can collect it in person I can always use it for one season then take it back if it rips and get a replacement for the next year! Or maybe I could re-cover it somehow.

Unfortunately I cant afford £400ish for a proper one, + whatever it costs in labour to hire people to put it up (probably the same again!)

[saddad]

Worth it for the frame itself... to grow climbing squash on...  :)

[Squash64]

I've noticed that there are a couple of them on plots at the allotments.  I'll  have a close look at them when I go over and see if they have the same problem with the fabric.  It could be just mine.

[Squash64]

Worth it for the frame itself... to grow climbing squash on...  :)

Many a true word........

That's got me thinking now, I could use it for a Bangladeshi style squash frame next year.

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[shirlton]

Our Tracy got one last year from our allotment shop for £40 and its useless. Its an 8x6 gh shaped. After one season its a wreck. The corners of the frame has collapsed and the cover has disintegrated in several places leaving only the mesh. It is in a well protected area behind a shed. Very dissapointing that it hasn't even lasted for a year. We have got a free secondhand one to put up for her in the spring.BTW. I saw Bettys when we went visiting and hers is a mess also.

[SMP1704]

I have a 3mx2m version.  I've had it for two years and it has suffered and recovered from a serious bout of vandalism and despite that, it has been brilliant this year.

I got mine from Outdoorline - an ebay seller who have been selling these plastic polys the longest, when it was vandalised, I asked if they sold replacement bits and covers and yes they do - I decided not to do that as it would have been more expensive than what I bought it for.  I paid £32 incl delivery, so if I have to get another one for 2011, it would still have been a good investment.  If the frame had not been vandalised, I would just go for a new cover.  Now is the time to get one - between Nov and Jan is a slow time in the outdoor leisure market ;)