Allotments 4 All

Produce => Under Glass => Topic started by: Inky on December 29, 2008, 20:16:11

Title: Polytunnels
Post by: Inky on December 29, 2008, 20:16:11
I would like one of these for my allotment. As I thought they would make a cheap alternative to a greenhouse. I found this on ebay
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Large-Polytunnel-Greenhouse-Hydroponics-Organic_W0QQitemZ160302181946QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Home_Garden_Garden_Structures_Fencing_CV?hash=item160302181946&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1296%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318
Which is what gave me the idea, however every other wedbsite I look at these seem to cost a fortune, more than getting a greenhouse. Can anyone point me in a good direction.
Title: Re: Polytunnels
Post by: manicscousers on December 29, 2008, 20:21:47
we had something similar before we got the one from northern polytunnels we have now...whether we were unlucky with it, it got completely ruined by a very strong wind  :-\
Title: Re: Polytunnels
Post by: asbean on December 29, 2008, 21:36:16
Welcome to A4A, Inky

Ours is from First Tunnels and is 10ft x 15ft.  We paid extra for anchor plates, storm braces and crop bars, all addiing to the stability of the structure.  If I had a tunnel like the one in the ad I would be worried each time we had a high wind, worrying where it would end up.  We've had a few gales since ours has been up, and I must say it is very secure.

But the difference in price says it all, I think.  Also the ad does say it's "Temporary".  Good you can put it up on the lawn till all the seedlings are through, or whatever.

:) :) :) :)
Title: Re: Polytunnels
Post by: Alexihen on December 29, 2008, 21:55:03
I found this link which is for a home made polytunnel.  Several of my friends have now made their own using these instructions, very cheaply.
Title: Re: Polytunnels
Post by: Alexihen on December 29, 2008, 21:55:37
Sorry - forgot link:

http://www.overthegardengate.net/UserPages/pp_view.asp?FName=polytunnel&Page=1
Title: Re: Polytunnels
Post by: Inky on December 30, 2008, 15:59:06
Hmm yes, I have a feeling they may be a false economy, the more I look at it the more it looks like a childs wendy house!

I think I might just bite the bullet and get one of the first tunnel ones.
Title: Re: Polytunnels
Post by: asbean on January 03, 2009, 20:20:51
Inky - when you buy your polytunnel, remember to get some repair tape (just in case!).  I bought some, and have a repair job to do now.

Went to the plot this afternoon and discovered a very frightened thrush that had managed to get in under the door and couldn't get out.  Goodness knows how long he'd been there, the last time the tunnel was open for sure was Christmas Eve.  Trouble is, in his panic to get out he flew at the sides of the tunnel, of course hitting it with his beak.  >:( >:( >:( >:(
Title: Re: Polytunnels
Post by: Inky on January 05, 2009, 17:02:19
Well I have just ordered my poly tunnel. Have opted for a 8' x 10' one with the anchor plates and timber side bits so I dont have to dug the trench round it, and the thermal poly. I dont actually have the allotment till the 21st, but I have no idea how long it takes for them to deliver them, and I wanted to take advantage of the sale that ends tomorrow.
Title: Re: Polytunnels
Post by: saddad on January 05, 2009, 17:10:27
I'm sure you won't regret it... don't leave the cover too long folded up as that can cause stress lines in the cover when it is erected and reduce the lifespan...  :)
Title: Re: Polytunnels
Post by: *pixie* on March 03, 2009, 15:57:17
My hubby just bought me one of these and I am really concerned about it flying away. Basically we couldnt afford anything else just now as we have not long got our house. Has anyone had any success with them?
Title: Re: Polytunnels
Post by: Plot69 on March 04, 2009, 09:23:08
If your going to put one of those up for any length of time I'd be inclined to either put concrete blocks or a slab path all round it over the top of that skirt. That should make it a bit more stable.
Title: Re: Polytunnels
Post by: *pixie* on March 04, 2009, 09:34:13
Quote from: Plot69 on March 04, 2009, 09:23:08
If your going to put one of those up for any length of time I'd be inclined to either put concrete blocks or a slab path all round it over the top of that skirt. That should make it a bit more stable.

Ah yes I had been thinking about gravel but slabs would be great! Thanks. Im not very handy with making things but is there anything we can do to the frame to make it more stable?
Title: Re: Polytunnels
Post by: saddad on March 04, 2009, 09:42:07
I tend to bury the "skirt" The frame should be strong enough *pixie* if it is diagonally braced, and most are.  :)
Title: Re: Polytunnels
Post by: *pixie* on March 04, 2009, 10:17:34
Thanks very much. I feel a bit better about it now.
Its going on slabbed area as my grassed area where I really want it is surrounded by trees and rarely gets much light.
Title: Re: Polytunnels
Post by: saddad on March 04, 2009, 11:05:14
If it's on slabs, and can't have the edges buried I'd go back to the gravel idea...
Turn the skirts inside the poly Buld a 4" deep "bed" and fill with pea gravel, put your tubs/containers grow bags on this...  :)
Title: Re: Polytunnels
Post by: *pixie* on March 05, 2009, 15:03:00
Quote from: saddad on March 04, 2009, 11:05:14
If it's on slabs, and can't have the edges buried I'd go back to the gravel idea...
Turn the skirts inside the poly Buld a 4" deep "bed" and fill with pea gravel, put your tubs/containers grow bags on this...  :)

Will the supports not get in the way? Maybe I could put slabs around the edge and some Gravel inbetween The slabs?
Title: Re: Polytunnels
Post by: saddad on March 05, 2009, 15:27:18
I would want more weight than just a slab on the skirt myself, you can slit the skirt up to ground level where the frame is.  :-\
Title: Re: Polytunnels
Post by: *pixie* on March 05, 2009, 19:49:00
Quote from: saddad on March 05, 2009, 15:27:18
I would want more weight than just a slab on the skirt myself, you can slit the skirt up to ground level where the frame is.  :-\

Of course I can. Sorry long day at work. Like your idea better actually I think it will look neater. Thanks.
Am waiting for the worst weather to pass before I put it up! I will be sure to post up pics when I do.
Thank you again.