Allotments 4 All

Allotment Stuff => The Basics => Topic started by: Buster54 on February 12, 2009, 11:59:54

Title: Dilema
Post by: Buster54 on February 12, 2009, 11:59:54
Going to build a poly tunnel but not sure which way to site it A OR B,regarding which way would be best for weather impact or is it just a case of swings and roundabouts  ??? ???
(http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm265/Buster1954/ALLOT-1.jpg)
Title: Re: Dilema
Post by: manicscousers on February 12, 2009, 12:02:13
hiya, buster..is there anything around where you would be siting it, trees, fence, sheds ?
Title: Re: Dilema
Post by: hopalong on February 12, 2009, 12:04:15
East to West orientation is best if you want the maximum amount of light throughout the day
Title: Re: Dilema
Post by: Buster54 on February 12, 2009, 12:06:13
Its not going as close as it is but there is a metal railing fence at the top of A and a hedge behind B running up the length of the plot
Title: Re: Dilema
Post by: manicscousers on February 12, 2009, 12:08:24
we have ours running b in your plan, ours has weathered many a storm, 4 th year now and we do okay  ;D
our sides are buried in a trench  :)
pics in our gallery
Title: Re: Dilema
Post by: Tee Gee on February 12, 2009, 13:21:03
For maximum light I would say 'B'
Title: Re: Dilema
Post by: Mowhay on February 12, 2009, 13:23:36
I would agree with Tee Gee I think "B" gives even light for growing
Title: Re: Dilema
Post by: Bjerreby on February 12, 2009, 13:44:01
B, because both sides get equal amonts of sunlight
Title: Re: Dilema
Post by: Buster54 on February 12, 2009, 14:08:15
I was thinking more on the lines of adverse weather as the wind blows in the direction of the arrow,if I put it at B although there is more of the tunnel(20ft so to speak)open to the direction of the weather,if I put it at A there would be only 10ft 
Title: Re: Dilema
Post by: davyw1 on February 12, 2009, 14:41:35
Pollytunnels should run from east to west so plants at the north side of the tunnel get more light because they are not so shaded by any tall plants on the south side. Also they can get rather warm so the best ventilation runs trough the tunnel from east to west or vice versa having a door at both ends.

Title: Re: Dilema
Post by: saddad on February 12, 2009, 16:19:40
I'd go with B as well, esp if weather direction includes strong winds... the sides are more streamlined than the door ends and the wind can get inside the door ends and lift/tear the cover more easily...  :-\
Title: Re: Dilema
Post by: Buster54 on February 12, 2009, 17:03:33
Thanks everyone East to West it is gonna start it tomorrow,don't know what it is about you women I got a couple of pieces of tubing keeping warm in the dining room my sweet potato in the front room and she's going nuts,must be the tablets she's on  ;D ;D
(http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm265/Buster1954/DSCF0326.jpg)
(http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm265/Buster1954/DSCF0330.jpg)
Title: Re: Dilema
Post by: tonybloke on February 12, 2009, 17:43:00
Alll ( or nearly all) commercial greenhouses and polytunnels run from North to South, so that the long side is exposed to the sun early in the a.m. and late in the p.m. This ensures maximum light throughout the whole growing year. This will help to keep temperature rises and falls more stable. any tall plants need to be positioned at the north end. take some photies, and post them!! ;)
Title: Re: Dilema
Post by: hopalong on February 12, 2009, 18:00:32
Quote from: tonybloke on February 12, 2009, 17:43:00
Alll ( or nearly all) commercial greenhouses and polytunnels run from North to South, so that the long side is exposed to the sun early in the a.m. and late in the p.m. This ensures maximum light throughout the whole growing year. This will help to keep temperature rises and falls more stable. any tall plants need to be positioned at the north end. take some photies, and post them!! ;)

On our RHS gardening course last week, Tony, we were told very firmly that East-West orientation gives the maximum light across a full day.
Title: Re: Dilema
Post by: asbean on February 12, 2009, 19:37:19
Ours is north=south  :) :) :) :)