I've had to admit defeat on my plans here to get a polytunnel http://www.allotments4all.co.uk/smf/index.php/topic,68878.0.html so I guess there are two alternatives, well one really. I've looked at plans and instructions for a build your own but diy is not one of the skills I'd add to my cv so I'm going to discount that route.
Another option is the one here http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/310323053262 (I'm waiting to hear back if they'll ship a larger size to Spain). The frame looks ok but the cover is a tad worrying. I was thinking that maybe with the money saved I could perhaps do something to make the whole thing stronger and more storm-proof. For those of you who have a polytunnel does that sound a reasonable assumption? I was thiniking of maybe replacing the zip door with a wooden framed one for a start. Any suggestions and comments welcome.
By the way, I've phoned places here and the prices being quoted are higher than First Tunnels plus shipping so that's a non-starter.
This is the only Spanish one I can find that comes near to budget http://cgi.ebay.es/INVERNADERO-HUERTO-O-JARDIN-3-7-x-6-metros-/390342970928?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_186&hash=item5ae2410e30
That ebay seller is close to me in Syston and I was also looking at his polytunnels,
It would appear they ship to mainland Europe but of course it will not be cheap:
http://www.feelgooduk.net/content/1-delivery
I have a similar polytunnel and there have been threads about them this year, The tube steel frame isn't too bad and the whole shebang will stay put if you bury it but the cover is poor - it is made up of smaller pieces of plastic sewn together and the seams split in the wind.
Still, they do sell replacement covers and you could always buy a spare.
Ah sorry, now I see you mean that the seller actually quotes the shipping price to Spain for the smaller tunnel but not the bigger one - silly me.
Thanks for taking a look. I just heard back from them and they can't ship the largest one. Shipping for the 4m model is very reasonable but it's really too small for what I wanted. The cover doesn't look great, does it? I've just got to decide now whether to splash the cash on the one from Spain.
I had one similar to that and it was very flimsy, the poles bent while I was putting it up and the cover ripped in the first storm. Would probably be fine in a sheltered spot, but mine ended up completely trashed!
I'm still hoping to get my polytunnel before Spring. I've found two more on ebay today that will ship to Spain, both are 6m x 3m
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/6M-X-3M-GALVANISED-POLYTUNNEL-7-HOOP-EXTRA-STRENGHT-/220925020192?pt=UK_Home_Garden_Garden_Structures_Fencing_CV&hash=item3370284820#shId - looks quite strong but uses a roll up door
http://www.ebay.es/itm/GEWACHSHAUS-FOLIENTUNNEL-18m-Serre-Tunnel-de-jardin-Invernadero-Greenhouse-/230743803176?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_77&hash=item35b9670528 - doesn't look quite so sturdy, no ventilation flaps but does have a door at each end
Would anyone like to have a look and comment on either of those - it'd be much appreciated!
The second and cheaper one looks really flimsy to me. The cover appears to just be polythene sheeting and I doubt it would last long in any wind.
The first one deffinitley appears a more sturdy construction, although if it were me - I'd look at building in a wooden frame with a proper door somehow and I'd also look to strengthen it further.
Perhaps adding in a few diagonal metal struts pop rivited in, here and there, would help support the frame.
good luck - I wish I had the space for something of that scale!
;D
sheddie
Thanks for taking a look. That was my feeling too, just a shame about the door but as you say, maybe something can be done there.
Yep..the first one looks sturdier..you could asked from the seller how much is there achorage for the main hoops into ground. If its going to be in exposed site..you will need good 12" of of 'spare' to sink in.
I'm not sure about the cover material though..I haven't seen that type before. If it is stiched any way at all to keep it together, like said before..it will rip.
One single piece of polythene with plenty of overlap and buried into ground from edges will give you 'as strong as it gets' tunnel.
Yeah, the cover is a bit of a concern - do you know how interchangeable covers are though? I mean if I can get a minimum 3 years out of it that wouldn't be so bad.
This guy seems to do covers that may do the job?:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Polytunnel-Greenhouse-Pollytunnel-Poly-Tunnel-COVER-/310314679023?pt=UK_Home_Garden_Garden_Structures_Fencing_CV&var=&hash=item8e086b185e (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Polytunnel-Greenhouse-Pollytunnel-Poly-Tunnel-COVER-/310314679023?pt=UK_Home_Garden_Garden_Structures_Fencing_CV&var=&hash=item8e086b185e)
If its anything like the smaller greenhouse I had (the fabric looks very similar) - mine only lasted two seasons before it started to fall to pieces - as goodlife said, the areas that are stitched tend to just come apart in the wind.
You might make it to three though with a bit of luck and the use of polytunnel tape!
;D
sheddie
Quote from: elhuerto on February 12, 2012, 17:57:15
Yeah, the cover is a bit of a concern - do you know how interchangeable covers are though? I mean if I can get a minimum 3 years out of it that wouldn't be so bad.
Any tunnel polythene that you buy off roll..(like for example from First tunnels) you can use with any frame. Off roll is just flat sheet and you have to bury into ground or use wooden frame on bottom to attach it on. In the ends the sheet its been gathered and again buried into ground and fastened into wooden door/window frame.
The cover on my tunnel is now 12 yrs old..there is odd little hole on it when cats have jumped on top and used their nales..but otherwise I suspect I still get couple of more years out of it.
Thanks a lot - much appreciated. I'm going to get the first one and hope for the best. Will need to get some hot spot tape too.
Good luck with it - we'd love to see some photos when you get it up and running
sheddie
Have you not thought of going down the DIY route, you can purchase your poly from the UK which will be cheaper than shipping a complete tunnel out there, then source your frame work (blue plastic water pipe) and timber locally,erecting in the beautiful sun shine, I will come over and do it for you,
Polytunnel arrived and went up without too much stress. Was getting dark so took a photo here with it almost complete http://www.flickr.com/photos/granyanella/6932158543/in/photostream/
Quite happy with it although a tad worried about the zip door. The plastic cover and frame appear fine but time will tell I guess.