Golden Rules for Polytunnels
The picture on the left is our polytunnel with straight sides, 16m long and big sliding doors. Next one is an 18 long polytunnel at The Organic Centre. Third pic is a very small polytunnel and the last picture is a medium polytunnel, but doors are much too small.
Golden rules for buying a polytunnel
• Buy as large as your site and budget allows
• Get quotes from suppliers and ask for back-up service (putting up the tunnel, replacement plastic, additional crop bars etc.)
• Buy the best and strongest plastic you can get and repair tape
• Prepare site before erecting the polytunnel
• Look for maximum ventilation when selecting the doors
Golden rules for growing in a polytunnel
Open and close every day
Establish a good watering routine
Have water supply very close to the polytunnel
Have a set-up that accommodates changes
Start with an easy rotation
Have mulching materials and crop covers at hand
Establish some permanent crops in the corners
Have a (semi-permanent) propagation bench in the polytunnel (needs electricity, outdoor socket!)
Have a polytunnel caretaker