Polytunnel

[gengis]

Hi I need to buy a new polytunnel 3x2m as previous one collapsed due to the wind. I was think about putti g in addition roof bars and pipe lagging rather thsn tape - would that impact how the cover fits the tunnel? Any suggestions how to make it more secure? Thanks

[Vince G]

Depends what sort of tunnel you're looking to buy really. Don't buy a "blowaway" as they're called on here. These are the ones that are greenish in colour, they're pretty flimsy and can blow away, hence the nicknake. Best ones are the the ones where you buy the strong metal hoops that you sink in the ground and then stretch a single clear piece of plastic over the lot and bury it all around the outside, posts for a door etc. Sounds like what you had previously. Premier Polytunnels are good, as are Highland Polytuynnels.

I am about to replace my 12 year old cover, so if you invest well they last ages. I really like your idea about lagging the hoops rather than using hotspot tape, shouldn't affect the fit of the plastic really if the lagging is realtively thin. Not sure why I haven't thought of this before as I already have a bit of pipe lagging on one of the crop bars as got fed up smacking my head on it! I think the crop bars add to the stability, especially as I hang things off them to add weight, hanging baskets of spare strawb plants etc.

Also a good idea to position it at an angle so the prevailing wind hits the side of it a glancing blow rather than straight at it.