Polytunnel path layout

[Caithness Gardener]

In the process of constructing a 24' x 14' tunnel. Any suggestions on path layout? I found an excentric 'E' allowed access to the growing beds without needing to step on the soil - basically need to maximise bed area.

[Berr]

For what it's worth, these are my plans for the 21'x42' tunnel I bought last November but which-for various boring reasons- is still only half-erected.

I will have 27" wide staging down the full length of one side. Adjacent to this will be a sand path 30" wide. At right angles to this path will be six 20" high raised beds, each 4'x8'.These beds will be 18" apart. At the other side of these beds and running the length of the tunnel will be a 3' path. The remainder will be taken up by seven 20" high raised beds, each 4'x4', and again 18" apart. There will remain space at one end for a small greenhouse which will be heated for seed sowing in the Springtime. At the other end will be a path about 2' wide linking the long paths and thus enabling walking all round the tunnel without retracing steps. On most of the staging I propose to grow strawberries in pots, also peppers, chillies, etc. Originally, I planned to have only one path- that beside the staging, and use the rest of the space for 4' beds about 11' long, but I think having the other 3' path will give better access, and a pleasanter atmosphere in which to work.

Not sure how this will help, but it's all I can offer.

[JennieAtkinson]

I have a small bed running alongside one edge, with the staging above it. But I can move the staging out of the way later in the summer when I'm not using it for small plants. On the opposite side I have a wider bed (as far out as the door). This is too wide and I can't get to the area at the back without having to put down stepping stones. In the middle I have an open area which I have covered with bark chippings and I lay in here approximately eight grow bags. One of the bag areas is to be replaced this year by a runner bean raised bed.

I have found this works quite well and is flexible enough to change. I found my original layout didn't work, as until you really start growing in the polytunnel you think you have LOADS of space. When everything gets going the space just disappears. I am also rotating my beds, so need the flexibility for that too.

Hope this helps. Once everything gets growing I'll try and get a picture.

[sewer rat]

I don't have a tunnel but my mate does and if you wanna save ground space do what he does - he grows two rows of strawbs suspended on frames that hang from the roof and he then is able to crop on the floor under these. The strawbs are at eye level (if you're six foot plus), easy to pick and always clean.

[Berr]

I wonder what Freud would have made of that avatar, SR- especially at THIS time!
Every good wish for the big event, by the way.

Berr.