Ordinary polythene or special stuff?

[IanP]

So I now have two raised beds with hoops and netting over them (see this thread) and now it's getting colder I can put some polythene over there and have them as mini-polytunnels for the winter. Hurrah to that.

However, I already have some ordinary polythene that i got from the garden centre a couple of years ago. It'd fit nicely, but I also have the option of spending some hard-earned on that special polytunnel stuff. I know the special doesn't break down from the uv, but does it also let more light through or anything clever like that?

What do the panel think? Should I use what I've got or buy some more?

Cheers,
Ian.

[Mrs Dobby]

Short term I would probably go with what you've got and see how it goes, you can always splash out at a later date on the polytunnel stuff!

For ourselves its a case of doing it as cheaply as possible, not just cos we are skint, but its the principle of the thing! lol!

[nick the grief]

I agree with Mrs D,

Seeing as you've got it you may as well use it but it wont last as long as the proper stuff would so when it comes to replacing buy it then.

[Snadger]

For ourselves its a case of doing it as cheaply as possible, not just cos we are skint, but its the principle of the thing! lol!

Well said Mrs D....thats the code I garden by as well! Makes it more of a challenge!

[IanP]

I have to say that re-using the old stuff appeals on at least two levels:

1. Reuse is the green choice
2. I'm a penny-pinching old b******d

Cheers,
Ian.