Don't shoot me, but

[Dianne1234567]

What are the advantages of a polytunnel? Have thought about buying, but are they necessary and any good? Thought I would ask some advice.

[SMT]

Hi dianne

As the polytunnel raises the inside temperature you will be able to extend your growing season. You'll be able to make earlier sowings in spring, thus getting a jump on the season. Likewise, you’ll be able to harvest late into the autumn months.

The plants should find the climate favorable resulting in bountiful crops. You just have to watch out for extreme heat as ventilation is often an issue with polys.

When not in use it’s a great place for drying and storing things out of the rain.

They are child and pet safe unlike a glass greenhouse.

A polytunnel is far cheaper than a greenhouse based on £/area.

The down side is that all the plants inside a poly rely on watering from 'you'. So you need to keep on eye on them regularly depending on variety of veg. If it was planned to go on an allotment and you’re not able to visit regularly then this may be a problem, but the same argument can be said for a greenhouse.

There will be other benefits but I have only had one season growing in a poly so I have a lot to learn yet.

[Dianne1234567]

Hi SMT

I hadn't actually thought of the watering side of it, although I do have a glass greenhouse, although that can become quite cramped at times, so a poly tunnel would give me more room for tomatoes, cucumbers and such the like which would be really good. I will really need to price it up to see if it would be worthwhile. Cheers.

[SMT]

Some mulching will probably help with the watering aspect.

If you know someone who owns a van then opt to collect yourself as you can save around £80 off the total price. Thats what I did. Also, some companies have special offers on now and then so keep an eye out. I kept an eye out on ebay for 2nd hand polys too.

[Alison]

I had my polytunnel delivered today and delivery was free as it was over their minimum order price. Not put it up yet but the main reason I got it was to extend the growing season both early and late.

[lottielady]

premier polytunnels are doing some deals on ebay at the moment tunnels without the door ends !! and also free delivery i used the search "polytunnel and then scanned through good luck

[SMT]

The polytunnel that I bought was free delivery on all orders. I still asked whether they would knock anything off for collecting it myself and they did! £80 off. Even though its stated as being 'free delivery' I would imagine the delivery is already packaged up in the price.