Greenhouse or Polytunnel??

[Paulieb]

Hi All,

I am considering purchasing a new undercover growing area.

Now the question is "Greehouse or polytunnel". The size of structure that will fit in the space is 8ft x 14ft.

A first tunnels polytunnel price is £336.
A tesco greenhouse is £699.
And a greehouse from a recommended site (advertises in GYO) is £1000+.

For the purpose of this arguement cost isn't really my biggest issue. If the expensive greehouse would be by far the best and/or will last longer then thats fine.

But what I really want your thoughts on is what will be the best use of the space for the longest time?

[taff]

Personally, although it is a small space, and a greenhouse would probably be better in terms of long-term costs, I'd probably go for a polytunnel.
I know the covers have to be replaced every few years, and setting up a watering system is harder, but i find polytunnels heat up sooner, and stay hotter longer than greenhouses.
The only thing is, it's not much space really, and you'd have to find one where you don't lose too much growing space from the sides curving over, or not enough head height.

[SarzWix]

If money was no object, and the structure was going to be in my garden or otherwise protected (ie not an allotment), I would go for the best greenhouse I could afford. For 2 reasons - in a protected position, the glass in a greenhouse far outlasts the polythene on a polytunnel, and also, environmentally, repeatedly replacing polythene covers can't be considered sound. Eventually, I would imagine the costs of plastic will become prohibitive too as the raw materials run out to make it, but perhaps that's a while off yet.
IMHO, the polytunnel comes into its own where there is a budget, or where damage to glass is likely.

[Fruit&2veg]

Given all the above-cost and work involved in regular replacement of plastic sheets and disposal of the same, easier ventilation with glass house, better use of space in glass house over polytunnel as has been said due to sloping sides I would personaly go for the greenhouse everytime, also greenhouses are far easier to line ("double glaze") so increasing heat retention.

[Aberdeenplotter]

Birds won't peck holes in the roof of a glasshouse. Having said that, the skin on my polytunnel went on in 2003 and has done really well since then. Polytunnles are a better option when larger areas are involved as the costs are then markedly more expensive for glass but for the area you are talking about, glass is the winner hands down. Very very cheap on freecycle if you have the patience.

[Paulieb]

Thanks for those comments - just what I was looking for.

Its going in my garden and as its still gonna be fair distance from the house (and running water) I think I'm currently swayed towards a greenhouse, which will be easier to collect the rainwater from too I suppose.

[Premier Polytunnels]

Hi Paulieb,

Hope you are well.

Greenhouse or Polytunnel.... When cost is not an issue, it really is your personal choice, particularly with regards to appearance.

Just to give the good ol' polytunnel a "big up", I've copied and pasted below some of our (Premier Polytunnels) Q&A's from our website....

WHY CHOOSE A POLYTUNNEL?
These plastic greenhouses have quickly become the structure of choice for everyone, from experienced commercial growers throughout the world to first time hobby gardeners looking to purchase their first polytunnels.
Polytunnels, or "plastic greenhouses", were originally designed as a cost effective replacement for glasshouses and this still holds good today with the equivalent cost per square metre/foot of floor area considerably less. By using one complete sheet of polythene to cover the whole structure, polytunnels offer reduced draughts – and there are no panes of glass to break. These polythene tunnels provide a growing environment suitable for most plants, with reduced heating costs and lower maintenance. Millions of commercial growers throughout the world have relied on polytunnels for many years to produce crops at a cost and a quality that will return a profit. There is a continuous development in the commercial and garden polytunnel, and especially in polythene of which Premier Polytunnels are at the leading edge.

WHY ARE POLYTUNNELS SO POPULAR?
It is no accident that polytunnels are so popular. They were originally developed as a cost effective way of covering a large area for a fraction of the cost of a glasshouse. Over the years polytunnels have continued to develop and advance and, today, they are the first choice for growing under cover in countries throughout the world. Avid gardeners and commercial growers will tell you that they couldn't manage without their beloved polytunnels. These structures are not only cost effective when purchasing, they are also easy to construct and have no need for a prepared base - and there are no panes of glass to break! Most importantly, polytunnels put you in control of nature, helping to extend the growing season at both ends of the year.

WHAT CAN I GROW IN POLYTUNNELS?
Polytunnels have been used throughout the world for more than 40 years to grow a huge variety of plants. With the development of new polythene covers it is now possible to grow any plant, from a moss to a cactus. The cut flowers which you buy on Valentine's Day are likely to have originated in polytunnels all over the world. Vegetables to feed the world do particularly well under a polythene cover and this is probably the most popular use for a polytunnel. Even in the cold British weather, strawberries and tomatoes flourish under cover - 90% of British strawberries are grown in polytunnels with the growing season stretching from early Spring to late Autumn. Many of award winning flowers and record breaking vegetables have been grown in polytunnels. So you can be sure that whatever your pleasure it will grow better in a polytunnel.

A full range of additions, including side ventilation, are also available and are highly recommended to enable you to customise and enhance your polytunnel to suit the needs of your chosen plants.

I hope the above information helps with your decision (either for or against a polytunnel!)

Deborah (Premier Polytunnels).

[HeyWayne]

14ft x 8ft is a small space!?!?!

[Alison]

'Tis in the land of polytunnels, I don't think mine is that big and it's 20' x 10', could fill two that size quite easily

[HeyWayne]

I was getting all excited about a 3m polytunnel the other day.

That said, my current "greenhouse" is only 2ft x 6ft...

[Premier Polytunnels]

Just as Martin (our director) always manages to fill his huge garage full of cars and motorbikes, no matter what size of polytunnel you get, you will always fill it! (A polytunnel full of delicious home grown produce and flowers is a wonderful thing!)

The beauty of a polytunnel is that it can always be extended in length (and moved to another site, if need be), although we would suggest this is done when the polythene cover requires replacing in order to keep costs down.

Our most popular size of polytunnel is the 10ft wide x 15ft or 20ft long.

The 8ft wide is a popular size for the first time polytunnel grower or amateur gardener.

Many 8ft wide and 10ft wide polytunnels, like the ones available from Premier Polytunnels, have an overall height of approx 6ft 8in, with straight sides of 3ft 3in to 3ft 6in which allow for ample growing space right up the edge for taller, specialist plants, even when using staging.

Deborah (Premier Polytunnels).

[Paulieb]

Well it only took me 2 months to make a decision but I've now bought (and had delivered already) a new 14x8 greenhouse from Waltons. It was only £500, and with next day delivery it was delivered Tuesday.

All thats needed now is to move the shed to the shady side of the garden and erect my new greenhouse!!

[SarzWix]

Fab! Can we have a nosey at some pics when you get it built?

[Paulieb]

Of course. I keep meaning to post up some pics of my plot but never seem to get round to it. Will try to get onto it asap tho.

[Robinson Polytunnels]

Hi Paulib.

Seems to me like you managed to get the best of everything - A nice looking greenhouse that exactly fits your site at a good price!

Well done.