Polytunnel - Cheap cheeful or cheap and nasty?

[Elmo]

I really want to put a polytunnel on my plot and there are two options;

1) Get one of these now: 20ft 6m Polytunnel Garden Greenhouse Outdoor Grow your own Kit Pollytunnel - Feel Good UK and anchor it with these Heavy Duty Storm Wind Polytunnel Dome Greenhouse Poly Tunnel Ground Anchors | eBay

The site is sheltered so I can trench the cover with the intention of replacing it with proper polytunnel plastic and adding timber doors etc when the cover disintegrates, a year or so later (costing an additional £100).

or

2) wait till next year and get one from first tunnels / citadel etc for around £500

Am I just being impatient?

[SarzWix]

I think I'd wait, mainly because looking at the frame of the first one you linked to, I don't think it would last even with proper plastic on it; the tubes are not big sturdy ones, and it has no ridge pole running along the top. It wouldn't take much snow on top or much wind to make the tubes bend, and then the whole thing is stuffed

[Hans Mum]

Buy cheap, buy twice

I'd wait till you can get the heavier duty one

[Elmo]

You guys are so sensible, any suggestions on who to buy from? First, Premier etc

[redser]

There's also the DIY option ...
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[Hans Mum]

We've recently brought one from First a commercial 25x16' - the instructions have been really straight forward & they also have QR links for every step if you need them. Everything came really well labelled and packaged and the driver was their own and really helpful; & its looking good so far.

[Aberdeenplotter]

You guys are so sensible, any suggestions on who to buy from? First, Premier etc

I bought from First Tunnels in 2003. I haven't yet had to replace the cover. They were good to deal with and the instructions given were clear. Not cheap but worth the investment.

[woody21]

I got a cheap one last year and its been excellent and is still standing strong and it takes wind, rain,snow and 30+ foot of tree hitting it square on!

as the weather last year was crap i have decided not to buy a propper tunnel this year, i will stick with my cheap one and am even going to buy another one of them. I would like a first tunnel but not going to spend out this year.

Elmo, the tunnel you linked to can be bought for £145 on ebay at the moment.
6m x 3mx2m Extra Wide Polytunnel 25mm Diameter Galvanised Steel Frame Greenhouse | eBay

Beware as there are various versions and that one you have linked to is the new 2013 6 section model and has more framework and thats the one im buying myself.
older versions can be got for about £100 on ebay but i would avoid those.

Put up and anchored down properly they do last well for what they are.



One thing you cant do is put a tensioned polythene cover on it such as a propper polytunnel cover as the tension will make the frame implode in harsh weather. so you are restricted to replaceing the covers with the originals.
You could use it for a year or 2 and net the frame to make a fruit cage when you upgrade to a propper one though.

heres my thread about mine from last year, a few others have these and joined in too.
http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...ke-last-2.html

[Lisamcflisa]

I bought a smaller version of the one you are thinking of year before last, it lasted just about one season before the wind killed it, it looked like a mangled mess with one night of high winds.... I got a greenhouse in spring last year and obviously its a lot sturdier, I would have another polytunnel but a better designed one, i think the high sides of it cant hack the wind like the more curved, traditional shaped ones are, so i'd say patience is the way to go

[SarzWix]

I wouldn't be leaving a heap of snow sitting on it like that Woody...

[woody21]

I wouldn't be leaving a heap of snow sitting on it like that Woody...

I know i should be sweeping it off, even more so with these cheap things... But ever since ive had it i have been prepared for the worst but its surprised me and stood up to a lot so im willing to let nature take its course just to see how much abuse it will take. If it collapses i can share with people here just what it takes to kill it. You should see it in good winds as its a loose frame and cover its not rigid and isnt supposed to be it rocks from side to side a lot

All that snow will stretch the cover a bit thats if it survives and i was aware of that before i let it build up like that.... if it does implode im not fussed as i can repair and reuse the frame as a cage.

When assembling these you must not overtighten the bolts as it will crush the thin metal poles and make them weak enough to fold up in high winds, Peg the frame down well then trench the cover properly.
Its a BIG Blowaway and needs to be well planted to stand a chance.

These cheap tunnels are great as a temporary for me while i get the garden properly ready for permanent tunnel. Next year i will upgrade once i have sorted drainage issues and leveled the area through this year as i would regret having to fix these things afterwards.

[Thelma Sanders]

I had one and after 1 year it was self watering where the cover had so many holes in it. All the little clear poly panes between the green strengthening threads fell out

[kathycam]

I've just ordered one the free postage code worked even though its not the weekend, and there was £25 of the price. Not sure how it will stand up to the wind, but worth a shot for £55 I think.

[Elmo]

Well after a whole lot of backwards and forwarding I think I am going to buy a 14 x18' tunnel from direct plants for £379. At that money theres no real contest I am so excited about filling it up this summer.

[MarkHackwell]

I had one and after 1 year it was self watering where the cover had so many holes in it. All the little clear poly panes between the green strengthening threads fell out

I have exactly the same thing happen to me Brought mine the year before last and I put it up last year and this year they cover seems to have holes in it.

I think they are very good and mine has stood up to the wind but be prepared to buy a new cover for it after about a year. Im buying a clear cover this time or at least when i get the money :P.