How to buy a polytunnel

[Upsy daisy]

Hi there, I am a fairly new allotment holder and we are starting to think about getting a polytunnel for our plot. The thing is, I have no idea what we are looking for! Prices seems to vary from £50-£400 and most sellers seem to spend time saying how theirs are the best compared to others. We do have space for a 6mx3m tunnel. Can anyone recommend a sturdy and reliable brand? We didn't want to spend more than £200.
Many thanks

[veggiechicken]

Have a look at Bigmallly's thread about one of the cheaper polys - although I think this one now costs in the £100+ mark. http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...uid_70279.html

[Upsy daisy]

Thanks VeggieChicken, am afraid that link takes me to a thread that doesn't seem to mention polytunnels! Will try again when on laptop at home (on mobile on coffee break at work)

[veggiechicken]

Don't understand that Daisy It does work - honest

[Bren In Pots]

The link works for me

[bario1]

Make sure you're allowed polytunnels that big on your plot before buying, that would be my advice. TBH i'd be surprised if you can find anything near that size for £200 though, unless you go for a secondhand one.

[rustylady]

Found this one, but the cover looks a bit suss to me - not sure how long it would last http://www.amazon.co.uk/Polytunnel-G.../dp/B007RAG8H0

[redser]

Hi there, I am a fairly new allotment holder and we are starting to think about getting a polytunnel for our plot. The thing is, I have no idea what we are looking for! Prices seems to vary from £50-£400 and most sellers seem to spend time saying how theirs are the best compared to others. We do have space for a 6mx3m tunnel. Can anyone recommend a sturdy and reliable brand? We didn't want to spend more than £200.
Many thanks

For that money you'd be best off considering a DIY tunnel using 2 inch pipe ...
User Pages Preview / Save

I built one and its going strong, no problems.

[lottie dolly]

Found this one, but the cover looks a bit suss to me - not sure how long it would last http://www.amazon.co.uk/Polytunnel-G.../dp/B007RAG8H0

someone on our site has 1 of those,debatable weather you will get 12 months out of the cover,but the frame is solid,it was picked up for a song new,off ebay during the winter,some frames are only coated,best to leave them at the shop,waste of money,they only have 1 end that zips up,by making one from tubing you get a higher side,plus being plastic,do not need hot spot tape,as well as able to make a door both ends for ventilating,having said that,if i got a chance for 1,around the £50+ in a winter sale,then i would get one,what was done to secure was,a frame like a raised bed,with battons on the outside,thus trapping the poly,it's been up for this growing season and fine so far,

[marchogaeth]

Before you rush to do anything, I would try to borrow this book from your local library. They aren't trying to sell anything (apart from the book!) and I think it will really help you make up your mind about what you want. There is a big difference between poly tunnels and what get called "blow aways" on here even if they are quite big.

For that money you'd be best off considering a DIY tunnel using 2 inch pipe ...
User Pages Preview / Save

I built one and its going strong, no problems.

I really like this tunnel. If we weren't so remote and I had more "foraging" time, I would be aiming to build a (second) tunnel like this.

[Upsy daisy]

Thanks everyone. A lot of food for thought in those replies. Seems we need to do a lot more homework before making any decisions or parting with any cash. Off to the library later...

[horticultural_hobbit]

I window shopped one, read the various threads here. Ordered one-a 3mx2m one and today, I put it up