Greenhouse or polytunnel

[Sarico]

Hi everyone. I know all the pro and cons of tunnel or greenhouse but I'm asking what would you chose in my case. At the new plot there is a rule that for erected building you need to send a plan to the allotment officer for ask a permission and after that he will tell you where to put it and can't be quite a good size ( maybe 8x6 max). But the guy told me that they don't consider polytunnel as building because they can be easily moved around. What I think as mobile is one of the cheap one that are not fixed in the soil. So I love greenhouse but because I want a large space for growing my delicious tomato I may opt for a tunnel. What you think?

[Bill HH]

A poly tunnel will need to be well fixed to the ground or it will be gone in no time. A poly will be cheaper, but still does a good job. You cant see clearly through a poly so ideal if you need a pee. A green house cost more in general and takes a bit of erecting, it looks better, poly carbonate ones can suffer from the panels blowing out.

[Alison]

I have a greenhouse at home and a much larger tunnel at the lottie. The greenhouse would be much easier to move than the tunnel. At the lottie I'm pleased with the tunnel as it can't result in broken glass and I got a lot more space for my money. Bit different if you can only go 8' long though.

[Sarico]

I have a greenhouse at home so polytunnel is good for the plot. I know I need to anchor down the tunnel but still not classified as erected building. I can put a 6mx3m tunnel and every year I move it in a new quarter plot so no dig out the soil from the greenhouse for avoid build up disease. But greenhouse last a life time.

[Sarico]

As well for tunnel I meant the one that is not build in plot and then a cover it ha polytunnel sheet. The one I'm allowed is the tipsy lik blown way galvanised steal with a greenish cover that you can buy of eBay. I had one before as long you fix them to the ground they last quite a bit.

[polc1410]

Forget any plans to be moving it. The rules may allow it because its movable but that doesn't mean you have to move it.

If you need more space than the GH allows is the question not answered for you.

[Elfeda]

I have been thinking the same Sarico. have 8x6 green house at home so a bigger polytunnel at allotment is good. I want to have walkin pergola inside polytunnel for about 20 sqm coverage if possible

[Sarico]

Thank for the advice. Is what I though. Go for a tunnel

[Snadger]

A polytunnel suffers from extremes in temperature whereas a greenhouse gives a more consistent temperature.
I've tried a max/min thermometer in each and there is a tremendous difference in the temperature range, both top and bottom.!

I recently lost a pumpkin in my polytunnel because of frost whereas the pumpkins in my greenhouse were fine.

[Elfeda]

Snadger,

since we have small greenhouse for frost protection, polytunnel isn't a risk in this case..but what are the issues at higher temparatures in the tunnel? I somehow felt polytunnel is giving enough heat for plants and also allows to plant directly in the soil than having to have staging,tubs etc. I can not visit my allotment everyday in any season so it should take less maintainance in any season.

I see a group only visit their plot 2 half days a week and getting everything fine I guess. if they have a green house instead to polytunnel it would be risky right!...

[Sarico]

I understand but considered that all the plant are at home till planting time (most of them first week in June) everything is ok. The main reason I need and undercover planting area is to try to avoid or as later as I can blight. From maybe September till May will be empty at the plot maybe some potted plant and nothing else.

[Alison]

I understand but considered that all the plant are at home till planting time (most of them first week in June) everything is ok. The main reason I need and undercover planting area is to try to avoid or as later as I can blight. From maybe September till May will be empty at the plot maybe some potted plant and nothing else.

Like you I have a greenhouse at home for plants that will be planted out later but my tunnel is still pretty full in winter. Can't recommend enough using it for early spring brassicas, winter salads etc etc

[Sarico]

Like you I have a greenhouse at home for plants that will be planted out later but my tunnel is still pretty full in winter. Can't recommend enough using it for early spring brassicas, winter salads etc etc

To be honest I'm still a newbie allotmentier and I know I don't fully use all the skills in the plot like others. But I'm confident about it. Specially when I just cover half plot with black polythene and nothing more. I kind need to do one step at the time because when I go to the plot I have 100 things to do and I end up doing nothing. I think I'm over excited and I need to relax a do everything slowly. Maybe next year I will open a post "using polytunnel in winter" lol

[Alison]

Sounds very sensible Sarico, it's VERY easy to get carried away and basically set yourself up for failure

[Snadger]

Like you I have a greenhouse at home for plants that will be planted out later but my tunnel is still pretty full in winter. Can't recommend enough using it for early spring brassicas, winter salads etc etc

Same with greenhouses.......why waste that added protection through the winter months!