30ft polytunnel

[kittykat8]

Thinking ahead for next year, how many tomatoe
plants can I plant either side of the tunnel without overfilling it, I have gone through my seeds for next year and want to plant about 30 with cucumbers and peppers growing down the centre, but want to keep the tunnel heathly

thanks
marion

[Lance]

Hi Marion
I have done almost exactly what you intend to do. I have a 32ft x14ft tunnel which is in its first year of veg production.
I have 18 tomato plants in the tunnel which are all fine. I have 2 pathways which gives me 3 beds. I have put the toms and peppers in the middle bed and low growing melons on one side and salad veg on the other side.
As for cucumbers I have 4 plants which is too many. I have 30 cues ready for picking as we speak.
I have some pictures of the tunnel and how it is set up. I am happy to email them to you.
Regards
Lance

[Cutecumber]

I am most jealous of you both - how lovely to have such a large covered space!

Kittykat mentioned keeping things healthy - are there any particular problems with keeping a healthy pest-controlled environment in a tunnel, as opposed to a greenhouse, or is it basically the same?

[mandyballantyne]

Hi,

I am looking to buy a tunnel for next year, can you tell me where you bought yours and if you would recomend it?

Thanks, Mandy

[Lance]

Mandy
I bought the frame for my tunnel from ebay. £40 for a 32ft x 14ft. It came with no instructions. The cover cost £85.
I made the doors, frames and raised beds, cost was £60.
The 2 pathways which are not essential cost £150.
First tunnels are the company all the TV gardeners use and seem to be very good. Get the largest one you can afford. 14ft wide and you can get 3 paths going through it. If you like a challenge try and get a second hand frame from ebay as it will save you a fortune. I am more that happy to sent pics via email to show you. I am rubbish at diy. It is not as hard as it looks to set up. Preparing the ground is the hardest bit.
Putting up a tunnel is the best thing I have done in years. My wife does not see me much. The first thing I do every morning is a cup of tea and a walk around the tunnel.
Look forward to seeing the pics of your new tunnel.
Regards
Lance

[kittykat8]

could you send me some photos

thanks
marion

[mandyballantyne]

Hi Lance,

Would love some pics, I don't have a plot just a largish garden so building my own would allow me to work with an akward area.

Are you sure it is easy? Tea and tunnel sounds great!

Thanks in advance, Mandy

[Lance]

Try this link, I hope it works. It is an idea of what is for sale secondhand on ebay

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/polytunnel-lar...QQcmdZViewItem

[mandyballantyne]

Hi Lance,

Just had a look thanks, My buisness partner lives in Blackburn too...... Not sure if it will fit so will measure and look to hire a van. Watch this space, Mandy