Belt and Braces

[4Shoes]

Looking at Polytunnel Design.
Many Polytunnels 12' or less wide give option to upgrade from 25mm Hoops to 35mm Hoops. They also give options for Crop Bars and Twin Support Braces, at a slightly lower over all cost then tube upgrades.

I am going to be in a windy place.

Given your experience, am I better paying more for a larger diameter tube or buying crop bars and braces to add stability to the structure. budget does not go to both

Going to have to concrete in the foundations because ground is so hard. Also can't easily get 500mm depth so ground plates and anchor screws have been eliminated.

[bario1]

I'd go for crop bars as they're handy for hanging baskets from. 25mm should be adequate if it's a smallish tunnel?

[Cadalot]

Bracing over larger dia. tubes

[4Shoes]

That was my gut feeling. They(crop bars and braces) just add that bit more stability and flexibility.

That's another tick on my list of things to consider for the spring build.

[4Shoes]

Gardman 2m x 3m Polytunnel

When we 1st bought our farm house and started with our Veg plot 2 years ago, we were gifted a Gardman 2x3m polytunnel. I started tomatoes off in our wee greenhouse in Glasgow potted up and transported them to our Polytunnel in Wigtown, visiting every 7, 14 days or so. The watering system was great and everything looked fine....

Whilst away one week, the wind got up and ripped many of the seems and all guy ropes off.
The base was held in place with paving slabs, so was not going anywhere, but the tunnel fabric is mince. Have not used it this year, but with a move on the cards, want to do something next year.

I'm now thinking of covering with polythene by fitting wooden door frames and base rails. Debris netting for ventilation. Has anyone had any success going down that route with a gardman tunnel or is it a lost cause? Are we just as well covering it with debris netting to form a cloche?