Polytunnel Taming

When we first began to look into buying a polytunnel, other than sensing a spiritual vocation to have one, we didn't know where to start! It was difficult from the outset, even finding suppliers wasn't exactly easy. The phone book didn't list 'polytunnels', however after a bit of sidewards thinking, we did find 3 or 4 listed under 'greenhouses'. I came across a number of suppliers advertised in the Organic Centres brochure, and www.192.com provided a few of the suppliers from Northern Ireland. Most suppliers have websites, on some of which it was near impossible to compare prices and sizes. Requesting paper brochures made the job very much easier in a lot of cases! We also asked vegetable sellers at the local farmers markets what tunnels they use. Last but not least, in Ireland the good old 'word of mouth' is very much a dominant and very reliable  way of sourcing almost any product.

Country Talk & Tips and River Cottage forums, visiting friends with polytunnels, and even stopping and knocking on the door of any household with a polytunnel in their garden were the best sources of advice. Deciding on what size we would need for a family of four was the first step, and we also want surplus to hopefully sell, so we opted for a very generous size of 40 x 21 feet. To compare the product, ask suppliers what size metal tube they use for their hoops, the larger the better. A great tip from Country Talk & Tips forum for dimensions was not to go more than twice the width in length, to avoid ventilation problems in the form of mildew.

We considered buying 2nd hand, but after a month or so hunting we'd had no luck. Some tunnels have their metal hoops cemented in, so the removal could be a hell of a job! Consider purchasing a watering system, and your proximity to a water supply.

Buying the tunnel is probably the easiest part! Our field is soggy, and we will have to spend a lot of calories digging drainage channels and soil improvers. I expect this is the point at which we may well question our decision to buy such a large one!

A wise woman told me that having a polytunnel is a bit like being responsible for a beautiful but wild animal that requires a lot of attention, but will reward you tenfold. Having kept a polytunnel for some years, she had just moved house, and had a year 'off' tunnelling. She said she thoroughly enjoyed her year off, without the responsibility, and the joy of ease of buying food in shops which was a novelty to her. However, she was really looking forward to resurrecting her wild animal once again, and rekindling their wonderful relationship!

This is our planned polytunnel paddock, hopefully in the not too distant future, I'll post a picture of the beast in all her glory in this very spot! But first, we need to host a polytunnel raising party.

Comments

[Moonwaves]

Hi Becky

Haven't been in touch for a while - have been having some alone time and trying to cope with living with someone not very nice (who has thankfully decided she can't live with me and is going to move out). I have been reading your blog still though and really enjoying it. Hope you're recovered from your flu by now.

The polytunnel sounds very exciting. And just the kind of thing that's been talked about as a reason for a get-together on Country Talk & Tips, don't you think? I'm game to try and help you out at any rate!

[letty]

Yeah, give me a shout too when youre erecting the beast, ide love to give you a hand!!! In the mean time, happy digging! Hope youre not attempting too much of it in this icy weather, ide say it would prove a difficult task.

[Elizabeth]

What is a polytunnel if not a greenhouse? Enquiring minds want to know!

[Vallen Queen]

I know what a polytunnel is but I don't know why you need one. Is it to give warmth all year round to your lettuces and such? Do you grow everything inside or just certain crops. I, too, am of the inquiring mind.

[Maddy]

It is so exciting waiting for pictures of Polly!

I am sure the hard work will be rewarded with a bounty of beautiful veg. You will even be able to grow exotic flowers like Orchids too!

[Rebecca (eco felter in rural Ireland)]

Yes a polytunnel is used to extend the growing season of all the usual crops, and perhaps also allows the growing of some crops that wouldn't normally survive in our climate (melons?). Because its made from plastic, its a lot cheaper than a glass house and so you can get a far greater area. I'm only a novice myself, but watch this space for developments as they happen!

[carolyn]

This brings back memories, Stuart and I (well mostly Stuart) helped our 78 year old friend to put up his poly tunnel a couple of years ago. I think it might have been easier without the 78 year olds help! Good luck with the raising, I'm sure you will have plenty of volunteers.

[Gwyn]

I find this whole polytnnel thing fascinating - I have never heard of it - I am pretty sure I want one now but will wait for your stories. Good luck!