Buying a Polytunnel...

Polytunnels are pretty simple – other than size, one of the main differences is shape and we are talking two choices. First, you have the continuous arch shape (which emerge from the ground and disappear into the ground in a continued curve) as illustrated below…

The other main shape of tunnel available is one with straight sides – again expertly penned below…

Now, you will see I have added scale images of both a person & a typical plant (ahem)… Now as well as keeping your plants nice and warm & out of the elements, remember a polytunnel is a great place to work when it’s wet & windy outside – a grown-up den if you like… The main reason for the drawings above – other than to amuse Ama (the Bau Outdoors designer!) – is to illustrate the benefit of a bit of height in a polytunnel, as it makes working and moving around inside so much easier. Stooping and bending soon gets tiring and reduces the pleasure of pottering around in the tunnel.

The extra height makes life easier for your plants too… and allows you to use the space more efficiently. The problem with a continuous arch type polytunnel is that there is always a bit of space at the outside edges where the roof is very low. This means you are less able to plant up to the tunnel dimensions without your plants growing into the roof and risking puncture of your cover when working in these spaces. (We work in a loft office and I must hit my head once a day walking into the corners – same principle!)… Click here to see one of our Polytunnels.

So that’s the first factor to consider, and as you will gather, for domestic use, we think the straight-sided tunnel is a better idea. There are some who will propose the continuous-arch design is a slightly stronger structure and I’d probably agree, but so long as the tunnel is erected and secured properly, you will not have any problems at all..

Tunnel shape – sorted. Next thing to consider is the features of the tunnel itself. One of the most important elements is the door size and height. Being able to get through the door with a wheel-barrow is very handy indeed and should reduce unnecessary work (see diagram – not because you won’t understand the big-barrow-small-door conundrum, but because I am enjoying drawing these things now!!).

I won’t mention too much about size, but bear in mind that your polytunnel experience will be much more enjoyable if you have some space to work. Most people put some crawler-board or similar for a central walkway – it makes working easier and reduces the likelihood of you trampling on your produce. Better to have too much room than too little I’d suggest.

Good ventilation is essential in a polytunnel, especially in the warmer months when a warm and humid atmosphere can lead to problems with fungal disease etc. Large doors are OK to open for quick ventilation, but it’s a better idea to have mesh windows or the like to offer more controlled ventilation through the warm periods. The mesh tends to help reduce any gusts which might come through an open door etc.

Pick a tunnel with a strong metal frame, as you want a good few years from your investment and sub-par products will end-up making work replacing parts and fixing tears etc. Click here to view the Bau Outdoors Polytunnels and have a look around the site – you will see a few more guides like this and images/tips from Bau Outdoors customers. For any other help, shoot us an email… we will be pleased to try and help.

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