Why would I want a polytunnel…?

We’ve been supplying customers with polytunnels for the last few years and although they seem to be very popular, we're always surprised by the amount of people I mention the product to who have never heard of polytunnels and have no idea what they could be used for!

So we thought we'd put together a bit of a Bau Outdoors “Intro into Polytunnels” type post, so anyone interested can get a bit of a leg-up in the knowledge stakes!

Click here to see one of the Bau Outdoors Polytunnels.

First Eureka moment… A Polytunnel is a tunnel made from poly’ – poly’ meaning plastic (typically polythene). OK, so you guessed that bit, but what does it do and why bother?

Well, the point of a tunnel is to improve conditions in which to culture plants that would either fail completely, or not grow so successfully outdoors – simple! Harmful outdoor elements such as extremes of cold and frost, strong winds, driving rain – not to mention pests and local wildlife – are kept away from your precious plants. The in-tunnel temperature may only be marginally warmer inside than out, but this small increment not only protects the plants from cold/frosts, but more importantly lengthens the growing season, which in turn means you can generate much more produce throughout the year. Indeed a well planned polytunnel can help keep fresh food coming throughout the entire year.

OK, so a polytunnel is similar to a greenhouse right?

Exactly. The benefits of a tunnel over a conventional glass greenhouse are many, but one of the biggest is cost. If you are new to the practice of ‘grow-your-own’ and fancy giving it a try, it’s a good idea to get something that does not break the bank and which can be taken down & moved/stored with ease. A tunnel is very light and can normally be put-up very quickly by a couple of pals (see our guide on building a polytunnel) – plus the odd wayward football does not present the same threat as with a greenhouse!!

For you…? Well, over the past couple of years, we have seen a big increase in demand for the humble polytunnel and the reasons are pretty clear. With food prices (and all other prices for that matter) increasing, the savings possible buy growing your own fruit and veg’ are increasing all the time. Secondly, don’t assume you are merely getting a few bits for free you would otherwise had to venture to the local supermarket for… Home grown produce is much better. It’s organic, super-fresh and much more tasty. Most supermarket produce is selected for shelf-life, price, shape etc, and until you have tasted home-grown produce you can only imagine the difference!

So there we have it… Home grown produce is cheap, better tasting, organic and much more nutritious. Growing your own food is also good fun and really rewarding. Kids tend to be amazed to see the journey of their food from seed to plate and it’s a great way to get out in the fresh air and sunshine. And if the sunshine is a little thin on the ground, remember that a polytunnel is the perfect place to hide away from the weather and spend a couple of hours – a grown-up ‘den’ if you like!

We have been supplying tunnels for a while now, so any problems or questions, just email or call us – we will be happy to try and help.

Back to our Polytunnels guide page...