Some people will recommend to go as big as your space allows, but if you then don’t use all the space in the polytunnel, you might regret this. Ventilation is one of the most important things when it comes to a polytunnel. Because of the way a polytunnel works, moister build up is a common occurrence. To start our review off, we will take a look at the Outsunny polytunnel, the smallest and consequently cheapest product on our list. Unlike the products which we will later go on to look at, the Outsunny polytunnel boasts a wide and low design – so low that you can’t actually get inside the tunnel, which is exactly why it ranks at the bottom of our list. However, don’t be discouraged – this does not have to be a dealbreaker, it is simply a unique design feature of the product which will put some users off, but will likewise draw others in.

Measuring 6 x 2 m, this is a suitable choice for medium-size allotments. There are 2 metres of headroom inside the tunnel as well, so for many people – up to approximately 6’5”– there’s no need to stoop. With its spacious, 6 square metres of walk in space, this polytunnel offers gardeners more than enough room for trays, pots, grow bags, shelving, and pretty much any other farming equipment you can fit in there. The heavy duty PE covers come with extra long sides for more anchoring and support during harsh conditions and while fully closed, the tunnel traps heat and maintains optimum humidity levels. It also features a metal frame and door for easy access. For ventilation, the manufacturer included six roll up mesh windows that are insect proofed. This makes it a value added option for allotments and family gardens. What I like about it: Our 3x2m polytunnel will make a suitable alternative to a solid structure to house birds during the Avian Flu outbreak. Our tunnel allows adequate light and ventilation and will help offer protection from wild birds that may be carrying the disease. To be able to use the trenching method, the cover needs to be big enough, so look out for any mention that the polytunnel is suitable for this method. Lynne sent a few more shots of early polytunnel growth and you can see in the image that a wooden path has been laid through the centre of the tunnel, which is a great idea for keeping your barrow or boots off your plants etc!

If your budget won’t stretch to a cover that has these special features, then the next point is even more important, ventilation. Ventilation The beauty of a polytunnel is that it will stay warmer than the surroundings, so you can grow things in the winter that you cannot grow in the exposed garden. Polytunnels are also a great way to fill in the “hungry gap”, which is where overwintering plants have bolted and finished, and before the spring crops are ready – with a polytunnel, you can keep crops going almost year round. Q: How to clean a polytunnel? All of our walk-in pet cages are a suitable alternative to a solid structure if this is not possible for you, the mesh holes must measure less than 5cm and it will keep them separate from wild birds.

In terms of length, polytunnels can range from around 3 metres long to upwards of 20 m. You’ll need to leave space around the polytunnel to erect it and carry out maintenance. Also, if using heaters, it will be easier to maintain the temperature of smaller polytunnels. Therefore, you may benefit from using several smaller polytunnels as opposed to one large one. This is also true as different plants may require different conditions. Selecting the Right Cover Material And once a plant has been infected, there is, most of the time, no cure. All you can do is remove the infected plant.

Best Polytunnel Reviews

Herbs are another great crop for your polytunnel; go for coriander and basil to add some more flavour to your dinner. Our final product is the VOUNOT polytunnel greenhouse, another absolute beast of a polytunnel which is incredibly similar to the huge VonHaus polytunnel described above. One of the main benefits of having a polytunnel is being able to control the environment that your plants and produce are growing in. In terms of weather resistance, the frame stands up well to strong winds and turbulent weather, although it will likely need weighting down with stakes (which aren’t included). The PE cover is relatively resilient as well, but it does have some weaknesses.

This large Birchtree Polytunnel helps create a protective environment for plants, covering an extensive area and keeping them sheltered from strong winds. Whilst some polytunnels will make a sizeable dent in your bank balance, others, like the Garden Point Green Polytunnel Greenhouse are much more budget friendly. Once you have a plan of what you would like to grow, you will know how much space you will need inside and outside the polytunnel.Anchor plates can be used to create a firmer, more secure foundation for polytunnels. Anchor plates are buried into the ground, with a hollow metal tube that remains visible above ground level. The structural frame of the polytunnel is then inserted into this tube. This is a great way to stop the polytunnel from moving. Trenching To prevent the cover coming off in strong winds, you have to either fix it to the frame or use the trenching method, whereby you bury the edges of the cover in the soil.