polytunnels - anyone tried one of these?

radiohelen

OK so I'm toying with the idea of a polytunnel and I've not got much cash so I thought about one of these...
http://www.warehouse24.co.uk/3m_polytunnel_for_gardens_and_allotments-small.html

It's green.... I don't get it. Why is the plastic green? Does that not affect the sunlight getting in?
Anyone got one? Are they good? Do you think it will just fall apart after a year?

Your thoughts would be most welcome.

peter_the_piper

I've got a nice blue one, plays havoc with your eyes until you get used to it.(Good for bedding)
This does not seem like a bad buy, the green will stop the strongest of the sun but may be a bit too shady if you want to start early. Make sure you dig the sides in about a spit deep turning the plastic across the bottom so the soil weighs it down well. Try to erect when its a warm day,(store sheet in a warm place for a day or two) if done in the cold the sheet will be too loose in the summer.

Lotus-eater

Had one the same, they last two years and in the third start to go, the plastic goes between the green thread reinforcing and around the ties to the frame.
The fact they are green makes no difference and I grew tomatoes and chilies in there fine.
Good value? Maybe, budget with them lasting 3 years and work it out for yourself personally.

squack

my mate had one and it was great but the cover fell apart after he used a paraffin heater in there, it reacted with the plastic somehow :money:

help_me_please_3

Personally, i would go for one and if the plastic does go, just use it as a pattern and make a new cover.The smaller one looks good as it also has shelves.

System

Just a warning, a friend on our allotments bought an inexpensive tunnel, it looked great, a few people were starting to think they should have one.
He planned to re-sheet it as they did not sell replacement covers.
However a week later after some strong wind the hoops buckled, he'd even taken the precaution of reinforcing them with wooden stake, they just gave just above it.

leo~saphira

I had one as well.. last 2 weeks until the wind got it.. metal frame is far too hollow

Davesnave

A 'proper' polytunnel 10' x 10 will cost around £300. The frame will last a very long time and the plastic should manage at least 5 years. Anything less is a compromise.

One alternative is to build your own structure, but it depends how handy you are. Here is one site I found:

http://www.self-sufficient.co.uk/Make-Your-Own-DIY-Polytunnel.htm

For me, time is money, and at the rate I charge myself, buying a ready- planned tunnel kit from a reputable source would be most cost-effective!