What is a Garden Polytunnel?

 


Garden polytunnels are elongated semi-circular or square-shaped tunnels. They are most often constructed using steel with a polythene polytunnel covering stretched over it. Polytunnels come in different sizes and can help grow fruits, vegetables and plants out of season. The temperature and humidity within polytunnels is higher, and crops and plants are covered which protects and makes them not exposed to strong sunlight, rain, and wind and they'll continue to flourish even under adverse weather conditions with the right temperature controls.

Why choose a garden polytunnel

For years, gardeners had used greenhouses as a tool for sheltering seedlings and plants but many now are turning to polytunnels. What brings about this change and what does the Idea of using a polytunnel over the old traditional methods have to offer gardeners if there's any at all?

Using a garden polytunnel to shelter your plants can help enhance your crop, faster growth and increased abundance, approximately six to seven weeks ahead of outdoor growing.  Polytunnel coverings are made from different grades of plastic and this makes them cheaper to erect and maintain. They can also be moved easily, as, unlike a large greenhouse, a polytunnel might not necessarily be a permanent structure. Moreso, having a polytunnel covering your plants can also help protect them from unpredictable weather conditions and insects and pest animals that can also cause severe damage.

How often do I replace a polytunnel covering?

One of the frequent concerns voiced by new polytunnel owners is that they will have to replace their polytunnel covering too often. They are worried that, after their initial investment in a polytunnel, they will still need to spend more regularly to replace the polytunnel cover. However, the good news is that these concerns are unfounded. You will have to replace a polytunnel cover less frequently than you might imagine.

How many years should I expect my polytunnel cover to last?

I'll suggest choosing a commercial-grade polytunnel cover with 720 gauge (180 microns), as these types are thicker and sturdier and they also tend to last longer than thinner and cheaper ones. Ensure that it has been UV stabilised this stops the cover from becoming brittle, due to the sun’s UV rays.

A polytunnel covering of this type usually lasts for at least 4/6 years. This is, however, the bare minimum that you should expect from heavy duty covers. Many polytunnels cover last longer than that especially If you take care of your polytunnel cover and maintain it by cleaning, repairing tears and keeping it at the correct tension, you can then expect it to serve you for many more years.

How do I increase the life of my polytunnel cover?

How long a polytunnel cover will last will depend majorly on where it is placed, the grade and strength selected especially in some parts of the UK and how well you're maintaining it over time.

You should clean your covering at least once a year, even if it doesn't look like it needs cleaning, also if damage happens, amend it immediately to avoid it from becoming a worse or bigger problem.

If you're just planning on installing a garden polytunnel, choose the site and placement carefully and do well to avoid windy sites, place where it can receive some protection moreover you should always endeavor to change your polytunnel covering promptly whenever it is due for a change, to avoid it becoming slack and to offer crops the best protection.

Contact several suppliers or a local polytunnel supplier, they can advise you and offer a quote.


Read More:

Lessons Learned from Polytunnel Gardening

Growing In a Greenhouse against a Polytunnel

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