Choosing, Assembling, and Maintaining a Polytunnel

 


Garden polytunnel builds are versatile and flexible housings available in different shapes and structures for growing and protecting various crops. Yet in colder climes, they are not always the best option for seed-starting or as frost-proof shelters for young and tender plants in the winter or freezing periods. Unlike greenhouses, polytunnels may experience more heat loss due to the type of polytunnel covers, which are less insulated than greenhouse glass or thicker polycarbonate. Most UK small growers, that decide on a certain shape and size of garden polytunnel are interested in growing flowers, plants, fruits, herbs and vegetables that suit their needs. Large producers plan their commercial polytunnels and utilise various crop cultivation throughout the year to suit their business needs and interests.

Once you have decided on the size and shape of the garden space, selecting the type of polytunnel covering and model size, is essential to benefit your crop choice and whether you intend to use it all year round. Garden polytunnels come in several basic shapes:

 

1.    The most common type seen in UK fields and gardens, are ones with a continuous curved shape. These differently-sized polytunnels are generally more popular for most garden and commercial needs, their low sidewalls may limit headspace near the edges and this limits the type of crop that is grown near the arched edge and can make it challenging to work close to the structure and can increase the risk of snagging or puncturing polytunnel covers when using garden implements and staking plants or effect plant growth.

 

2.    Straight sides and an arched top design that provides taller sides, allowing easier access along the edges. The additional height at the sides offers more flexibility for staking taller plants but often may be less robust under harsh weather conditions. Your choice of build material and polytunnel cover type ultimately depends on the available budget and space requirement.

 

3.    Square-shaped and gothic-designed garden polytunnels or bespoke builds can be custom-designed to suit all cultivation needs.

 

Anchoring Your Polytunnel Using Two Popular Small Build Methods

Trenching involves burying the polytunnel cover’s edges in a trench around the tunnel at a minimum of 40 cm and a width of about 30cm. Although cost-effective, achieving optimal cover tension can be tricky and the strength depends largely on, how well the cover is buried, secured, and not gathered, so as not to cause rainwater pooling.

A simple side rail system for your gardenpolytunnel, where the polythene cover is attached to a timber frame of side rails and then tensioned by fixings on the structural frame placed on a concrete base or plates buried in the ground, to secure the structure and polytunnel cover, preventing it from moving, easier to tension and requires minimum labour, but it is more expensive.

Covering Type

Polytunnel covers come in various thickness grades and material applications, each suited to different growing needs.  

Basic or standard polythene covering allows 90% of light transmission and is a popular cover type suitable for most general growing purposes. To provide better longevity a thickness of at least 180 microns for robustness, durability, light diffusion, and UV-stabilisation.

Specialist coverings come in various options and provide insulation layers for improved heat retention and condensation control. The Luminance THB AF has an infrared layer that minimises heat loss, making it ideal for extending the growing season and suitability to certain crop cultivation. These advanced covers reduce condensation problems, which helps prevent mould or fungal diseases and helps improve plant health.

Access Doors and Vents

While doors can provide some ventilation, larger polytunnels may need additional ventilation options. Some gardeners also apply shade cloth or spray water inside the tunnel to regulate temperatures during extreme heat. Watering is also an essential ingredient and depending on the size of the tunnel may often require a drip-feed watering system.

Access doors and vents are essential, yet are often overlooked, on small garden polytunnels. Ensure the doors are wide enough to accommodate a wheelbarrow if required and sturdy doorways to withstand frequent use. Larger domestic or commercial polytunnels with double doors can be installed for easier access. Multiple doors improve ventilation, which is especially beneficial during hot summer months, with an opportunity to roll up the cover sides or place windows or vents.

 

Assembly Tips                                                                        

Planning and preparation are required for crop layout and groundwork clearance when marking out the size for the garden polytunnel placement and location to receive the best sunlight option. Always read the instructions thoroughly beforehand, and all tools are ready, set out the build for connection and ensure all are in the kit build. Choose a calm day to fit the cover, as warm polytunnel covers stretch more easily, creating a tensioned, durable fit. Be mindful of snagging when positioning the cover correctly. Regular maintenance checks are also important.




Read More:

UK Polytunnel Installations and Constructions Compared to Other Countries

Polytunnel Levels of Repairs and Refurbishments Required



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Are Polytunnel Construction Services Expensive What Cover Should I Choose

Image
  Polytunnel installation and the importance of quality polytunnel construction services can certainly vary in cost, depending on a variety of factors, including the size and complexity of the project and the materials and labour used. While some polytunnel construction services may be considered expensive concerning the size and requirements of the build project, it is important to remember that a professionally installed build from local suppliers, can offer significant benefits in terms of time of build, overall completion and a project completion guarantee, other benefits are down mainly to the structure, increased crop yields, reduced residual maintenance costs, and improved overall performance of installing everything perfectly. When choosing any polytunnel construction services, it is important to consider the experience and reputation of any company, as well as the materials and labour they use. A reliable, reputable and experienced polytunnel installation company will b...
Read more

Brief Guide to Purchasing, Installing, and Maintaining a Domestic Polytunnel

Image
Gardening is both fulfilling and rewarding for many part-time and full-time growers, be aware that polytunnel repairs or refurbishments will at some time or another be needed. If you're new or looking to advance or just try out your gardening skills then buying a small garden or medium to larger domestic polytunnels is a game-changer. These structures and covering help provide a micro-climate environment for whatever crops and plants you want to grow, protecting them from the elements, and extending growing seasons. If you're new to gardening and growing methods, here's what you should look for when purchasing small, medium, and larger-sized structures. How to install, and construct them, how to approach and make polytunnel repairs immediately they appear, and what to be aware of in the case of repairs and renewals. Factors when purchasing small to large polytunnels Plan first: Preparation is required on both where the structure will be located and also clearing and ...
Read more

Added Sturdiness and Robustness of Polytunnel Builds

Image
  Commercial polytunnels, also built as bespoke heavy-duty polytunnels, have become indispensable assets in the agricultural and horticultural sectors, revolutionising how fresh produce is grown under protective polytunnel covers in all parts of the UK. Heavy-duty polytunnels are crafted from robust materials like coated galvanised steel or aluminium, some have tanalised timber for door frames and entrances, covered with durable, thicker gauge polytunnel covers, either single. double, triple, up to a five-layered covering with a UV-stabilised film applied at a certain micron thickness. This withstands adverse weather conditions prevalent across the UK and with P-clips and tie-bars that give added sturdiness, their versatility and resilience make them ideal for different uses, including growing niche and mass-market crops or storage, and housing livestock.   Quality Materials Used The choice between aluminium and galvanised steel for the structure of polytunnels often depends o...
Read more