Having a garden where you can relax and keep busy can truly make a difference to your routine. However, it can be hard to know where to begin and what to do. Polytunnels are great because they’re fairly cheap and can be a great project to take on for you and your family. But what is a polytunnel exactly? What can you grow in one and is it a good investment?
Is a polytunnel a greenhouse?
On paper, a polytunnel is pretty similar to a greenhouse, however; a greenhouse is typically made of glass, they’re quite expensive to buy and replace, they’re also heavy and very rigid.
A polytunnel is made of a specially designed sheet of polythene, they are semi-circular in shape, with a door at one or both ends. At only a third of the cost of a greenhouse, polytunnels are great value for money. They’re also much easier to move and to reassemble compared to a greenhouse.
Do I need a big garden for my polytunnel?
No, you definitely don’t need a big garden to have a polytunnel or even a greenhouse for that matter. Companies such as Premier Polytunnels offer 6ft wide garden polytunnels, designed for customers with limited space, they can fit most gardens. Polytunnels are so versatile, you would be surprised how well they fit in limited space!
What to grow in a polytunnel?
If you love cooking your own meals and being self-sufficient, having a polytunnel in your garden could be a lifesaver and a great hobby. With the help of polytunnels, you can grow fruits and vegetables all year around, even when they’re out of season!
Garlic, potatoes, chilies, avocadoes, tomatoes, etc. the list is long and that’s because polytunnels will protect your growing vegetables from pests and it can provide a warm environment for crops in the colder months. We would always advise to check all the needs of every vegetable you grow as they may differ from each other.
What to look out for when buying a polytunnel?
That’s it, you’ve finally decided to buy one, however, first you’ll need to look out for a few things when choosing your first polytunnel.
First of all, consider the garden space you have available, ideally you would want it to fit perfectly in your garden so you don’t have to replace it in the future. Intricate planning before you purchase is probably a good idea.
You’re probably wondering if you will be able to construct and put together your own polytunnel, the answer is yes. However, building it really is a two person job so make sure you invite somebody over to help you. If you’re stuck, some companies offer a construction advice helpline to answer all your questions and give advice on how to put your polytunnel together.
Finally, make sure you know what plants you are going to grow so you will have enough space or ventilation for example.
Hopefully, this answered your questions on what a polytunnel is and what you can grow in one. Actually, you’d be surprised how many different uses there are for one, some people have used them as wedding venues or even dog training arenas!
