Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat

Chatting => Equipment Shed => Topic started by: wildgarlic on November 06, 2007, 09:34

Title: Polytunnel or Greenhouse
Post by: wildgarlic on November 06, 2007, 09:34

We need something to extend our growing season and offer some protection from cold winds, snow etc.

Which is best - a polytunnel or greenhouse. We are in a fairly exposed bit of north east Scotland down by the river- thus it gets quite cold.

What is the smallest size of polytunnel that is actually worth having? We're not rich so need to do things as cheaply as possible but don't want to waste money on stuff that won't work, or won't last. Also, do you need to have planning permission for a polytunnel?

Lots of questions - and just chucked together in this post in no logical order, sorry.

Title: Polytunnel or Greenhouse
Post by: WG. on November 06, 2007, 10:31

Hi, no planning permission needed for a polytunnel and my friend claims to get 4 or 5 years life out of a cover.  A greenhouse will cost quite a bit more for a comparable size (don't think it needs PP either).

I have a lot of greenhouse timber framework (no glass) which could be put to use if you are handy with the carpentery skills.  They are heavy-duty having been salvaged from dismantled commercial greenhouses in Inverurie.  Maybe a little barter deal - no cash?

Title: Polytunnel or Greenhouse
Post by: GrannieAnnie on November 06, 2007, 16:20

They say you should change polytunnel polythene every 5 years, but hte 2nd hand one we bought had been up 5 years, we only split the poly a bit in removing it from site, and we're into our 3rd season with it.

They are chepaer than greenhouses, especially if you keep your eyes open.  We bought ours from a nursery thta ws closing down for £60 and it should have been 30ft long.  We took a bay off so its 24ft long.

Title: Polytunnel or Greenhouse
Post by: crowndale on November 06, 2007, 17:13

Reading a gardening mag today and one of the writers says she has had her poly cover for twelve years!  Good maintenance and good quality to start with were cited as reasons for its longeivity.

Title: Polytunnel or Greenhouse
Post by: Gwiz on November 06, 2007, 18:54

If i had the space, you can get much more poly tunnel for your money than you can glasshouse. bigger space = more food. ( I'm a hungry guts so there's no contest! ) :D

Title: Polytunnel or Greenhouse
Post by: geek on November 29, 2007, 00:28

(http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc15/665kevin/100_0420.jpg)
poly tunnel every time, just dont get carried away when planting
or you wont be able to find the path :?

Title: Polytunnel or Greenhouse
Post by: mushroom on November 29, 2007, 00:57

:effect: falls off seat

 :shock:  :shock:  :shock:

thats something else. I'd give my eye teeth for that. seriously well done.

Title: Polytunnel or Greenhouse
Post by: gobs on November 29, 2007, 09:47

Very nice indeed :!:

They cost you but they're worth it. :)