[shropshiregreenfingers]

Hi all, first time posting here and happy to see a thriving community!

Looking to get my first polytunnel and wondering if anyone could give me any pointers.
I've found a company just outside Shrewsbury, which is useful because I don't live far, and they have a Polytunnel that looks to be the right size for my numerous chilli plants.
https://depot2u.co.uk/p/heavy-duty-polytunnel

I was wondering if anyone has one of these polytunnels or something similar?

Thanks,

Steve

[John]

Difficult to tell but it looks like a step up from the cheapo ones on Ebay but I'd take a look at First Tunnels if I was you. For a start Depot2U doesn't define the thickness of the steel or diameter and powder coated is far from galvanised. A rusted frame is going to collapse. The skin doesn't look to be much cop either.

Check out First Tunnels here: https://www.firsttunnels.co.uk/

My polytunnel is doing very well after 6 years! My Polytunnel

Incidentally, the high quality First Tunnels domestic polytunnel, slightly larger, would cost about £100 more. The skin has a 5 year warranty but expected lifespan is much longer.

[Plot 1 Problems]

I can vouch for the quality of First Tunnel's covers too, I've fitted two of them on two different tunnels in the last few years and both have been top notch quality.

[snowdrops]

I’d suggest look into First Tunnels, I had mine from there 2years ago and to say  I’m very pleased with it is an understatement. Check out their sizes, prices & the quality of their product before committing yourself to the one you suggested, there’s been lots of posts on here & elsewhere on sad stories of that sort coming to a sorry end. Even if it means you need to save up a bit longer

[Odders]

I've spent several months researching polytunnels & after culling those I wasn't happy with, ended up with three possibilities.
After making contact with these, I chose to go with First Tunnels, as they appear more willing to engage with us 'small guys', despite being a surprisingly large business.
I've ordered a 10x20 which should arrive either tomorrow or Wednesday.
Once it's up, I'll post regarding how I found the construction process, quality of components, instructions, etc.
I'm actually looking forward to the task.

[Odders]

Well that was fast.
Ordered at 01:00 Sunday & arrived here 11:40 today.
Impressively well packed & nothing too heavy for this somewhat unfit 65 yo to load onto & in my pickup, which was handily parked right behind the wagon & I can drive round the back & offload it.
Then it'll sit in the garage for a week or two whilst I assemble the doors, finish prepping the ground & RTFI several times!

[John]

I'm sure you'll be fine if you take your time and get the basics right. It's critical to get the hoops in the right place and when it comes to putting the skin on, a calm day and as much help as you can drum up.
If you get stuck, they're very helpful.

[Odders]

I'm sure you'll be fine if you take your time and get the basics right. It's critical to get the hoops in the right place and when it comes to putting the skin on, a calm day and as much help as you can drum up.
If you get stuck, they're very helpful.

Yep - they place great stress on getting the hoops square & level.
I've a laser level & my old surveyor's tape for doing that.
Luckily, the ground's only out of level by a couple of inches & I can fix that when I dig the area over. I was going no dig the same as in my garden but the whole plot is riddled with rat tunnels & I'm going to serve them an eviction order.

Regarding the 28x12 tunnel linked to by shropshiregreenfingers: As the sides slope inwards, I reckon a First Tunnels 10x25 would give pretty much the came growing space for anything as tall as a chili & the basic model is £825 (I'd spend the extra £79 for the bigger diameter tubes though).

[Dinah]

I bought mine from highland Polytunnels who agents for first Polytunnels
Great service and provided contact for someone to install, they were excellent!, so helpful and did a great job On a freezing wet January day.
This my first year, so learning!
Good luck with yours, whatever and wherever you decide to get one from