[JCloth]

Hello,

Excuse my ignorance but I'm just starting out.

I've been reading about the poly tunnels and really want one but just wondered whether this is something that you use instead of planting outside or as well as?

Can plants just stay in there for the duration of their life?

Thanks!

[gobs]

Both really, it is quite like a greenhouse, extends the growing season and the range of crops a bit.

[cooperman]

small polytunnel is more like a greenhouse ie starting stuff off in or perhaps growing toms & peppers
Big poly is more versatile and get more crops

Check with your allotment secretary as some sites dont like polytunnels.....

[JCloth]

Thanks for your replies.

This will just be a small tunnel in the garden. I'm getting a raised bed sorted as we speak and was thinking of enclosing it in netting (high up so I can work under it) to protect it from birds but more so from my cat.

I then thought that a small polytunnel would do the same trick but am I understanding correctly that I would have to remove it once the plants were established?

In which case I've then got my cat playing in the bed again!

[Trillium]

Once the crops are growing, you can always change the plastic to chicken wire which keep out both the birds and your cat, and allows the plants to 'stretch' if necessary. Fleece would be better if you've got lots of caterpillars and cabbage worms.