[Mark's Sussex Allotment]

Morning All,

All over my allotment people have blue piping that thet use like a polytunnel and cover in debri netting to protect their brassicas.

Where can you buy this stuff and is it expensive?

Thanks

[RJR_38]

Do a search for mdpe water pipe. It isn't that cheap but you can get some bargains on 'collection only' on eBay if you keep your eyes open. I am waiting on one that ends tonight...

[boldondig]

It cost about £20 - £25 for 20metres ( from high street DIY Stores )  which at 2.5m long hoops and 4 hoops per bed - that's two raised beds. I have used old gazebo poles to push into the ground first then but the hoops over - otherwise you have no support and will have to bury the piping so you will need more blue pipe per bed. I have also put wood between the top of the hoops as the netting will bend the ends in ...can post a photo if you want...

[mumofstig]

a few ideas and photos here for water pipe frames
http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=59123.msg691492#msg691492

[Mark's Sussex Allotment]

Yeah,  photo would be great

[boldondig]

Bed is about 4m long 1.25m wide....

[Sweetpea C]

Hi,

Presumably the yellow gas pipe plastic PE could be used in the same way? I only ask because I may be able to get some off cuts via work. Looks really good though :-).

Thanks,

Caroline

[boldondig]

Yes - I can't see why not as long as it is flexible enough.

[moose]

I've found that City Irrigation often has the cheapest-google for them. They also advised me that the blue pipe that everyone seems to use is designed for underground use and is not UV stabilised and that the black pipe is for overground use is UV stable and in theory should last a lot longer than the blue.

[arugula]

Hi,

Presumably the yellow gas pipe plastic PE could be used in the same way?

Yes it can, we used 63 mm black pipe for our polytunnel.

Moose, you are correct that blue pipe is intended for underground use, but it lasts a good length of time out in the open air as hoops.

I've read on here in the past that people have asked on building sites, at house builds or refits and got blue pipe offcuts for nothing.

[mike86]

sign yourself upto freecycle and pop a wanted ad on. i did this and had a couple of offers within a few days 

[Dantheman]

I stopped an ask a bt van at the side of the road, i asked if he always works in my area, he replied yes so i ask for any lengths of tubing going spare.  A week or so later i got a call from him he had lots for me, i had enough for all my plot and my neighbours plot too.  didn't cost me a penny i said i would sort him out a punnet of strawberries when some are ready.

[Mark's Sussex Allotment]

Have done, thanks Mike

[Potty Plotty Lotty]

If you end up having to buy some, also check out Toolstation. When I bought it, it was about 50% cheaper than Wickes or B&Q.

[Mark's Sussex Allotment]

And what size should I use?

20mm
25mm or 32mm?