[David cotton]

hello again im new to poly tunnel growing and have aquired a plot i wish to erect a poly tunnel . firstly is there ant good reasonable priced ones around . or should i build one placing scaffold tubes 2 ft in the ground and mdpe pipe? i was thinkin of going big on my first poly tunnel so 12 - 14 ft wide 20 ft long please any help is appreciated it will save me time in the long run . thanks ...dave

[Kevin67]

I'd build one first and do it as cheap as possible.

You will make mistakes and do a lot of learning. Plus if it gets damaged it's not so bad. Consider not having a lock on it to reduce damage from vandalism.

Then after a couple of years, if lotty life works for you, you will be able to either build or buy a pt that suits your needs better if not perfectly.

Either way enjoy the journey and good luck!

[Kristen]

should i build one placing scaffold tubes 2 ft in the ground and mdpe pipe?

Some plans here, in case of interest:

http://www.overthegardengate.net/UserPages/pp_view.asp?FName=polytunnel&Page=1

[David cotton]

i have to say thats the made my day . i dont think you could have found a better blog to read . thanks alot i have been into my local scrap yard for tubes and hope to get started very soon . no doubt ill have more questions soon but thanks again ......dave

[Kristen]

My pleasure Look forward to hearing how you get on ...

... worth keeping an eye on cost of materials, vs. cost of buying a decent kit.

I say "decent" because that plan will make a stretched polythene cover tunnel, rather than a loose fitting flimsy-frame blow-away, so personally I don't think its comparable, cost-wise, with a cheap & cheerful blow-away.

[3759allen]

i used this site and similar construction.

the only word of warning that i would give you is don't be tight and use the smaller diameter mdpe, like i did.

you need the 60 or 61 mm pipe rather than the 32mm pipe.

i did over come this by making a wooden frame inside, the extra timber prob cost the difference between the pipe.

[Eblana]

One of the lads on our site who has since moved!! used a couple of old trampolines which he got free to make a really decent looking PT.  He used the poles for the safety net as the uprights and the metal circular poles for the top. 

He advertised on one of the local recycling sites for old unwanted trampolines and was really taken aback by the number of responses he got.

[Steve_LF]

i used this site and similar construction.

the only word of warning that i would give you is don't be tight and use the smaller diameter mdpe, like i did.

you need the 60 or 61 mm pipe rather than the 32mm pipe.

i did over come this by making a wooden frame inside, the extra timber prob cost the difference between the pipe.

I've done exactly the same thing (including the reinforcement by frame) and agree, go for the thicker stuff.

[David cotton]

Well its been expensive as I bought all the materials new as I dont have patience to wait lol. I will be finishing her off this week.  And I agree the 63mm tube is much better thanks again pics soon