Polytunnel building - my top 10 tips

Hello All,

Well it's raining and I've had chance to sit down and work out how to get photos off my (fairly ancient) phone.  It took some doing I can tell you, with the use of various Bluetooth this and Bluetooth that, dongles and cables.  So here we are, long awaited photos.

Ta Daaa... Sheeting still needs stretching a bit

We bought our new polytunnel back in September'ish last year.  Since then we've had rain, wind, flu, slippy mud, lambing, etc, etc.  Everything seemed to be against us in our quest to build our new monster sized (40ft x 30ft) polytunnel.  We've finally got there at last!

Having dug the holes, built the frame and got the (here comes some technical bits) metal pole bits up and in the right place (see, told you it was technical!) the weather stopped us in our tracks.  Why we were surprised at that I don't know.  I mean, who'd have thought that being on a hill in Wales in Autumn/Winter and trying to put a polytunnel up, would mean that there would be wind, rain and snow to deal with.  Who'd have thunk it!

So, slowly but surely whenever it's been half decent weather (over the last few months) we built the new polytunnel bit by bit.

We've gone a bit over the top when it came to putting on storm braces, crop bars and the like but we thought that we'd better be safe than sorry.  The more we can protect the tunnel from the wind rocking it then the better.

Here are my top ten tips should you ever build your own polytunnel:

1. First off... get plenty of strong people to help
2. Choose a nice (preferably) flat site that isn't too exposed
3. Dig the holes plenty big enough and have some good anchor/base plates
4. Use a spirit level.  A lot
5. Calculate the number of clips and clamps and joining plates that you'll need.  Then double and triple check you've ordered enough for the size of the tunnel.
6. Make sure you order plenty of heat tape.  However much you think you need, add an extra roll to be on the safe side.
7. Also make sure that you have a step ladder, timbers, hammer, nails, scissors, stanley knife to hand.  In fact make that a whole toolbox!
8. Try and make sure that it isn't windy when you decide to sheet the tunnel.
9. Don't build a polytunnel on a hill in the Brecon Beacons in Wales in winter unless you're mad
10. When it's up and built - try and find time to enjoy your new growing space.

I don't think there is a special/secret way to build a polytunnel.  It's not the sort of job you can do on a lazy Sunday afternoon on your own.  Just take your time and get as much help as you can from friends and family, or anyone daft enough to help.

It's still raining here (hooray!) but now I must really concentrate on sorting out our Mother's Day orders, book the couriers, then get on with preparing lots of lovely bouquets for special Mothers everywhere.

Bye for now

Cathy
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