One of the great things about a polytunnel is how versatile the structure is. It’s primary role of course is for growing plants or crops yet it can be used for so much more. Which is the reason why more of us are turning to polytunnels for uses other than growing plants and will have more than one tunnel on our property.

A polytunnel is so flexible and can even be used as additional living or working space. They are more affordable than other garden structures, easy to erect and provide a comfortable space without the extremes of temperature you get in a glass greenhouse.

So, while the primary focus may be growing and cultivating you do have other options. Especially if you have the space for an additional tunnel to complement the one you use mainly for crops or your existing tunnel is large enough to accommodate other uses.

Here’s five ways to improve your polytunnel or how you can get the most out of an additional or underused tunnel.

How to improve your polytunnel

Add a workbench

Traditional potting sheds and greenhouses always include a work area. A place where the gardener can sit or stand and potter; taking cuttings, potting plants, writing labels etc. But, for some reason, we often see polytunnels as simply under cover growing areas.

However, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t set up a work bench area in your polytunnel and allocate some space for doing those little jobs we all enjoy. Adding a workspace also allows us to spend more time in the polytunnel. Which can’t be a bad thing.

Store your equipment

A polytunnel is a weatherproof structure which is ideal for storing pieces of garden equipment. Anything from a spade to a ride on mower can be stored depending on space. We have seen polytunnels used exclusively for storage as they are a very affordable option especially for larger items of equipment when compared to the cost of building storage sheds.

Others may use their polytunnel primarily during the winter before reverting back to growing crops and plants in the spring and throughout summer.

Outdoor dining area

Possibly something which doesn’t spring immediately to mind but as an all-weather dining area a polytunnel takes some beating. Cool during hot days and snug and dry during inclement weather it’s an ideal space in which to set up a table and chairs.

During the warmer months it’s nice to eat outside and with a polytunnel you can create a dining space large enough to accommodate family and friends.

Of course, you need to ensure the tunnel is accessible. You don’t want it to be too far from the house but it really will make a great dining area. And it doesn’t matter whether the sun is shining or a shower passes over, you'll stay dry.

An escape room

No, not one of those Crystal Maze style escape rooms but in the style of the traditional shed. Garden sheds used to be a handy bolt hole but there is no reason why a polytunnel can’t fulfil the same role even more effectively.

A polytunnel will have far more room than a shed and won’t cost half as much as a wooden structure. It can be used to house a workbench for hobbies, a chair for relaxing, even bookshelves for passing a few quiet hours away from the daily grind.

You can have the whole tunnel as a man/ woman cave or only use part of it for escaping while the other areas of the tunnel are used for growing.

I’ve seen keen upcyclers use polytunnels as workshops. It’s a perfect space for this and many other hobbies providing a covered and weatherproof environment allowing us to pursue our hobbies no matter what the weather outside.

Play area and creative space for kids

Getting the kids into the garden isn’t always easy but making over a polytunnel into a play area and planting space could be an ideal way to bring on the next generation of gardeners.

Kids love the idea of a den and what could be better than a polytunnel? For a start it will be huge. At least to a child's eye. You could fill it with games and activities and by giving over some space to growing can encourage the kids to plant and maintain flowers or even grow their own veg.

A polytunnel then can be much more than just an under cover growing space. If you’ve had an idea or two for how you could use a new polytunnel in your garden click here to see our full range of heavy-duty British made polytunnels which are available for immediate shipping.

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Buyers Guide  Traditional Polytunnels   Replacement Covers   Commercial Polytunnels