When it comes to choosing the best polytunnel for your garden the over-riding consideration will be one of space. 10 or 14 feet wide polytunnels will usually be the best solution. These come in a variety of lengths so everyone should be able to find the perfect tunnel for their own garden.

However, no two gardens are the same. And with modern properties tending to have smaller gardens there isn’t a one size fits all solution. Some of us are lucky to have plenty of space while others have to be inventive and squeeze the most out of a restricted area. So, when you're thinking about under cover gardening no single polytunnel is going to suit everyone.

But, just to be clear. We are talking about full-size walk-in polytunnels here. Not the small frames you’d put over a flower bed or small patch of crops. With that being said let’s look at the alternatives.

Polytunnel sizes

The polytunnels we build here in Norfolk start from 12x10’. This size will comfortably fit in many gardens but our ten feet wide tunnels are available in lengths right up to 48’. If you have a small to medium size garden you should be able to find room for a ten-foot wide polytunnel.

If you are lucky enough to have even more room you should look at 14 feet wide tunnels. The basic rule when buying a polytunnel is to get the biggest you can. That does of course depend on space and budget. But do try and fill the space you have available.

It’s stating the obvious but the larger the tunnel the more room you have for plants and crops as well as equipment storage and a work area. So, you do need to consider what you’ll be using the structure for.

Read - What are the advantages of polytunnels?

Yes, you’ll be growing crops and plants and need to know how much room you’ll need for everything you want to plant. But do remember to factor in extra space if you are going to store the mower and other tools in there. And what about a potting bench? A work area will enable you to carry on planting and pottering even during poor weather.

Our 14-foot polytunnels are available in lengths from 18 feet right up to 66 feet. If you have a large garden you really can fill it with a substantial sized polytunnel.

What to think about when buying a polytunnel for the garden

As we’ve already discussed the amount of space you have available is probably the biggest factor in deciding which are the best polytunnels for the garden. But budget will also be important.

How much does a polytunnel cost?

Like anything else costs of polytunnels vary. Unsurprisingly the bigger the tunnel the higher the cost. But costs also vary between manufacturers. Again, this won’t come as a surprise. But you do very much get what you pay for.

Low-quality imported products made from inferior materials are cheaper than British made polytunnels which are manufactured to the highest UK and EU standards. Of course, the imported products from the lower end of the market probably won’t last two minutes so buying at the bargain end of the market is definitely a false economy.

Happily, though our own brand polytunnels which we manufacture here in Norfolk are great value and very affordable. Especially when you consider you can buy a polytunnel from around £550. And remember, our polytunnels are commercial grade structures made with high tensile steel which will last for decades and high-quality polythene covers which are incredibly robust.

Where will the polytunnel be sited?

The final consideration is to think where you’ll position your new polytunnel. It does need to be in as sheltered a position as possible away from the wind but one where it gets plenty of sun. And, although the ground doesn’t have to be completely level, it’s always best to pick a location that is as flat as possible.

Is a polytunnel better than a greenhouse?

It depends on your point of view. Greenhouses are available in smaller sizes but polytunnels are far more versatile, more affordable, easier to put up and can even be expanded or moved once built. We discuss this in more detail elsewhere on this site but if you’re looking for a great value, reliable and effective structure for your garden you need a polytunnel.