They’ve been around for decades but the popularity of polytunnels has soared in the last 10 to 15 years or so. Now you’re just as likely to see polytunnels as you are greenhouses on allotments and market gardens. And, with garden friendly sizes now readily available more and more home gardeners are putting up a polytunnel instead of spending far more money on a smaller greenhouse.

In short, polytunnels are more popular than ever and that popularity is continuing to grow. Whether you’re a professional grower, allotment holder or hobby gardener a polytunnel should be your first choice. Here’s why.

The advantages of polytunnels

They are so versatile

Within reason there really isn’t anything you can’t plant and grow in a polytunnel. But it isn’t just that. You can build permanent beds within the structure and it can be used for so much else apart from growing crops.

Create a spacious work area so you can keep busy during even the most inclement weather. And, of course, they can be used for storage. Depending on the size of the polytunnel you can store large pieces of equipment protecting them from the ravages of the British weather.

They can be any size you wish

Another aspect of their versatility is that polytunnels are available in so many different sizes. From giant 18x66’ tunnels for use on nurseries and farms to 10x12’ for the back garden.

As for which size polytunnel is best. As there is so much you can use the tunnel for the general rule is to pick the biggest you have space for. And the reason you can choose the biggest practical size is because…

Polytunnels are far less expensive than greenhouses

If you look at the size of the structure a high-quality polytunnel costs far less than a similar sized glass or polycarbonate greenhouse.

To give some idea of price a 10 x12’ heavy duty commercial grade polytunnel made in our own British workshops will cost well under £600. You can expect to pay two or even three times that amount for a comparable size greenhouse of the same quality. And polytunnels are far more versatile than a traditional greenhouse.

Easy to build

Compared to a greenhouse erecting a polytunnel is relatively straight forward. As with a greenhouse you will require at least two people to build your new tunnel but the process is so much easier. You don’t even have to level the ground. We’ve posted a video showing how to put up one of your tunnels in our Polytunnels Buyers Guide.

Naturally you do have to take care when anchoring the polytunnel. This is the most important part of the build and you must ensure an adequate trench is made around the structure. But, correctly anchored, a polytunnel will be strong and stable and able to withstand high winds and storms.

A polytunnel will last for decades

We’ve all seen gardens with a broken-down greenhouse in the corner. Unfortunately, greenhouses can decay quite quickly and are tough to repair. Especially if one of the panes is broken.

But our polytunnels will literally last for decades. The frames are built from high tensile galvanized steel which has a lifespan of 50 years. The polythene cover we use is guaranteed for five years but should last much longer.

Of course, at some point you will need to replace the cover. But new covers are very inexpensive and very easy to fit. If you can pop a duvet into a quilt cover you will be able to replace the polythene on your polytunnel.

Because the covers can be replaced so easily the life of the polytunnel is extended.

Much safer than a glass greenhouse

A glass greenhouse in the garden can be dangerous. Especially if children are playing ball games. But you have no such concerns with a polytunnel. Should anything untoward occur the worse that can happen is a split in the cover. Often these splits can be repaired with special tape rather than you having to replace the complete cover.

Read - Polytunnels vs Greenhouses

Made in Britain

Not all polytunnels are made in the UK but we make ours in our own Norfolk workshops. We sell our tunnels directly to the public and professional growers which is another reason why we are able to keep the costs of our commercial grade polytunnels affordable for everyone.

You can see our full range of tunnels here.