Anyone got a poly tunnel?

[TheIsleOfTheLost]

I want to get one for the allotment, but struggling to find one that makes it worth it. They all seem to be cheap roll up door ones that reviews say will disintegrate in 2 years, or over £500. Is there such a thing as a reasonable/mid price one that doesn't fall apart immediately? I don't want that from an environmental waste and effort of replacing so soon perspective. I asked on a public group and was told to make my own out of old trampolines, which is definitely not on the agenda! Any ideas, or am I asking the impossible?

I think the decent ones will be over 500 now depending on size

Have you looked at 2nd hand ones or just a second hand frame plus a new cover? Alternatively keep an eye out for free greenhouses on selling sites if you want to keep costs down

We have a polytunnel but only got it last year so cannot comment on longevity. Have you heard about hot spot tape, which is supposed to extend the life of the polythene.

I got a cheap one and only got a couple of years out of it. Now I just cut the bottom off a plastic bottle and shove the rest over the seedlings with the cap off. Life's too short.

is it sheltered where you are? I have a cheap one and it's 7 years old and still going strong including in gale force winds etc (rural North Wales, so maybe not Scotland gale force winds) but it is in a sheltered location

@gamerchick I want to be able to keep bigger things, so cloches won't last. I have definitely sown too many tomatoes, aubergines and peppers, but also like trying to grow tropical plants. Not the best hobby in a cold wet country!

@Mycathatesmecuddling it's quite an open site, so the wind can get up. In SE England though, not anywhere mountainous.

I guess try a cheap one and see how badly it goes.

We've had one for 10 years. I think we're on our third cover but the structure is fine. Covers are about £80 if memory serves. It's great for more heat-loving crops.

Wilkinson's do those walk in poly tunnels for 60 quid I think. I was tempted but my garden is a total wind trap where trampolines get destroyed in the corner.

First Tunnels. We've been looking for one for our allotment and this company comes up time after time. They have video's online of how to put one up. It doesn't look easy - DH is chickening out a bit and thinking of getting a greenhouse instead. If we do decide to go ahead and get a poly tunnel we would buy from this company.

Domestic Polytunnels, Small Polytunnels For Sale | First Tunnels

We have a cheapy one, lasted about 6 years so far, and we are Yorkshire and had some pretty extreme weather over the years. Its lasted pretty well tbf. Dh reckons it is the last year with this cover and his gaffer tape bodges.

I think the installation is key. Our frame is sturdy still, but the 'tent' poles are punned to wooden stakes which are concreted in. Then the skirt is buried quite far down and covered with paving slabs around the edges.

Also, Jeremy Clarkson has tunnels from First Tunnels on his farm.

@notangelinajolie I do like the first tunnel ones but they are out of my price range. Especially for the allotment where they would be more likely to get damaged. I would spend more if I could fit one in my garden, but it is definitely too small.