[Misc] Building a polytunnel.

AmexRuislip

Trainee Spy 🕵️‍♂️

Feb 2, 2014

33,823

Ruislip

• Sep 11, 2015

• #1

I am in the middle of building my own DIY polytunnel.
My question to anyone who has one or ever built one, is that can I get away with having just one door.

 

Coldeanseagull

Opinionated

Mar 13, 2013

7,786

Coldean

• Sep 12, 2015

• #2

One door is fine, just make sure the plastic covering is thick enough to match your sturdy framework. Even then, don't expect the plastic to last more than a couple of seasons

 

1066familyman

Radio User

Jan 15, 2008

15,185

• Sep 12, 2015

• #3

I've built several polytunnels at work before.
The key word here is ventilation. You want air to pass through the tunnel ideally.
As you've put in two door frames there I'd just board up the bottom half of the one you don't want a door in and leave about a 2' gap at the top. This will keep out badgers and foxes etc whilst letting air and pollinators in and out.

 

AmexRuislip

Trainee Spy 🕵️‍♂️

Feb 2, 2014

33,823

Ruislip

• Sep 12, 2015

• Thread starter
• #4

Coldeanseagull said:

One door is fine, just make sure the plastic covering is thick enough to match your sturdy framework. Even then, don't expect the plastic to last more than a couple of seasons

Click to expand...

1066familyman said:

I've built several polytunnels at work before.
The key word here is ventilation. You want air to pass through the tunnel ideally.
As you've put in two door frames there I'd just board up the bottom half of the one you don't want a door in and leave about a 2' gap at the top. This will keep out badgers and foxes etc whilst letting air and pollinators in and out.

Click to expand...

Thanks guys, I will use your ideas, providing it stops bloody raining

 

1066familyman

Radio User

Jan 15, 2008

15,185

• Sep 12, 2015

• #5

I forgot to mention that ideally you want your door to be a stable door type so you can keep the bottom half shut and the top half open when you're not about on hot days.
Judging by your efforts so far you'll have no trouble making one of those. Nice effort there so far btw

 

beorhthelm

A. Virgo, Football Genius

Jul 21, 2003

35,312

• Sep 12, 2015

• #6

Coldeanseagull said:

One door is fine, just make sure the plastic covering is thick enough to match your sturdy framework. Even then, don't expect the plastic to last more than a couple of seasons

Click to expand...

couldnt you stitch together supermarket bags, they tell us they last for decades.

 

F

French Seagull

Active member

Jul 30, 2014

612

France

• Sep 12, 2015

• #7

looks good!

 

AmexRuislip

Trainee Spy 🕵️‍♂️

Feb 2, 2014

33,823

Ruislip

• Sep 12, 2015

• Thread starter
• #8

1066familyman said:

I forgot to mention that ideally you want your door to be a stable door type so you can keep the bottom half shut and the top half open when you're not about on hot days.
Judging by your efforts so far you'll have no trouble making one of those. Nice effort there so far btw

Click to expand...

Cheers fella
Good day alround, finished polytunnel and home in time for another Albion victory

 

1066familyman

Radio User

Jan 15, 2008

15,185

• Sep 12, 2015

• #9

AmexRuislip said:

Cheers fella
Good day alround, finished polytunnel and home in time for another Albion victory

View attachment 68440

Click to expand...

Nice work!, particularly in the use of netting at the top 2' of the door

Happy growing... should never have to suffer another blighted tomato again now for starters

 

AmexRuislip

Trainee Spy 🕵️‍♂️

Feb 2, 2014

33,823

Ruislip

• Apr 8, 2016

• Thread starter
• #10

1066familyman said:

Nice work!, particularly in the use of netting at the top 2' of the door

Happy growing... should never have to suffer another blighted tomato again now for starters

Click to expand...

Update on first planting in polytunnel is good.
Toms, peas, broad beans, chillis, celery and celeriac all growing well and fast.

 

Jack Straw

I look nothing like him!

Jul 7, 2003

6,883

Brighton. NOT KEMPTOWN!

• Apr 9, 2016

• #11

AmexRuislip said:

Cheers fella
Good day alround, finished polytunnel and home in time for another Albion victory

View attachment 68440

Click to expand...

Growing stuff in it? I'd live in it! Tremendous bit of garden DIY.