Anyone built their own Polytunnel from scratch?

Discussion in 'Poly-Tunnel Gardening' started by Webmaster, Mar 26, 2023.

  1. Webmaster

    Webmaster Webmaster Staff Member

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    Looking to build a 'Large' (to me) polytunnel at my allotment, budget won't extend to a commercial polytunnel, and any used ones are too far away, or need to be dismantled (which I don't like the idea of, as most probably a lot of seized fixings), so was looking at going the route of a Home made using Scaffold poles as ground tubes, then 63mm water pipe sleeved over forming the 'hoop', obviously there will be timber 'ridge bars' ( I plan on 3 or 4), and a couple of internal poles taking any sag.

    So, the size .... I'm looking at around 6m wide x 18m long.

    Has anyone built one this size using the materials I suggest, or know anyone who has ?

    Thanks

    Nathan
     
  2. gks

    gks Total Gardener

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  3. Webmaster

    Webmaster Webmaster Staff Member

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  4. noisette47

    noisette47 Total Gardener

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    We got a second-hand one here (they're ten-a-penny) so no tips for constructing one, but think carefully about how to ventilate it. The standard advice is to bury the edges of the plastic cover in slit trenches along the sides. The disadvantage with this is that, even if the ends are left open, it gets ridiculously hot in summer. The other approach is to use ropes criss-crossed over the cover so that you can raise the sides when necessary. If I was to do one again, I'd use a shade netting cover with a removable plastic winter cover to go on top .
     
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    • Webmaster

      Webmaster Webmaster Staff Member

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      popping this here for reference later...

       
    • Webmaster

      Webmaster Webmaster Staff Member

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      and follow up of when it failed ...

       
    • gks

      gks Total Gardener

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      Probably the same happened to it as the video you posted, failed.
      Polytunnels flex in the wind, so I am not sure how you could support the sag, any upright supports would just snap or come loose when its windy.
      I like the way how this guy built a pvc tunnel, more work involved in building it though. But again, will it withstand gales and heavy snow fall or probably collapse. It really needs braces going across the hoop, which should help to keep the shape of the tunnel.

      PVC greenhouse in a day DIY - YouTube

      What you would need is a brace across the hoop (width) something like the image below. This would help prevent the hoop sagging, you use clamps and then bolt a brace to help keep the hoop rigid. I know this is more for a metal hooped tunnel, but you could do it on a pvc hoop tunnel. Most polytunnel tunnel stockists sell the clips and braces, you just need something rigid but not to heavy.
      Polytunnel-Plastic-2.jpg
       
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      • NigelJ

        NigelJ Total Gardener

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        • infradig

          infradig Gardener

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          Thats a large size!! Can you get permission to erect that on an allotment?

          Well it all depends on your budget, and various skills and crafts but, I would look for a used/pre-owned commercial model, and buy a cordless grinder to dismantle/fettle. Then look to investing in Vizqueen uv stabilised cover to suit.
          *Just found this:
          Polytunnel 18ft wide 66 ft long | in Taunton, Somerset | Gumtree (Somerset)
          This is what you are working against:
          www.highlandpolytunnels.co.uk/18x66-commercial-polytunnel-1083-p.asp
           
        • Webmaster

          Webmaster Webmaster Staff Member

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          I asked my society 'How large a polytunnel can I have on my plot', the response I got was 'As long as its not overly high, and I have a 1 metre gap between the polytunnel and the boundary, you can have as large as you'd like'.

          I've left more than that around the boundary, as you never know if you want to move large stuff without scuffing against a polytunnel cover.

          I've managed to get the 63mm blue MDPE pipe now, so that is what I'm working with.

          With regards to tools, I'm well equipped, I have 2 cordless angle grinders, as well as a good size generator if I did want to use mains powered.

          I actually found a few tunnels used (I don't have the budget for new, and wouldn't want to spend on new at an allotment) but like anything for sale, nobody seems to get back to you, so I ended up aabandoning that idea, as everyone seems to be a messer.
           
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          • gks

            gks Total Gardener

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            • Webmaster

              Webmaster Webmaster Staff Member

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              Idea abandoned....

              Bought a used 21' wide x 52' long commercial polytunnel frame just before Christmas, now erected and ground tubes all concreted in position...... Framing and timber work next
               
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              • Obelix-Vendée

                Obelix-Vendée Gardener

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                When we moved here 7 years ago I insisted we bought a polytunnel and found one online - only 4 x 8 metres so smaller than yours but it has scaffold type supports and a door at each end. We also bought the green netting cover which goes on from mid May to September for shade. That works well and we leave both doors open all summer.

                In order to stop sagging there is a system of plastic covered wires stretched between the curved poles that form the roof - very handy for knotting support strings for tomatoes before I bought the stainless steel twirly posts.

                It's unheated so I bought some metal IKEA shelving (Hyllis) with plastic covers which I use to keep seed trays warmer during the cool spring nights. They also keep the chooks off my babies when they go in there on rainy days.
                 
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