In an attempt to accelerate growing some produce in the garden this year, and to provide a new interior, multi-functional space that can be erected quickly, I have been looking at installing a polytunnel in the north east corner of the garden.
I’ve spent a bit of time clearing the area; the ground is a mixture of someone’s ancient attempt of laying down plastic sheets, overrun by huge amounts of new growth, some extensive areas of sprawling and knotted weed roots. Plus some old rotting cold frames, fossilized into the landscape.
The area is roughly 23 metres (north to south) by 10 metres (east to west), hence it feels natural to erect a tunnel running from north to south, even though some suggest that this isn’t the best use of solar energy. Others, however, disagree. I’ll enquire further about this with my tutors at my permaculture course, which continues this coming weekend.
There are a myriad of choices and accessories for polytunnels, it can be all quite confusing. Additionally there is the option of picking up second hand hoops and buying new polythene, which can result in a huge tunnel for relatively little cost, but my complete lack of experience dissuades me from this option somewhat. Then there are the tougher structures, most especially the storm resistant “Polycrubs”, but for me they are prohibitively expensive – as gorgeous as they are.
Hopefully, after more research, there’ll be something up and running here soon!
The Bamff Walled Garden. 