Is a poly tunnel better than a greenhouse?
The Final Verdict: Polytunnel or Greenhouse? While greenhouses have their benefits, polytunnels provide an affordable, flexible, and efficient solution for year-round growing. Haygrove offers both small and large polytunnels, replacement covers, and accessories to suit every gardener’s needs. One of the easiest and most effective ways of heating a polytunnel is by using bubble wrap hung by string. This simple solution will block any cold draughts and retain heat within the planted area. You do have to use horticultural bubble wrap as this is extra hard wearing and UV stabilised.Better insulation Stay warmer for longer in a polycarbonate greenhouse. The material can insulate better than traditional glass, with much less warmth escaping through the roof. This level of heat retention will keep your plants healthy and happy beyond the standard growing season.Heat retention: Greenhouses often require more heat during the winter months, whereas a polytunnel covered with a Thermal polythene and without the drafts of a greenhouse, can help if you’re considering over-wintering crops.Extending the Growing Season Greenhouses hold onto heat for longer thanks to their solid structure, which is useful for heat-loving plants such as peppers or tomatoes. Polytunnels warm up quickly in sunlight, but can cool faster once temperatures drop.
Are poly tunnels worth the money?
If budget is your main concern, a polytunnel usually wins the round. Polytunnels are cheaper to build and maintain, making them a fantastic option if you’re just getting started with gardening or don’t want to invest too heavily. The most profitable crops to grow in a polytunnel often include high-value, quick-turnover vegetables and herbs such as tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and basil. These can be grown intensively and harvested multiple times throughout the growing season.
What is the best location for a poly tunnel?
Sunlight exposure and orientation: Place your polytunnel in an area with ample sunlight, ideally receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Avoid shaded spots from tall trees, buildings, or other obstructions. In the northern hemisphere, a south-facing position is optimal for maximum sun exposure. Aspect Ideally, your polytunnel should be on a south facing site which can get the full benefit of all the sunlight which is available in your local area.In a polytunnel, especially in a hot summer, the most important tasks and very much top of the priority list is watering and ventilation. Make sure the soil in the tunnel and any beds are given a good soaking twice a day. Water early in the morning and late evening when the sun has waned.A polytunnel must be placed so as to make full use of the sunlight on offer. This means it cannot be positioned anywhere that does not offer enough sunlight each day. Avoid placing a polytunnel in a position where it is shaded by surrounding trees or buildings and think about how and where the sun hits it each day.
How long do poly tunnels last?
If it is maintained and constructed with quality materials, a polytunnel can last between 15 – 20 years before the frame, or at least parts of the frame, need replacing. The polythene sheet of a polytunnel will need to be replaced every 7 – 10 years. These tunnels are made from the very best materials. The high tensile steel frame has a life expectancy of 50 years. The industrial specification polythene cover is guaranteed for five years but is expected to last seven to ten+ years before it needs replacing.Sometimes less visually appealing – More functional in design, which may not suit all garden styles. Replacing covers – Polytunnels do require replacement covers as their strength and light transmission decrease over time.Polytunnel covers They must be made of strong plastic(such as a UV-treated polyethylene) to ensure they last.
Are poly tunnels worth it?
The biggest difference between greenhouses and polytunnels is the cost. Compared to greenhouses, polytunnel offer really good value. This is especially true if you’re looking for something larger in size, as you get more growth space for your money. Ventilation is vitally important in a polytunnel – not only will it help to create a through breeze and reduce temperatures, it will also help to reduce humidity and can help prevent certain common plant diseases. Knowing when to open and close your polytunnel doors is key to successfully growing plants.