I have a similar polytunnel. Window flaps are useless, as are the door zips. I put a large sheet of plastic in between the cover and frame to stop the rain dripping in when holes developed. Still worth it. Great video, thanks !
Looking back, I’d certainly have built one from scratch if I had the knowledge I do now. I like the idea of a second layer to keep the rain out. Certainly something to consider. Tysm for watching and glad you enjoyed the video ☺️
Would be interesting to compare cucamelon production next year between seed vs tuber grown plants. I wonder if the tuber grown plants will produce fruit earlier in the season.
I completely agree with your views on the budget poly tunnels. I had a big one probably about 15 years ago and it lasted about four years but the covers on the new ones don’t seem to last very long at all. When I moved plots, I bought a smaller budget one about six years ago and the cover only lasted 18 months at this point you will start to see the little squares in the cover start to disintegrate and as you say, the doorways will most likely have become unusable by this time. When this happened to me, I contacted first tunnels and bought a supertherm poly sheet from them for about what I paid for the whole of this budget tunnel, including the tape and covered the brilliant budget frame with this and made the sturdy wooden door frame & door structures at both ends and covered the doors out of the same stuff. I also added additional hoops out of strong blue pipe in between the hoops of the budget framework on my polytonal because I feel that the gaps in between the arches are very wide. This helps with keeping the structure cover tight. It will never be as good as the ones that are provided by the big poly tunnel companies but as allotments are meant to be based on the old “make do and amend notion” I feel like these are perfect and perfectly adequate for Allotment life My upgraded poly tunnel has lasted three years with no issues come rain, shine, wind and storms. Good luck with yours.. great video by the way.
I like the advice about adding additional hoops. I do agree they are quite wide apart and extra support could do wonders. Yes, I’ve checked it today and noticed even more of the small squares have holes, and with the rain it’s getting quite damp in there. Totally agree with the make do and mend ethos though, and wonder what crazy ideas I can come up with to renew the tunnel (with all the lovely advice in the comments) for next summer. Tysm for watching ☺️
@@sarahsallotmentjourney Agreed, it’s always nice to retreat to the polytunnel when it’s raining to continue the gardening. Our shed is quite big, although it was mostly built from reclaimed wood so cost a fraction of the price of a new one. From what I’ve seen of your channel, you are very resourceful so I reckon you could knock up a shed easily provided you had the materials. Ty for watching ☺️
Having a poly tunnel is definitely a game changer and a great place to hide from the rain 👍. It’s a shame they make them so poorly as they are not cheap by any means. I think a “door” would be a great addition and stabilizer. Excellent harvests still. Nothing looks nicer than a newly cleared bed of soil. Have a simply fabulous week, Ali 🌞🥶🇨🇦
It's a great excuse to be on the plot when it's raining, always something to do when you don't want to leave because it's wet! Certainly going to look into the door when we redo the cover. Have to agree about fresh beds. Always find myself stopping and staring for a bit before I leave the plot to check out the nice, fresh soil. Hope you have great week too, Ali and TY for watching :)
I enjoyed all the clean up, picking, and information chat! Re: the polytunnel. I've seen people cut a pool noodle down the length and put it over the supports to stop the cover rubbing. Also a old garden hose would work. A few stakes in the ground outside between the frames with a cord thrown over and attached would reduce wind movement. Too bad about that silly zipper. Um wondering if you pickle those hot peppers if it might tone down the heat? We have poured white vinegar over hot peppers. My husband likes to shake it onto food. Replace the vinegar and let it get hot again😀!
Can’t believe I forgot to mention the buffer thing but thanks for the tip. I have seen people at our site use foam pipe lagging on their poles and definitely think it’s the way to go. Will do this when we replace the cover. The steak tip is great too! At the moment I’m drying some of the chillies in our garage, the green ones I popped in the freezer. That is a great tip about the white vinegar. I plan to make some hot sauces, and wanted to pickle some too so it’s go to know the heat will reduce with vinegar. Any spares hot lemon I may dry and grind for next year as crushed chillies were a great slug defence! Tysm for watching and for the advice ☺️
Great review on the polytunnel, I was thinking about buying one last March but didn't want to replace bits every other year. So I bought some wood from that well known DIY shop and built a frame that looks like a fancy green house. Sadly work got busy and I planted it up without wrapping in plastic, but I can't wait to see how well it does when I have wrapped it, my Thor peppers are only 3 inches and green this year :D
Honestly think you won't regret the tunnel once it's up and running. Certainly great for plants that need that extra bit of shelter or warmth. Were you feeding your Thor peppers at all? I used Chilli Focus (liquid feed) for all of ours this year, and I reckon it's what gave us bumper crops. Fed them every week or so. I highly recommend it! Tysm for watching :)
What with the season ending I totally agree. If you’re going to get one, certainly get ready in February next year, ready to consider popping stuff in perhaps March. We’re hoping to give our overwinter chillis a head start next year in the poly. Happy gardening and ty for watching ☺️
@@ThatBritishHomestead Yeah! I mean, definitely cheaper, but I reckon a greenhouse would be better in the long run. But they’re really expensive, and the ones I’ve seen that are the size of the poly are extortionate. One can only dream lol
