The Versatility and Durability of Domestic Polytunnels

Garden or domestic polytunnels are increasingly popular choices, as they are easy to install and available from polytunnel companies in various sizes in kit form. Ideal housing for those new to permaculture, everyday keen gardeners, farmers, and even commercial growers and the different uses they put them to due to their practicality as workstations or relaxation areas, related to their affordability, and versatility.

These structures, essentially large, hooped arches running the length of the tunnel offer a range of benefits beyond general growing use in the garden, with their ease of installation, maintenance, and repair, making them a long-lasting investment for a variety of cultivation purposes and other uses, such as storage facilities, chicken housing or small animal shelters. Whether deciding to grow vegetables, flowers, fruits, or other intended uses, garden or domestic polytunnels can prove an essential shelter, storage, or housing asset.

Uses Beyond the Garden

Polytunnel companies offer kits in various sizes and shapes; their ease and speed of setup are major factors in why gardeners, small businesses, and farmers see them as a popular choice. They extend their seasonal harvesting, allowing them to sow or plant at different times, which allows seamless continuation of fresh produce throughout an expanded season. Polytunnel companies supply a variety of coverings that can aid growers and other uses, including insulated ones for year-round production. Different cover grades allow for various micro-climates, as well as bespoke garden or domestic polytunnels that can be tailored to suit specific needs.

Keeping Your Polytunnel in Top Shape

While most domestic polytunnels from a professional supplier are sturdy and robustly designed to withstand various UK conditions, like many outdoor structures, they will require occasional checks, regular maintenance or cover repairs. The most common issue for owners is damage to the covering material from harsh storms, although often in a garden environment, they are usually protected by some form of windbreak, such as fences, walls, or hedging. Harsher and more exposed locations may need more intensive checks to prolong the performance and lifespan of garden or domestic polytunnels, placed in these locations.

Checks and Repair

Usually, in smaller tunnels, you would not require the services of reputable polytunnel companies. Repairs or replacement of a covering, which can tear, rip, be punctured, or violently ripped off due to strong gusting wind, are unfortunately the first actions to happen.

Use quality repair tape designed specifically for polythene. If they require patching, use a piece of durable polythene sheet, and clean all surrounding edges well before applying a strong adhesive or robust repair tape. Polytunnel companies sell accessories and tapes.  

It’s a good idea to clear debris, cut back branches to avoid snagging, check the entrance space for machinery and tools to enter without a problem, as impacts can also damage the cover.

When cleaning a cover, use a soapy, non-harmful solution on the cover. When doing so, tighten loose clips or fastenings, holding the cover securely in place and keeping it taut.

Checking the gutters, cladding, systems, doors, windows, vents, and other moving parts are functional, weatherproof, operate smoothly, and provide optimal performance. Maintaining good airflow keeps crops and plants healthy, helping ensure that everything is in good working order.

As with all items left outdoors, a process of ageing, natural degradation, wear and tear, and stress movement from harsh environmental conditions makes even the robust frames yield at some point, usually in the form of corrosion, damage, or faulty parts, by strengthening or replacing helps ensure structural stability, increasing tunnel longevity.

Why Garden and Domestic Polytunnels Remain a NO 1 Choice for Gardens

Purchasing small, medium or large garden or domestic polytunnels often proves to be a smart investment for those seriously considering one for their garden or small-scale venture. Contact several polytunnel companies to check their quotes for supply and, if you don’t feel comfortable, installation.

Read More:

Identifying a Reputable Polytunnel Supplier

Commercial Operators Need Tailored Solutions and Support