[Moggi]

Hi, I am new not only to this website but also to gardening and I have learned so much already looking through all the different forums. I am planning on buying a polytunnel now in the Spring and was wondering what advice anyone could give me on preparing the site before erecting the polytunnel. My garden is still practically a building site having only moved into our house however I guess that means I have a blank canvass so to speak. The polytunnel size is 14x10 ft and Im thinking of using raised beds to grow vegetables. Where I am planning on placing the polytunnel is an area where the topsoil has been scaped away and currently is stoned with rough gravel. Would it be best to scape away the gravel and re-apply the topsoil and then erect the polytunnel or is there another or better way. As I say it is practically a blank canvass and I really want to get it right.

Thanks,
Moggi

[SG]

Hi, I put up a polytunnel about 4 years ago, found it very successful.
Its size is 24x 16 and if I was doing it again I would make it bigger.
I think you should make it as big as you can, to allow for a work area.
The organic centre in Co. Leitrim does courses on this, that’s where I learnt about them. It’s important to get it right from the start.
Also try and get as much ground work done before erecting it as possible. You could use some of the gravel area as paths.

Good luck with it anyway.
sg

[scotty]

I'm also considering a polytunnel and live in quite an exposed area in the west of Ireland. I am worried that the polytunnel would disappear during one of our winter gales! Has anyone had any experience with polytunnels in windy situations?

[Liparis]

[galwaybeginner]

Totally agree with that on the size. I just put in a 8 * 5 foot one, and when I was buying it was worried it was too big. Before I even had it all up I was thinking about doubling the size. Once you get started it's adictive!