looking for a polytunnel please

jamzky · Hazel Tree Joined: 20 Feb 2009 Posts: 1

Hi all

I am new here and looking for a polytunnel for my father's birthday. Could anyone advise where I might be able to buy one from in the cork area (or neighbouring county). I could order aonline but I want to see them too.

Thanks a million

Jim

Belfast · Ash Tree Joined: 23 Apr 2009 Posts: 243 Location: CSA

HOSFORDS GERANIUMS AND GARDEN CENTRE LTD.,CAPPA,ENNISKEANE,CO.CORK.TEL.023-39159 FAX023-39300
http://www.hosfordsgardencentre.ie/polytunnel.html

galwaybeginner · Posted: Thu May 14, 2009 11:13 pm Post subject:

Can't help with one locally, but I did get one online at firsttunnels.co.uk

In the process of putting it together (did one door tonight) and could give you a few pointers:

1. Think of ventilation. Side vents available.
2. If you have pets, think of aluminum sides. Help against cats/dogs ripping through.
3. BIGGER - no matte what size, you will want bigger. I haven't even got it up and want bigger - as has everyone I've spoken to with one. Go for the largest you can afford and fit.
4. Be sure you can level the ground it will be on. Can be very hard work if area is sloped to start so consider this.
5. buy storm clamps, and buy repair tape. You will need both at some point.

Best of luck with it!

Shayne · Posted: Tue May 26, 2009 1:50 pm Post subject: Polytunnel costings

There seems to be so many differnt costings for PT around. I finally bought one from MORRIS PT in Tyrone 14' x 30' delivered to North kerry for E40. has'nt arrived yet but we will see. It has standard bits & bobs in the package and a door + flap. It seems very good value & costings down here were very expensive.

galwaybeginner · Posted: Tue May 26, 2009 1:58 pm Post subject:

The whole tunnel was 40euro???? Shocked

Shayne · Posted: Tue May 26, 2009 3:01 pm Post subject: Wait wait wait

Sorry no, my mistake delivery was E40. Unit was E-535

galwaybeginner · Posted: Tue May 26, 2009 3:10 pm Post subject:

Ahhh...phew! Thought I had paid WAY over the odds for mine Smile

Best of luck with it. Post a photo when it's up.

Shayne · Posted: Tue May 26, 2009 3:14 pm Post subject: when it's up

Yes will do. still dammed windy though so it should arrive in 10 days or so and hopefully wind will have died down. have decided to use baseboard as opposed to trench dig. saw a lot of articles on sinking PT's and plastic going slack. Good points here on that:

http://thurstongarden.wordpress.com/2008/01/27/polytunnel-timber-base-rails-vs-trenching/

galwaybeginner · Posted: Tue May 26, 2009 3:39 pm Post subject:

Yeah, I am going for base rails myself. (In the process of erecting - been preparing the lot since late March!)

I think they are a lot more secure.

I've also put a mesh layer down 12 in down coming up at the sides. Should keep any rabbits, hares, rats and other wildlife out!

Shayne · Posted: Tue May 26, 2009 5:00 pm Post subject: Whats on the ground?

Have you just put the PT down over the ground as it was (cleared) or are you going to put raised beds in also?

galwaybeginner · Posted: Tue May 26, 2009 5:04 pm Post subject:

I'd say I'll go for raised beds, but already have that 12 inches of good soil (layered as follows -
newspaper, wire fence/mesh, organic farmyard manure, loam, moss peat, loam, compost). On that I'll have the PT, and once fully up and secured in place will 90% likely add raised beds. That's always been the plan anyhow.

How about you?

Shayne · Posted: Tue May 26, 2009 5:31 pm Post subject: OOooohh taats a difficult one

Well our PT is going down on clay mixed with years rotted Horse poop. Weeds grow very well on it so I am looking at your make-up. Whats with the wire mesh?

galwaybeginner · Posted: Tue May 26, 2009 6:11 pm Post subject:

The wire mesh is my own idea (haven't heard anyone else doing it so may be over the top!)

My idea with the mesh is to have an outter barrier to stop anything burrowing in. There is a stream in the field ehind my house so risk of rats, and there are gangs of rabbits/hares roaming too! Laughing

You can see it at an early stage in this pic. The paper is unfder the mesh simply so it was held down. Originally thought I'd have it above. The paper is to hold off any weeds down low, and should rot away with time - or get digested by worms.

The mesh comes up at the sides, and I will hopefully tack it to the base rails (not sure about that yet - may tack it to some 1x2 strips so that they are separate to the main structure).

Shayne · Posted: Tue May 26, 2009 6:40 pm Post subject: Continuing on that theme

I use all my old papers to lay down in flower beds etc under trees & bushes and cover it over with compost. it doesnt stop weeds much as they grow on the paper, but I see where youre coming from. I'm trying to source (eventually) a petrol shredder so as i can feed in the goat bedding & poop to make compost. I keep a few hens as well and find that using sawdust / shavings that when trown out in a heap the most amazing tiger worms appear.

At least your started.