Polytunnels - online or in shops (Galway/Mayo if in shops!)

galwaybeginner

Hi all

I have a nice big garden that is a blank canvas at the moment as we only bought the house last summer and have been busy indoors since then. One of the first things I am interested in acquiring is a polytunnel and would welcome any advice.

As it is I am thinking I should get a pretty sturdy one as we have weather with a capital W around here. The garden is fairly sloped so I am guessing the best part to use is the level part. I plan on using raised beds, so will have a base layer. I am not going to have slabs so will use anchor plates in the ground.

I am not aware of anywhere in Galway or Mayo that sells them and the only Irish ones I can find online either don't include rather obvious things like doors, or else look like they would blow away with a sneeze!

I did find one set online - firsttunnels.co.uk - but the delivery costds alone to Galway are 75 sterling, so would very much welcome any advice, addresses, websites,....etc.

I'd like to get going as soon as possible to catch the Summer growth, but want to make the right decisions. Total beginner so no advice to stupid to give me!

Many thanks in advance!

James Kilkelly, was GPI. · Posted: Thu Mar 05, 2009 1:13 pm Post subject:

Hello galwaybeginner.
First off, have a read of these three threads from the past, they will answer a lot of your questions.

Glasshouse versus polytunnel

Polytunnels Ireland

Greenhouse suppliers, small hobby greenhouses in Ireland

Need materials? Irish home delivery.	Need materials? UK home delivery.	Need materials? US home delivery.

sandra12 · Hazel Tree Joined: 30 Jul 2008 Posts: 36

Go as big as you can within the space you have and within budget. If you catch the growing bug and opted for a small tunnel you will be kicking yourself. Don't forget to visit all nearby garden centres and get a quote for supply of your required size. You may get lucky and get a good quote especially if they are well connected.

galwaybeginner · Posted: Thu Mar 05, 2009 2:35 pm Post subject:

Thank you both. I'll go through those links.
I was thinking of 8' * 15* which should cover a good big area. Just worried it could be a bit of an eyesore now!

galwaybeginner · Posted: Thu Mar 05, 2009 10:50 pm Post subject: Jumped in!

I jumped in (can't wait!) and ordered a 8foot by 15 foot one. It was 290 sterling, but when I added all the bits (ataging rails, base, anchor, etc,) it was 500!!

Will let you know how I get on once it arrives. Very excited! In theory it should look like the pic attached. Time will tell
Very Happy

James Kilkelly, was GPI. · Posted: Fri Mar 06, 2009 12:26 am Post subject:

Who was this with galwaybeginner?
Anyone from the supplied list.
Or perhaps a supplier we should add to it if successful.

galwaybeginner · Posted: Fri Mar 06, 2009 9:17 am Post subject: Cats and polytunnels?

It was with firsttunnels.co.uk
They were very helpful over the last few days via email, and their site is very easy to use.
But I'll hold off recommending them until I see what is delivered and if it stands up to the promises on the site!

I had a thought lying in bed last night - are cats a problem for polytunnels? We have two and I would hate to have just spent a shed load of money (excuse pun) on a tunnel and find the cats rip it appart. Has anyone had a problem with that?

Liparis · Posted: Fri Mar 06, 2009 10:20 am Post subject:

Inside a pollytunnel, like a greenhouse, is a cat's idea of heaven. Warm and cosy, even on hot days. The other advantage to them is, a heated toilet, nice soft soil to dig in. They won't care if its where you've sown your seeds or planted your tomatoes Laughing

Make a door out of chicken mesh, keeps the cats out and lets in the air.
Bill.

galwaybeginner · Posted: Fri Mar 06, 2009 10:48 am Post subject:

Thanks Bill. Great idea.

I guess I should almost put a whole perimiter fence? My worry was more them cutting through the polythene either trying to get in, climbing, or just being cats and ripping whatever comes to hand to shreds! Rolling Eyes

Liparis · Posted: Fri Mar 06, 2009 3:09 pm Post subject:

There is that possibility, but unfortunately a risk you need to take. They might never do it, do it once and never again, or hopefully not, just think it's so much fun they get addicted to doing it Laughing

Excercise might stop them. I wrote a book on cat excercises, 101 ways to wok your cat! Laughing

Bill.

blownin · Posted: Sat Mar 21, 2009 7:34 am Post subject:

Has your tunnel arrived yet if so are there any problems, i' m thinking of getting a tunnel myself , don't fancy spending £500.00 On one to see it blown away after a storm.

galwaybeginner · Posted: Sat Mar 21, 2009 11:18 am Post subject:

It still hasn't arrived. Hoping it will be in the next week...

Will give an evaluation when it arrives and then again when it is up.

galwaybeginner · Posted: Mon Apr 06, 2009 8:13 pm Post subject:

Well, it has arrived! Very well packed and sitting in my hallway while I finish digging out the plot.

I am digging the whole area out so will probably be another week or so at it Sad

Can't wait to get it up!

James Kilkelly, was GPI. · Posted: Tue Apr 07, 2009 1:36 am Post subject:

galwaybeginner · Posted: Mon May 11, 2009 12:55 pm Post subject:

"Another week or so"

Ha! How naive I was! One month on and still digging. Starting to look like a good healthy plot. About another fortnight digging and construction can begin.

I've been taking photos along the way and will post them all together as a series when it's up.

Polytunnels - online or in shops (Galway/Mayo if in shops!)

Need materials? Irish home delivery.

Need materials? UK home delivery.

Need materials? US home delivery.

Need materials?
Irish home delivery.

Need materials?
UK home delivery.

Need materials?
US home delivery.