What is a Polytunnel?
The polytunnel is a metal tube construction (usually semi circular in shape) that is covered in durable polythene with ultra violet inhibitors to give longer life. The polytunnel allows enormous light diffusion and distribution into the inner growing environment. A large volume of air is retained in the tunnel, staying warmer for longer, consistently. The polytunnel structure provides an ideal growing environment. Polytunnels are a cost effective alternative to green houses as they are generally only 25% of the cost of an equivalent greenhouse. Cost conscious growers are taking the polytunnel option and never looking back. The heat retention and light diffusion properties of the polytunnel are reputed to be far better than the greenhouse. In effect, you get four times the growing area with a polytunnel for the equivalent price of a greenhouse. Polytunnels are extremely easy to construct and an additional advantage is that they can be moved and relocated relatively easily unlike greenho
A polytunnel is a structure made of polyethylene which is designed to protect a row of plants or a section of a garden. Polytunnels come in all shapes and sizes, from small models designed for home gardeners to much larger tunnels which are meant for commercial use. It is possible to order a polytunnel, usually in kit form, from a manufacturer which specializes in garden supplies, and thrifty gardeners can also build their own, as long as they have access to framing materials and a source of polyethylene. For gardeners, a polytunnel straddles the dividing line between greenhouses and cloches. A cloche is a small plastic structure which is usually designed to protect a single plant from the elements. Cloches usually use a simple metal or wooden framework which can be draped with plastic and moved as needed. They protect young plants while they grow, and they can also be used to minimize frost and pest damage. A greenhouse is a much larger structure which houses an entire indoor garden.
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