The Truth About Polytunnels: One Year Later (First Tunnels Review)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ก.พ. 2025
- In August 2023 I bought a 20ft x 12 ft (6m x 3.66m) Polytunnel from First Tunnels to start the build of my new home allotment.
Together with my husband, Duncan, we built the polytunnel ourselves. We used the corkscrew ground anchors for our build and upgraded to all of the extra storm bracing options.
Join me for a February Tour of the polytunnel and hear whether I feel the polytunnel was worth having, as I review the first 12 months with this under cover growing space. What do I really think about polytunnels…let’s find out!
What have I learned about the growing in a polytunnel over the past year?
Has it extended my vegetable growing season?
What changes have I made to the polytunnel this year?
What would I do differently?
Do I have any regrets?
How much did it cost?
All this, and more will be answered in this video. If you are considering adding a polytunnel to your garden, allotment or alternative growing space watch this video, to learn from my mistakes (and tips).
Channels mentioned in this video:
@JBNat
Video Link:
November Polytunnel Tour | Things I Regret About The Polytunnel
• November Polytunnel To...
#gardening #polytunnel #gardeningtips
Music by Storyblocks for LumaFusion Subscription
#ep109
#hoophouse #polyhouse #croptunnel
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Do you have one or are you thinking of buying a polytunnel for 2025?
Absolutely brilliant video, Clare. You've given anyone considering that big purchase plenty of helpful information.
I bought my polytunnel from Premier Polytunnels. It's my happy place ☺️ ❤
I envisage a 2nd polytunnel at least 30 feet long joining The Farmyard Garden 😂 Premier Polytunnels should offer you one so you can do a comparison between the 2 😂😂😂
@Jacqui-Pen ha … I don’t think I’d ever have the reach for a company to donate that level of expense to my channel. 🤣🤣🤣
I can’t wait to see you sharing photos of your luffa growing in yours this summer!
I had no real preference on which company to go with, between the main three. The only reason I settled on First Tunnels back then was their discount system, which gave me a very strong fruit cage half price effectively ❤️
@TheFarmyardGarden I got a good discount. Their upgraded hoops are 38mm. The more you add to your cart, the cheaper it was. I honestly couldn't fault the service I received.
Clare, I've seen a few youtubers receive a free polytunnel. I know one who's had 2 from the same company!
Hopefully, you'll have many offers flooding in soon, and to be honest, you'd deserve it.
I only have my mobile for photos/videos, so I'm just trying to figure out how I edit, etc. This year, I will definitely take more footage of things growing & then I'll be uploading them to share x
@@TheFarmyardGardenClare, I agree with Jacqui-Pen, you do deserve companies to donate to you.
@kathleenwilliamson174 aww thank you. I’m quite happy taking withdrawals from The Bank of Duncan (even if he isn’t so keen). I do have some raised beds I’ve been sent. They’ll feature shortly 😍
Great informative video Clare, the difference between the inside and outside plants is astounding. 😊
You’d make an excellent salesperson Clare! It clear how much you love your polytunnel. You can really see the difference between the indoor and outdoor crops. Thanks for sharing your tips on what did and didn’t work for you 😊
Thanks Clare. I’m a marketer’s dream, not sure I would be good at selling though 🤣
I adore the polytunnel. How’s your plot coming along?
So interesting and informative. And all this information delivered in glorious February sunshine. Thank you
It truly was a beautiful morning
A great video very informative thank you!
Thanks for watching and thank you for your kind comment ☺️
Fab video Clare and useful information for anyone thinking of investing in a polytunnel.
Im pleased that you only have the one regret. Your polytunnel always looks amazing and I so loved it last summer with all the flowers . 😍
Have a great week ❤ xx
Thank you Linda. I hope it looks as magical again this year too 😍😍
A wonderful polytunnel review, Clare. I have a greenhouse, but not a polytunnel. The details you gave really do help. Honesty from a fellow gardener helps in decision making😊. It's always great to find companies that offer discounts too. I think your and Duncan's diy skills are wonderful. There is video proof of that😉.
Thank you Kathleen. It’s been an interesting interesting first year with the polytunnel. When I bought it, I really thought of it being more about summer crops. It came with a book about year round growing. If it hadn’t, I may not have tried anything that first winter.
Hi Clare, it was nice to see the comparison between the brassicas, everything looks very healthy in the poly tunnel.
It really is such a difference. I’m sure the outside ones will catch up but it’s a startling difference
Thank you for the information
You’re very welcome. Thanks for watching 😀
Such a difference in crops inside the Polytunnel and outside. Very interesting.
Yeah. Much better isn’t it?
It was watching your first video Clare, that convinced me to go bigger, 14x30, so thank you for that. it’s the only covered area I have, so it’s used for everything, sowing, potting on, and most importantly sitting and contemplating.
Thank you for my loofah seeds, they arrived today.
Sitting and contemplating.. it really is a place to gravitate isn’t it? I had no idea how much of an all round plot enhancement the polytunnel would be. I really do love the winter warmth in it.
I’m glad that video helped you. I watched it again last night and wondered when I’d started talking my usual garble pace on camera, because I certainly wasn’t back then. (I was also wearing pj bottoms! I had forgotten about that)
So pleased the luffa seeds arrived. I think they’ll do well for you. Beautiful area of the country you live in. Adore Cornwall ❤️
I forgot to add.. 14ft x 30ft ❤️❤️❤️
Envious of your good decision 🤣
I definitely need to get some soil sifted for my carrot beds this year but alas it’s frozen still 😂. 3:55 ok wouldn’t you feel better inside too 😂😂. A wonderful update Clare, have a super week, Ali ❄️❄️🥶🇨🇦
Definitely Ali. It’s startling to see the difference though isn’t it, especially as we know they’re cold lovely crops.
I need to do so much but that weather is not very motivating is it? 😭
Some really valid points there Clare. Like you I have one regret - but mine is that I wish it was a little wider so I could have a central bed. Saying that I absolutely love what I have and of course now I can share Mike's as well. There's only one thing for it though - you need to get yourself another one!
Duncan says I should have a second one but I really think two is a bit excessive. 🤣🙈❤️❤️
Such an informative video. Im excited to grow in a polytunnel for the first time this year. It's pretty old and battered but still serviceable! Maybe a new one at some point...
Thank you. 🥰
I’m so excited to see what you grow this year. It’s going to be a bigger game changer than that broad fork 😉😍
@TheFarmyardGarden 🤣
@dogontheplot 🙌🏼
That broad fork! 😂😂😂😂❤️
If carlsberg made broadforks….
Great over view.
Thank you ☺️
I love your poly tunnel!
I have the home one, and soon to have some on the plots. Greenhouse is great too.
They are great for all year round crops. 🙌🏽
Ooo polytunnels on your plots! Double plural! You’re going to busy ❤️
@ 😂 yes we know but so exciting! Plots though... there's 3 isn't there 🫣😂
@ericandrachallotmenteers there is but that’s a lot of polytunnels… especially when Eric isn’t overly keen on tomatoes himself 🤣
@ 😂😂 well he sharp eats my homemade sauce so he best getting his tools at the ready 😂😂
@ericandrachallotmenteers are you having the same tunnels you have at home?
Bought the cover for my second hand tunnel from first tunnels, think £270 for a 40ft x 20ft tunnel. No regrets and wouldn’t do without one. Great service from First Tunnels.
Their customer service is top notch isn’t it? What an amazing growing space you have. 😱❤️❤️❤️
@@TheFarmyardGarden 🙏 I’d like to cover the whole garden🤣. Yes first tunnels Delivery was damaged by the couriers and they sent a new cover out right away. BTW your garden is all amazing.
@TheWeeGarden thank you so much. Duncan is all for me having a second tunnel but I’m just not sure I really need it 😅
Good morning Clare, just timed my workout to be done when you start, so there's another way to keep warm in the winter. 😅
Looks like such a lovely space to grow in, your crops look awesome! I will keep your advice on going big in my mind when I decide on a greenhouse for my garden. I also want a seating area in it, to extend outdoor season for humans too.
Have a great week! ☺
Trude
A seating area in the greenhouse would be just perfect Trude. I think the winter warmth inside the tunnel is the thing which most surprised me. At a time when we don’t feel any warmth from the sun, I was truly shocked to see just how much warmth the sun could create inside the polytunnel. Blew my mind.
Kudos for the early morning workout too! I’m on a health kick, so hoping to shrink on video by summer 🤣❤️❤️
Hi Clare, really good video aboit your ploytunnel. I have one too, mine is only 10ft x 10ft from first tunnels had it for 3 years. Best decision ever. I have staging on one side in mine as I only have my polytunnel for indoor growing and can't go any bigger due to the space on my plot. Tgat said, it is a game changer in respect of growing indoors. Thanks for sharing and take care 😊
I think that’s a lovely size. I’d probably not have needed the polytunnel, that first season, had I had a greenhouse more that size.
Definite game changer though aren’t they? I’m so glad you love yours.
Have a fab week ❤️
If you're cover for the polytunnel needs to be replaced ,it would be easy enough to add some extra hoops. Or what about the low tunnels with hinges over raised beds you could try one of those and see if you like it or not.
That’s actually a really good consideration. We could definitely add an extra hoop in if we wanted to. Hubby says I could have a second tunnel if I wanted to but I think that would be excessive.
I am debating whether to add a couple of mini tunnels too. They are useful. I did have one but gave it to myself sister, when we bought the polytunnel, for her growing space 😊
Thank you. Great video. Interesting and informative. A really well laid out polytunnel. What no Hat!!!
Not just no hat, Viv.. I’d also washed and brushed my hair? Who even am I? 🤣🤣
Glad you enjoyed the video ❤️❤️
@@TheFarmyardGarden A Video star.
@@VivSimmons oooo that’s a bit of a stretch, but thank you 🤣❤️❤️
Brilliant video Clare! Bravo! Some very valid points! I agree though.. first tunnels are brilliant with their service. So glad it's being used all year round. Mark my words, you'll have a second one 😂😂😂 Danny 🌱
Danny.. don’t! Duncan thinks I should have a second tunnel but that seems super excessive 🙈🌱🤣
I do love having the space though. Year round growing is such a joy with the polytunnel isn’t it?
I bet you’re loving the extra space of your new one ❤️❤️
We are still considering a polytunnel so thank you so much for sharing! Lots of useful information and you may of swayed us lol. I best do some overtime at work 😂. Have a great week Clare 🌱
Oh do it! Your wonderful blank canvas is just perfect to decide where to place a polytunnel now. You’ve also spent enough time there to be aware of how the sun affects your growing space.
I’m so excited for what’s to come for your family and the plot this year. 🌱❤️
Hi Clare, brilliant vlog again, thank you.
I wish I had the space. I only grow in my little backgarden. Gave up my allotment when I moved from London to South Yorkshire 2 years ago.
Very envious. 😂❤ missing it a lot.
Do you imagine having an allotment again in the future? South Yorkshire sounds amazing, pretty scenery ❤️
I had an accident just before I moved and broke my left arm badly and damaged the main nerve. After over a year of physio I can now use it near to normal again but still not fully. So I haven't got the confidence to do an allotment on my own, so my backgarden is an ok size for me at the moment.
@ oh no. I’m so sorry. That makes sense. I’m so sorry you had the accident but I’m pleased to hear you’re doing well. ❤️
Another great video Clare. I would love a polytunnel but we only rent, although i don't think our landlord would be too against the idea. Now, if we owned our property and money wasn't an issue i would definitely go for as big as i could fit in.
I didn’t cover them in the video but I think the mini polytunnels are good too. I grew some bush tomatoes in mine the first summer. They loved it! ❤️
Excellent review of the advantages of polytunnels. Having lost my cheap polytunnel to one of the storms, I felt so disheartened, I vowed not to replace it as it is just so exposed here. However, when I discovered that KSB from Ireland were now selling in England, I decided to buy one of their polycarbonate tunnels. It was installed on Friday and I am really looking forward to growing in it!
So very exciting! I toyed for so long between Polyeco and First Tunnels. I really was swaying towards Polyeco, but at the time they only did 10ft wide and I really wanted at least 12ft wide. They now do 12ft wide, typically.
Enjoy your growing season. I do love the KSB and they’re so well priced too.
And their installation price was so good that it wasn’t worth the worry of putting it up myself. Two guys arrived at 8.00 and they were gone by 10.30 and that included concreting in the posts!
@1northcountrygirl wow!!! That was impressive!
It was! I don’t think they stopped for a minute. They were so efficient and some parts had been assembled before they arrived - the main arches and the doors. I can’t praise them enough.
@1northcountrygirl Amazing
Great video, i so wish we could have them on our allotment site. Do you think you will be tempted to add a couple of the mini tunnels to your garden in the future?
What a shame you can’t have them. I’d definitely consider having mini polytunnels again
Very informative video Clare and useful to those who are debating, I waited over 10 years before getting my polytunnel, and grew fine in those 10 years, however the last 3 years weather patterns have become so erratic having the polytunnel has allowed me to control the conditions in which my plants grow. If a full polytunnel isn’t achievable your original mini polytunnels are a great alternative for those wanting to grow heat loving plants. Have a great week!
Duncan is convinced I should have a second tunnel but I think that would be a bit excessive really
I am debating adding in a couple of mini polytunnels, we shall have to see. If I stop sowing peppers and chillies I wouldn’t need to consider it 🤣🤣🤣
I’m so surprised it took you and Dave 10 years to put in Pollyanna. I assumed you’d had one for quite some time
Here’s hoping we get to enjoy some winter sun in the polytunnel next week ❤️
@ me and Dave have always planned on building another polytunnel on our traditional plot, we’re just waiting till our main plot is finished before we tackle that project lol
I think there’s always going to be pros and cons to how we grow and with what, but essentially a polytunnel makes life so much easier! 😄
@ it really does make things easier. A second polytunnel will be amazing when it happens.
I love having plans ❤️
@@TheFarmyardGarden I’m shocked you’ve not ordered one! What size will you go for? 25 x 14?
When growing your own you’re never with out a plan lol
Morning Clare, very truthful and informative video.
I don't have room for a polytunnel but seeing your indoor crops made me re-think my outdoor beds. I have bird proof covers on them at the moment but will be buying polytunnel tops for next winter.
My brassicas are looking good, but I'm thinking they'd look much better under plastic 😊
I love your polytunnel and its neatness and symmetry, plus it's very productive, which is what you want from any growing space.
The mini tunnels are amazing and definitely worth considering when you don’t have room for a large polytunnel.
I am sure the outdoor crops will pick up come spring but pretty certain there will be an earlier crop in the polytunnel.
I’m glad the video was useful for you ❤️
@TheFarmyardGarden It was very useful, thank you ❤️ I'll check out mini polytunnels and size up my garden. I think it's the way forward 😊
❤️❤️
I am wanting a polytunnel but have to wait for a new tractor shed to be built so I can have the space of the old one to put it on. But it keeps getting put off year after year so I have to wait.
Oh gosh.. that sounds frustrating. I don’t have the best patience. I hope it happens this year for you
Would love a polytunnel but do not have the space in the garden can only go 4ft wide so built my own poly house I did extend it at the end of last year from 1.8mtr to 4.2mtr long.
Just perfect! It’s all about what you can fit in the space you have.
My sister and niece are building a polyhouse this spring for their growing space. It’s going to be just perfect for them too ❤️❤️
Wow that sure has gone quickly!
Flown by hasn’t it? How are you getting on with your greenhouse?
@TheFarmyardGarden sure has. We are getting sub zero temps so nothing in there just now. I've got sweet peas indoors but they're super tall. 🫣 so not sure they'll make it. 🤔
@GardenMyselfHappy my sweet peas are in my greenhouse. I’ll bring them in if we get lower then -3 forecast but they’re pretty happy
@TheFarmyardGarden fab. I'll try Hardening off mine and keep an eye out. I need to start planning my seeds too. 😀likely start some peas etc.
@GardenMyselfHappy I nipped mine off and they’re starting to send shorter shoots now lower down
I love your polytunnel. It was worth every single penny that was spent. I see Kerry has commented. I’ll continue to follow this, moving forward.😉😂
Really enjoyed this one. ❤️xxx
Thanks Jimmy. I love the polytunnel too. Just wish we’d spent a few more pennies now on a slightly bigger one 🤣🤣🤣
Kerry is a good friend ❤️
@@TheFarmyardGarden sure I know you both are. Just love giving her a hard time over anything I can muster.😉😂❤️
i dont have room for 1 but my son built me a grow house for a few tomatoes and peppers its just the right size for my back garden growing might try some vg in post next yr in it
Oh that sounds wonderful. My sister and niece are building a polyhouse this year too. Got to do what works for you and your space and it looks like you have done that perfectly ❤️
Happy growing 🌱
Ive been debating over a polytunnel on my allotment i cant have a big one allotment rules but i really think i would benefit from one.
I truly believe it was the best addition to my growing space. I’m sure I wouldn’t have been able to grow all I did without it. I would definitely say to do it. You won’t regret it 😍
My poly is the next size down from you and wish I had the space to go up to your size.
We always want more don’t we? Always 🙈🤗
Contemplating…. 🤔
DO IT! ❤️
@ 🤣🤣
You won’t regret it! ❤️
Ooo
@dogontheplot tell her Kerry… DO IT