How easy are they to construct?
Make no mistake constructing a polytunnel is not a little project to
amuse you over an idle Sunday afternoon. A 12ft x 25ft can be
constructed in a day by knowledgeable constructors but it would be
prudent to pencil in two days for a ‘virgin’ constructor. The flip
side is that if you can put together a piece of flat-pack furniture,
you should have no real trouble with a polytunnel.
In the year 2005 First Tunnels sold over 2000 polytunnels. Each of
those customers erected their own polytunnel without any difficulty,
thanks to the comprehensive and detailed instructions that we provide.
If you do run into a problem or difficulty, you can contact us by
email at
help@firsttunnels.co.uk or telephone our office on 01282 601253.
You’ll need several basic items of equipment – spade, tape measure,
pegs and string for marking out, lump hammer, a drill and metal bits.
Also spanners – or even better a socket set – both Philips and flat
headed screwdrivers, scissors or a Stanley knife, hammer and saw. A
step ladder will also come in handy.
How are they constructed?
To
summarise,
the polytunnel is constructed in three distinct stages. Stage 1
involves placing foundation tubes into the ground (supplied by First
Tunnels) into which the hoops simply slot. All other support bars and
stabiliser’s
are clipped to the frame (like putting up a tent). Stage 2 requires
you to fix the doors on the two ends. Stage 3 involves digging a
trench approx 12in x 15in all around the framework, the polythene is
buried into the trench. You are now ready to use the First Tunnels
polytunnel.
Do they blow away?
No. This is probably the biggest concern for people who have never
owned a polytunnel before. Most people tend to think of a polytunnel
as a glorified tent, ready to blow away at the first sign of a breeze.
Commercial growers could not afford to have their polytunnels damaged
by extreme weather and to this end polytunnels have proved their
critics wrong in withstanding the most extreme of weather conditions.
If the construction instructions are correctly followed then no
problems will occur. For those very exposed sites, we would recommend
purchasing base rails (this helps achieve a tight cover), crop bars
and storm stay braces.
 What can I grow in my Polytunnel?
Anything and everything. Today the polytunnel is used to protect 80%
of soft fruit (tomatoes, strawberries, raspberries & blackberries)
sold through supermarkets. You probably have eaten a fruit that has
been grown under polythene. Polytunnels also protect onions, potatoes,
peppers, cucumbers, melons, lettuce, beans and flowers. The list is
endless.
Prior to the introduction of Polytunnels in England only 50% of soft
fruit was Grade 1, now it is nearer to 90% - For today’s commercial
growers this represents the difference between having a business and
going out of business.
Over the years all types of plants (flowers & vegetables) have been
grown with outstanding results, a large percentage of championship
plants have been grown under polythene. The growing season is greatly
extended by the protection they offer and many new comers are caught
out by the rapid plant growth early in the year.
Are Polytunnel Organic?
The vast majority of people would argue that the environmental
benefits of using a polytunnel hugely outweigh the environmental costs
of its production. Using a polytunnel will significantly reduce the
quantity of fruit and vegetable you need to buy, avoiding the
associated food miles, energy costs and packaging.
All the timber we use is sourced from the UK from sustainable forests
and has the FSC accreditation. A polytunnel cover should last for
around four years, which makes it a fairly small part of the plastic
consumption of a ‘Westerner’. The cover can be recycled and be made
into smaller covers for cloches and cold frames and a host of other
applications around the garden.
The enclosed nature of polytunnels also reduces the need for pesticide
and chemical control. A Polytunnel provides an environment that is a
natural way to protect plants from disease and the UK weather.
Many champions of the ‘Organic’ and ‘Self Sufficiency’ movement own
Polytunnels. Buy that polytunnel, enjoy all the extra food it lets you
produce – and start totting up the environmental savings.
Do I need to treat the Timber Doors and Frames?
All of our Polytunnels are supplied with doors at both ends of your
polytunnel. All the timber used for our doors and for base/side rails
has been impregnated with TANALITH® E wood preservative
under controlled conditions in a vacuum pressure impregnation plant.
Following impregnation the preservative bonds with the wood structure
making it impossible to remove. The timber is then protected against
fungal (rot) and insect attack to ensure long service life.
How long does the Polythene cover last?
All First Tunnels polythene used is 720 gauge (180 micron) -that’s the
thickness used on Commercial polytunnels and will last at least 4
years, but it has been known for a cover to last 10 years. When
comparing specifications with our competitors ensure you check that
they are supplying a 720 gauge polythene cover.
How much does a replacement cover cost?
The cost of a replacement polythene cover is approximately 15% - 20%
the cost of the original Polytunnel.
What is Anti Hot Spot Tape?
Anti hot spot tape is a self adhesive foam tape which acts as a
cushion between the steel hoops and the polythene and will help to
prolong the life of the cover by at least one year. Also allows the
cover to glide over the frame preventing abrasion.
 What happens if I tear the Polythene?
Repair tape is available to repair accidental damage and will allow
your cover to last its full term.
Can Polytunnels be moved or extended?
Yes. This is best done when your cover needs replacing as the
polythene cannot be reused.
What are all the different Polythene Covers?
With First Tunnels offering different types of covers you can achieve
whichever type of environment suits your needs. Super White polythene
offers a cooler environment for shade loving plants/shrubs or animal
shelters. A Thermal Anti Fog cover is also available which retains
more heat and reduces condensation helping to reduce water borne
diseases. There is even the option of covering your Polytunnel in Net.
Can Polytunnels be heated?
Yes. The polythene is designed to withstand both hot and cold
environments.
What are the planning regulations for Polytunnels?
In general you do not need planning permission for sheds, greenhouses,
summerhouses or polytunnels. However you will need to apply for
planning permission if the polytunnel is nearer to any road than the
nearest part of the house, unless there’s at least 20m between the
polytunnel and a road. You can’t build over 3m high (or more than 4m
if it has a pitched roof).
A
pitched roof has its ridge at the centre, and both sides slope down at
the same angle - this accurately describes a polytunnel roof.
Take extra care if your site has a listed building or resides in a
conservation area, national park, or area of outstanding natural
beauty. There are further restrictions to planning in these cases.
Please
click here to download a planning guide for householders.
If
you are thinking of ordering a large commercial sized structure or
more than one or you have any worries at all, have a word with your
local planning department. Please
click here to download a planning guide for farmers.
How will it be delivered?
A 12ft x 25ft polytunnel would typically consist of approx
10 items and weigh 160kg in total - this can vary depending on the
additional options that you choose. Obviously smaller and larger
sized structures will differ. A large commercial structure could weigh
as much as a ton.
The majority of polytunnels will be dispatched via a nationwide carrier and although we will try and accommodate any special requests regarding delivery we cannot specify a specific date or time. Domestic polytunnels are normally dispatched within 5 working days, for commercial sized structures we would ask for approx 15 working days for delivery. At peak
periods this may increase. Once the polytunnel has left our building
it is generally in transit for approx 2/3 days.
If you have any concerns regarding delivery please telephone our
office on 01282 601253 and we will try and accommodate any special
requests you have.
I still have a question.
We are more than happy to assist or provide further information
relating to our polytunnels. You can contact us
by email at
sales@firstunnels.co.uk or telephone our office on 01282 601253.
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