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What is a Polytunnel?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

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. Greenhouses can be made from glass or plastic, and they are designed to give a gardener greater control over temperature and humidity.

A polytunnel can keep deer out of a garden.
A polytunnel can keep deer out of a garden.

Unlike most greenhouses, a polytunnel can usually be easily moved around, and it is much cheaper to build. However, a polytunnel serves much the same function. It protects plants from severe weather, and it can be used to increase heat and humidity for plants which favor these conditions. By using a polytunnel, a gardener can grow plants which will not normally thrive where he or she lives.

Some commercial gardeners install temporary polytunnels to extend the growing season.
Some commercial gardeners install temporary polytunnels to extend the growing season.

There are some other advantages to polytunnels. Since many can be completely sealed, they also protect plants from insect infestations, which can devastate a crop. A sturdy polytunnel will also repel larger pests such as deer and birds. It is also possible to build raised and sealed beds in a polytunnel, using fresh soil. This can be useful for gardeners who have less than ideal soil to work with, and it can retard soil-borne pests which might otherwise be an issue.

These distinctive polyethylene tunnels can be seen in gardens and commercial farming operations in many parts of the world. Although a polytunnel may not be terribly impressive or pleasant to look at, it serves a useful function, allowing people to produce a range of plants for decoration and consumption. Generally, they are used in temperate zones, with gardeners in cold regions using hothouses to grow their plants.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a HomeQuestionsAnswered researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a HomeQuestionsAnswered researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon359676

First Tunnels in UK are probably the biggest players.

anon138165

Look up Haygrove Ltd. in the UK. They have a wide variety of garden polytunnels. There is an east coast distributor, Cramer's Posie Patch that you can go to. Good Luck!

jonefti

I enjoyed this article. I've been considering buying a polytunnel for my garden but wasn't completely clear on the advantages. I like the fact that it protects my crops from infestation.

Can the author recommend any companies for garden polytunnels? thanks, Jonathan

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    • A polytunnel can keep deer out of a garden.
      By: awhelin
      A polytunnel can keep deer out of a garden.
    • Some commercial gardeners install temporary polytunnels to extend the growing season.
      By: PHOTOERICK
      Some commercial gardeners install temporary polytunnels to extend the growing season.