What is a POLYTUNNEL?

A polytunnel is usually a metal tube construction (conventionally dome shaped) that is covered in durable polythene with ultra violet inhibitors.  As a structure it provides an enhanced growing environment for plants, flowers, fruit and vegetables.   An ideal growing environment is achieved by allowing enormous light diffusion and distribution into the growing area.  

A large volume of air is also retained in the tunnel which stays warmer for longer.  In fact, the heat retention and light diffusion properties of the polytunnel are reputed to be far better than the greenhouse. 

Polytunnels are generally arround 25% - 30% of the cost of an equivalent sized greenhouse.   In effect, you get four times the growing area with a polytunnel for the equivalent price of a greenhouse. Cost conscious growers are taking the polytunnel option and never looking back. The polythene (unlike unchanged glass) used for polytunnels, following years of technical development, is extremely technically advanced in terms of UV filtration and thermal retention.  It is designed to bring on the growth of fruit, plants and vegetables.  Increased yield, reduced insect damage and reduced costs are the main reasons why garden and commercial growers are moving to polytunnels.

Polytunnels are easy to construct.  An additional advantage is that they can be moved and relocated relatively easily unlike greenhouses that rely on a fixed foundation.  The versatility of the structure permits a variety of shapes and sizes.  Current tunnel designs reduce the risk of damage in severe (even if rare) weather conditions.

The polytunnel environment offers protection for crops and plants against unpredictable and poor weather conditions.  All year round gardening is possible where spring crops can be harvested and marketed earlier and late season crops can be prolonged and marketed later.  This makes obvious sense for cost efficient growing on a small or large scale. A wide variety of products can be grown in the tunnel environment.  Summer bedding plants and hanging baskets thrive, as do many more exotic species of plants, fruits and vegetables.  In some cases, products that would normally be shipped in from countries miles and miles away can be grown.  A well appointed polytunnel can therefore play its part in reducing the world’s carbon footprint.  The cost to grow is far, far lower than the cost to buy from foreign countries.

For the gardening enthusiast or “grow-your-own” protagonist the polytunnel will offer a protected and comfortable environment for growing whether it is for home consumption or for sale.  A polytunnel will permit you to have a feeling of pride and achievement when planting, cultivating, harvesting and consuming, displaying or selling your wares.

Other uses can be considered for the polytunnel type structure.  In addition to the growing and gardening potential you may consider:  animal shelters (sheep and poultry), temporary work shelters, swimming pool covers, machinery protection, vehicle covers (including small aircraft and boats), fish pond protection and wood stores, just to name a few.

The whole family can get involved in polytunnels in a variety of ways and it will certainly enhance a rewarding, cost effective and healthy pastime.

[….Citadel (n.) a stronghold offering shelter during a battle. Let Citadel Polytunnels Ltd supply the stronghold and protection for your crops, plants, fruits, vegetables, animals or garden leisure equipment. …]