Anyone know about cages & polytunnels?

My caulis and sprout plants were demolished by caterpillars while I was on holiday! Next year I want some protection for them but have to watch the pennies! Does anyone know of a reasonably-priced source of veg. caging and / or cloches? Having a lot of space, I might even invest in a modest polytunnel. Does anyone use one? Are there any drawbacks to them? (I know the covering has a limited lifespan and would need to be replaced after a few years.)

 

The cheapest and best way, is preventive spraying.

 

Have a think abot enviro mesh over blue water pipe hoops, scafold pipe or similar to weigh down the edges.

This is the method i use for clients, spraying etc is a waste of time.

 

That's exactly what I use and it's far better than any chemical solution. Just great for your brassicas as you can move it around every year. No time spent spraying and no chemical residues either.
We've also got a small polytunnel but use it mainly for veg that like a bit of extra warmth and to extend the growing season by a bit.

 

A Polytunnel is an option the commercial ones do covers that resist degredation by the sun you can get 7-10 years out of them you can also fit them with the enviro mesh or a combination of both, if you want to have a go at building one of your own as Paul suggests here is a link,
http://www.i4at.org/surv/green.htm

 

Thanks, folks. The example in the link doesn't look too hard to build and the materials should be easy to come by. Maybe next spring!

 

Have a look at "Gardening Naturally" They are a small company in Cirencester and in my experience, their products are reasonably priced. I am using their anti butterfly netting over self build cage all purchased from them.

www.gardening-naturally.com

 

Brilliant site - thanks Stony! Looks like just what I'm after.