Feel Good polytunnels?

Discussion in 'Poly-Tunnel Gardening' started by Julie D, Jan 5, 2013.

  1. Julie D

    Julie D Gardener

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    Hi all,

    Just wondered if any one on here has bought a 20 x 10ft polytunnel from this company and if they are any good?

    I have got 2 10 x 6ft ones by another company and find them very good but cover does need replacing every year.

    I now find I need a bigger at the allotment to cope with my seed growing.

    Julie
     
  2. Chillimad

    Chillimad The Chilli Grower

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    I bit the bullet and bought a good size one from First Tunnels, a 14ftx35ft. They do the size your looking for, and the covers are guaranteed for 5 years I think, so although perhaps a little more outlay initially, by the time you factor in replacing covers in both expense and then time and inconvenience it may be a option to consider
     
  3. Scrungee

    Scrungee Well known for it

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    I have one and so does SteveR who's posted on this thread about it;

    http://gardenerscorner.co.uk/forum/threads/steves-polytunnels.33033/page-4#post-543043

    In addition to the above size, I also have two 4.5 x 2m FeelGood polytunnels (like this one http://gardenerscorner.co.uk/forum/threads/my-£50-polytunnel-from-ebay.31800/) and the cover on the first one is about to go into it's third year, but this may be down to my timber framework preventing it from shaking to bits.
     
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    • Julie D

      Julie D Gardener

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      Thanks for the feedback so far. Given me a lot to think about especially with fixing to ground.
       
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      • Scrungee

        Scrungee Well known for it

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        • KevinH

          KevinH Guest

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          Rather than duplicate a thread - I hope you don't mind me chipping in here. I'm also thinking of getting a similar p/t and wondered about the difference between the flapping about of the cover on this p/t as opposed to other p/t's which have their covers drum-skin tight. Is this a concern, please? Many thanks.
           
        • Chillimad

          Chillimad The Chilli Grower

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          Before I went down the root of a 'drum tight' style tunnel, I have had a couple of tunnels of similar design (although I must say not from this company), and although they did the job they started to show signs of wear and tear and the winter weather brought them to an undignified end. That said however, if I need space and only intended to use it during the main season I would use one again.
          At the allotment I have a small tunnel that I aquired from the local freecycle site, this is very similar to this style, with the more flappy type of cover. One of the reasons I like it is that the tubes are 22mm galvanzised with a 2mm wall section bolted together using 'U' bolts etc, so very strong for a small tunnel (2 metre x 4 metre), I've buried the the edge of the cover to ensure they are held in place, and it has worked for the last two years, although the cover is now well past its best, with patches everywhere! What I intend to do this year, is purchase the polythene as used on the bigger tunnel, and recover fully, making my own door and venting.
           
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          • KevinH

            KevinH Guest

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            Thanks, Chillimad. So when I get my "flappy", I should really be thinking of making it as tight as I can get it. I have a few ideas on how to do this. Thanks for your post.
             
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            • Scrungee

              Scrungee Well known for it

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              That's what I assume is going to be the tricky bit when replacing the original mesh reinforced plastic cover (that incorporates roll up vents over flyscreen mesh panels) with traditional polytunnel covering.
               
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              • Chillimad

                Chillimad The Chilli Grower

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                My plan is to make some additional timber framework, for one swing stable style door, and a couple of 50cm x 30cm vents on either side. The top of the door will be covered in enviormesh along with the side vents. Then to cover the vents and the top door section, I'll mount framed polythene of the same size. The side vents been mounted via removal style hinges to allow them to be opened or removed as required, and the door section the same on mount flat brackets. All of which finished off with a method of securing them in place if the wind picks up!
                 
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                • Chillimad

                  Chillimad The Chilli Grower

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                  Yeah, dig a trench as per the bigger tunnels, and it will help keep it all in place.
                   
                • VEGY

                  VEGY Apprentice Gardener

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                  Hi i have the same pt as you, and my is flaping now in the wind, tryed to get it tighter but gave up thinking how can i sort it.
                  Also my veg in it last yr got eaten and growth was bad, even the toms were not as good as the ones outside in pots .
                  Any help would be great.
                  SORRY FOR INTERUPTING THE POST GUYS.
                   
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                  • Julie D

                    Julie D Gardener

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                    Vegy, it was bad for everyone last year. I had problems with my petunias, tomatoes and various other flowers. The problem for me was all the rain and no sun, so there was too much condensation and nothing to dry it out. Damping down was a problem.

                    As for the polytunnel flopping around, I have one anchored with heavy granite rocks. The one at the allotment last 18 months from ropes zigzaging over the top and weights around. Next cover and poly will be buried with weights. Having the poly completely flat is very important to stop flopping.
                     
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                    • KevinH

                      KevinH Guest

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                      The 'value' of this p/t is being ruined by the extra costs involved in trying to get the best out of it. I think, once I get it, I shall be saving up to to a DIY greenhouse. So if I get 3 years out of it, I shall be very pleased.
                       
                    • Chillimad

                      Chillimad The Chilli Grower

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                      I am with Julie on this one. It is possible to get even a flappy style PT tight if you dig the trench as deep as you can (it's even worth loosing a couple of inches of the full height to ensure it's secured. Unless you want to use both doors, bury one of them as per the rest of the cover. The other doors excess is secured by the use of a paving slab when it's closed. If you use both, you'll just need two slabs or similar, but it does tend to make the structure more rigid if you can avoid it.
                       
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