Poly Tunnel Layout

Hello,

I'm in the process of erecting my first polytunnel, 14x36, Yay! I'm wondering how to lay out the raised beds inside, either three beds with two running along the polythene and one central bed; or two beds, with paths running along the polythene? Is it ok to have plants growing right up to the polythene, or do they get damaged, or does the polythene get damaged? Most of the photos I see online have plants along the polyhthene.

Any other tips for a first time polytunneller would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

Firstly welcome to Gardeners Corner and congratulations on your new tunnel !

A few topics for reference here might help you, of tunnel projects with photo's and ideas. Reading those might highlight some things you have not already thought about.

Steve's Tunnels http://gardenerscorner.co.uk/forum/threads/steves-polytunnels.33033/

Nathans Tunnels http://gardenerscorner.co.uk/forum/threads/my-polytunnel-s.96549/

Scrungees tunnels http://gardenerscorner.co.uk/forum/threads/my-£50-polytunnel-from-ebay.31800/

Why do you require raised beds? In practice raised beds inside a tunnel diminish the overall height or growing space, I used them as part of the actual tunnels structure to help anchor it to the ground and to smarten up the edge next to the tunnels plastic, weeding right at the edge of the tunnel tempts putting a fork through the plastic.

For the layout inside the tunnel you need to know the internal height at both the edge and centre of the tunnel. For example if your straight side height is only 4 foot and you intend to put a pathway there, you will be walking bent double.

I did have 3 beds before in an old tunnel but found it quite impractible in use as one beds plants cast a shadow on another, so have reverted back to 2 beds and one central pathway, tall plants on one side shorter on the other,

You must also consider sun times and direction for locating and orientating your tunnel, remembering that in winter the angle of the sun is much closer to the horizon and in the summer there is a greater sun arc.

As a photographer myself I use this tool for both photography and gardening (Its free!) http://photoephemeris.com/tpe-for-desktop

This tool will zoom in to your garden or plot using google maps, then you can set dates and times on that map and see where the sun will be, so you can make best use of it.

The three tunnel topics above all show tunnels 10ft wide, yours is 14ft so totally different, instead of the standard central pathway and bed either side you could elect for one full length bed 3ft wide, a 3 foot pathway then an 8ft wide bed, that is "blocked" of into 4 ft rectangles, it might look a little like this. Its a rough and ready diagram, hopefully you get the basis of the idea.



A bed you can get at from one side only should be no more than 3ft wide, and a bed you can reach from both sides should be around 4ft, this is so you do not need to walk on it.

What ever you choose to do, think long and hard about it first, once it's up it's up and your committed to it.

Steve...

 

Thank you Steve for your lovely welcome, and advice.

The raised beds are only 6 inches, mainly to distinguish beds from path. My original plan was to have a 2.5ft bed running down either side with a 5ft bed down the middle, leaving 2ft paths inbetween. my only concern was whether the polythene or plants would be damaged by growing up the polythene??
What sort of irrigation would you suggest? I've been thinking of a soaker hose or drip tape.

I'm very excited, and a little nervous too!