Massive leap in the journey to becoming more self-sufficient, I’ve finally bitten the bullet and bought a polytunnel!
I’ve been toing and froing for years. Where do we put it? Do we build it or get someone to build it? What size? Does it have to be on flat ground (we don’t have any flat ground)? Will it be worth it? We get some crazy winds. Will it stand up to it? Can we afford it? Can we afford not to get it? Do I have to get planning?
On and on went my questions!!
I’ve managed to answer a few so far –
Do I have to get planning?
I read so many conflicting answers to this that I ended up putting in for pre-planning advice as I was unsure and didn’t want to cross any lines. Thankfully a very helpful planning officer got in touch with me and informed me that as it was under 2.5m high, a benefit to living in and enjoying the property (growing food etc.), it was behind our house and away from our boundary, it was allowed.
Each planning office can give different answers (exactly why I wanted confirmation from them directly), so always check with your local one!
Does it have to be on flat ground?
Ideally, I think people say yes, but having spoken to the very helpful guys at First Tunnels, they actually said having it on a slight slope can aid the chimney effect and help with ventilation.
What size?
I’ve gone for a 14ft x 40ft. We’re fortunate that space isn’t an issue; cost is, but I want to futureproof this as much as possible; I have two growing boys and I’m sure their food consumption will only continue to increase!! I’d also like to grow year-round, and I’m also aiming to be able to supply a few veg boxes to my nearest neighbours.
Do we build it or get someone else to?
This was definitely a big subject of discussion. We are more than capable of physically doing it; my husband is brilliant at this stuff, super methodical and can’t work it all out. I make an excellent lacky and do as I’m told (often the only time that happens). However, we built our greenhouse when our eldest was a baby and ended up doing a lot of it in the dark with head torches. We now have two children and let’s be honest, it says two days of construction – it would take us two months. So, I’m sucking it up and paying First Tunnels for the tunnel and the building!
The other questions remain unanswered for now – keep checking back to see how we get on.
Polytunnel is due to be constructed in late April.
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