Cheap Polytunnels | Polytunnel Upgrade | Protect your Tunnel | How to strengthen your tunnel

Cheap Polytunnels | Polytunnel Upgrade | Protect your Tunnel | How to strengthen your tunnel
Buying cheap polytunnels under £200 can be a recipe for disaster. They are not too bad perhaps in a sheltered back garden, but they are not really designed for the open space of an allotment plot.
But with a little thought and work they can withstand the worst of the weather as mine has done, and last for many years too, giving good service. With a little more thought they can become very flexible in their use and very quickly they can become the centre of your gardening world either at home on on an allotment or smallholding.
In this video I list and show the steps I took to turn a sub £200 polytunnel into a super tunnel.
You can buy or view the same polytunnel as mine here amzn.to/3o3qSiN
Or a slightly cheaper version here amzn.to/3dIc5Fm
The cheaper one has one less ridge pole's running its length and two less brace bars.
If you are enjoying my content, you can help me by buying me a packet of seeds. www.buymeacoff...
Contact me - [e-mail]
Links to products I use, that I have bought and can recommend. If you click one of these links and buy the same thing as me, you pay EXACTLY the same as me, but I earn a small commission from Amazon. Amazon pays this, not you!
6m x 3m Polytunnel amzn.to/3o3qSiN
Swoe Hoe amzn.to/2GIyK8E
Pressure Sprayer 5 Litre amzn.to/2T1AFrg
Ronseal solvent based Wood preserver 5 ltr amzn.to/37dsdO8
Road pins/Line pins amzn.to/344LHCs
50ft garden Hose amzn.to/37f3itr
Blue Pipe 25mm x 50Metre amzn.to/3j92qci
Damp Proof Membrane 4M x 10M amzn.to/3nEHxZN
Damp Proof Membrane 4M x 16M amzn.to/2Ii2BoT
Damp Proof Membrane 4M x 25M amzn.to/3iMvztI
Cheap Polytunnels | Polytunnel Upgrade | Protect your Tunnel | How to strengthen your tunnel

[@MrKrzys01]

Love it. Exactly the kind of thing you can only learn from owing and using one of these for years. Practical and very helpful tips. From someone about to buy one of these, thanks!

[@Jackie.Bautista]

Excellent point I built a hoop house last year and it was destroyed by brutal wind. Almost so disappointed that I was considering purchasing a polycarbonate greenhouse until coming across this wonderful video

[@rebeccazody1278]

I bought heavy duty construction zippers and adhered them over the old zipper. Works great.

[@SandcastleDreams]

How did you adhere them?

[@dominicmogridge3920]

Army surplus goodX long may she last

[@dominicmogridge3920]

I erect up to 5000 capacity circus tents for mhsic/arts festivals.keeping the cover properly tensioner helps prolong its life.thanks again.bless you and yours

[@demelza32]

I am thinking of getting a smaller one of these to put outside in the winter to dry clothes in, and to double up as cricket nets!! Thanks.

[@MogsBrewery]

Just what I needed, thank you. Followed your tips and advice for my second "blow-away" $200 greenhouse and it survived the 50km winds earlier this week down here in Geelong, Australia with no issue. Wife thinks it looks mint too!

[@peggyhelblingsgardenwhatyo7920]

Nice job, Steve. Polytunnels are popular on your side of the pond. Here in Florida we would need a screen tunnel for bug and critter protection vs added heat. Yours looks like a cozy place to get away from the World. Peaceful ✌️

[@cecilveley5722]

Thanks… I was giving up when I looked at how cheap the material was when my house showed up this will work I’m going to make it work thank you mr.

[@john1boggity56]

I'm going to set to work this weekend to strengthen mine. Thank you

[@dominicmogridge3920]

I usually glue the zips together as they're the weakest link.happy growing sir and thank you kindly for your views.I'm ordering one next week.when you cut the actual door in tape the edges too.happy growing.maddog.off grid horse drawn survivalist.West cork.the republic of ireland

[@megrowse9038]

What did yu adhere with plz?

[@taz12184]

Hi Maggie I got a fab one for 199 in co op superstores has a door as well

[@helenosborne1049]

Loving this!!! Just discovered "Steve" today. He is my new Yoda of knowledge. Sorry to hear of his passing I bet he was a good bloke to have a pint with. R.I,P

[@helenlatimer9230]

Thankyou so much for this video. We are just looking at getting a small tunnel so I’ll save this video. 😊

[@mariussandr3y]

Amazing work! Thanks for the helpful tips! I just got myself a polytunnel like that but 4mx3m and I was looking for strengthening it and make it as much as possible storm resistant. Everyone are trash talking about these being cheap and bad but with a bit of knowledge and extra work it makes perfect! Much appreciated! Good luck and many more beautiful crops 💪🏻👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Thank you !!!

[@jmfarouche6688]

I m assembling a 10x25, but building 2x12 x 24 raisedbeds for the base 2 boxes 4’ wide with a 2 ‘ walkway down the center.

[@skunkysweat]

Great video 👍 i was going to just bury and weigh down my sides, but what you did definitely seems more sturdy, and it also seems like it would keep the cover tighter.thanks for the good info🎉

[@chrishowell1413]

Thank you for your video. We are getting into market gardening and this will be a great addition for us. Great Video!

[@mlangfordoutdoor]

A wonderful video no excessive camera movement and well presented Thank you

[@MargaretWalkerCellist]

Seems tp me once the outer plastic has begun to deteriorate, if the side pipes are 4ft on center, on could replace the outer plastic cover with 1/4" polycarbonate SHEETS, and screw them to the top and sides, making a solid polycarbonate outer cover attached to the frame that would last another 20 years! I do love that polycarbonate sheeting 4x8. It is easy to saw into shape, and easy to screw to any framework.

[@fibber2u]

I hoped to learn from your experience and the door is the thing. Thanks.

[@angelinegrows7765]

Thank you Steve , I need to re enforce my cheap tunnel

[@GreenSideUp]

You are most welcome, it s a good time for such work when not much is growing in polytunnels...unless of course you are me and it is stuffed door to door with plants...Steve...😁😁

[@papusna84]

great advise.thanks

[@duttyluke]

Thank you very helpful

[@Flippin_Crazy]

I’m in the US. Nice to find your channel.

[@melfishdes]

Brilliant advice! Thanks!

[@joylevantiz3553]

Thank you I have bought a small tunnel but didn't know how to do the doors its my first year on my allotment got it at the end of May . You have helped me so much this year

[@GreenSideUp]

Take your time with it Joy, then all is easy...good luck with the doors...Steve...😃

[@fromanjeesgarden]

Excellent advice

[@auntieg9431]

Thanks Steve, really helpful.

[@myrustygarden]

I love the bench area I’m redoing my tunnel for next spring and putting in shelves and potting table inspired by the Chef 👨‍🍳 thanks as always ☮️ stay safe and stay gardening 🇨🇦☮️🥬🥕✌️🍆🙏

[@GreenSideUp]

Hi Ali, best of luck with the tunnel upgrade! It will make a massive difference to your gardening...Steve...😃👍

[@paulmansbridge1564]

Just about to put a tunnel up for my mum - very useful info nicely described for the layman thanks !

[@joegardiner1161]

I have put up several of these over the years, always with a hinged & bolted door. I anchor a 6" x 3" treated wooden frame in a dug out trench levelled, staple cover onto it, then screw a 2" x 1" over cover outside base. Make 2 ft wide raised beds each side level a cross with base & 3ft wide bed on gable end, then put 2ft x2ft x 20mm rubber mats as middle path ( €21/6pk) screwfix & partly shelve half way up with pallets for potting & container growing

[@barryroberts6470]

As you know Steve i have elevated Raised Beds sitting on flags stone in my back garden, i got a 6ft Poly last year and i temporary had it in place as it's getting moved for next season. I had the frame sitting on some 4x1s and pipe clips screwed over the pipe and into the 4x1s, then the 4x1s were screwed to the flags with anchors and screws. We have had loads of stormy weather as you know and the Poly hasn't budged once apart from side to side, as i only have the 1 door and those flappy windows like yours, and i do have some rope tied as well, which has helped a bit, i'm hoping to put in a doorway so that will make it more solid as well. The point i'm trying to say is that you don't have to have an allotment to have a Poly, mine is only 6ft long but does the job so incase any of your viewers have a concrete back garden or flags like i do. Sorry for the long comment i'm trying to explain it all. Stay Safe, Barry (Wirral)

[@GreenSideUp]

Hi Barry, yes it is amazing the spaces I have seen that have managed to squeeze in a polytunnel. From your description, you have done a good job of anchoring and strengthening yours...Steve...👍

[@from_plot_to_plate_no_dig]

Cracking video Steve .... happy gardening 🍅🍒🌶

[@GreenSideUp]

Glad you enjoyed it, thank you...Steve...😃👍

[@terrilambert1031]

Good advice. . Thank you.

[@Jppepperseeds]

Beautiful video

[@jamiebjorklund288]

Thank you very much. This video is what convinced me to go the cheaper way. All the best from New Jersey. Thank you again.

[@RealBradMiller]

Had an excellent large greenhouse for four years, the zippers finally went out, unfortunately. When I went through the same company for a replacement it was much, much lower quality and both covers only lasted a few months before the plastic started to flake all over, leaving skeletonized green fibers. Now I have to keep most of my Mangave and succulents indoors through the winter, and have since purchased a much smaller greenhouse for my more cold hardy varieties and for winter sowing. Cheers, thanks for the tips!!

[@Chrisking85]

wow steve i never knew how big your plot was till i saw the intro to this video. its a shame about the plot on the right. great vid thank you this

[@JustGG1956]

At the zip end we did ours very similar to yours. The only feature we added was we used slices of heavy duty poly glued over the closed zippers.

[@sarahperrottmusiclessons723]

Thanks for your tips - we batoned down the tunnel and made a door yesterday so hopefully it’ll last as long as yours. 😊

[@yvonnesmith1311]

🎉 thank you 🎉 I just put my 1st greenhouse like yours

[@sidneybowerman558]

A great video Steve. I did pretty much the same with my cheap polytunnel. The framework is still standing but the last two storms tore the cover to bits. A new cover was almost as expensive as a new polytunnel (I found a company with a special offer on) so I bought the complete thing. Going to use the new framework for added strength.

[@chris53small]

very impressed

[@jerryvassar3788]

Thanks you good info Polly tunnels .

[@ClausenWorld]

I’m a new subscriber, I love the bench that flips up. Great idea.😊

[@bithjah5]

Thx for this. We're currently considering our first greenhouse and have been looking at these but wasn't sure about durability. One of the best videos i've seen

[@GrowIt]

This is a great video, I think this is the exact tunnel I've just put up. I'll definitely look at the door upgrade, that's a great way to do it.

[@wildalentejo]

After one year is it still going strong?

[@cheshirehomestead3574]

A very informative video mate. Subscribed. I made my own during lock down start of April. Only thing i bought was the water pipe. Plastic wood was free

[@GreenSideUp]

As long as it is undercover, it is all good...Steve...👍

[@stephenbrammall2565]

You've given me some great ideas Steve, to the point I looked on the US Amazon, I couldn't self build one for those prices, now to sort out where to put it.....

[@GreenSideUp]

That is great to hear Stephen, do let me know how it all goes...Steve...👍

[@bobbiwest6625]

I do have to say, once youve had a tunnel, nothing really is any better. It must be the air quality in it. Ive gardened in a big glass greenhouse as well. I keep looking at tunnels and better ways to adjust it to all weather. Just a wonderful way to garden.take care.enjoy growing.

[@Jimsraisedbedgarden]

Cheers Steve , great video plenty of useful Info , I live in a windy place and lost a Polycarbonate greenhouse without the need for a storm so am considering my options for he future , really appreciate the help given in this Video

[@tebenneygreen5679]

Very smart thanks for the video to let others know I did the same thing to mine when you get them you can feel how light they are reinforcement is a most. There isn't anyone else showing this ! Thank you.

[@williamrbuchanan4153]

Polytunnel Hoop, are great . But that green mesh ,think it’s a printed within pattern during manufacture, .? It does make it look strong. But alas, it biodegrades fast. Stiffens and cracks,,If in fast heat / cold , just like bending a wire, it eventually breaks.

[@davidwormleighton2839]

Hi Steve that was absolutely fantastic mate, thank you so much for taking the time to do the video it will be a great help, you are a gentleman and a scholar, I don’t care what Tony smith says lol 😂 stay safe mate David 👍👍

[@GreenSideUp]

You are very welcome David, I hope it helps you and many others also. I had tried a couple of things with the first two blowaways that led to the changes on this the third one...Steve...👍

[@truus5653]

thank you very much , this will be very helpfull for me next year

[@cw2126]

👍👍👍 thanks Steve great content

[@GreenSideUp]

Many thanks CW...Steve...😃

[@AfonbachDesigns]

Great video. As I’m a new gardener I’d love a poly tunnel but couldn’t justify the £1500 for a proper one. This will be. A Great option, Thankyou for the advice on strengthening. I have seen a few with an actual door I might try as I’m not great at timber work.

[@juliadean2473]

So helpful. Am about to do the same and glad to use your reinforcement ideas. Think I'll try to do door frame and posts before I put the plastic on.

[@arhodes2866]

Thanks for such an informative video. Will really help me

[@stevehall5299]

Very good video Steve ,I'm really interested in this as I put mine up last weekend ,mine has a base rail,I traded a bit of height to dig it in about 15 inches deep ,was able to fold cover out at bottom and get a good portion covered by soil ,I've still got 6 foot of height to stand up in ,I also drove metal spikes with hooks on them to help secure base rail ,the idea of using the little skewers provided to secure it was crazy in my view ,the door with zips is unworkable ,I will replicate your wooden doors ,that's great ,also the extra horizontal running bars will be added ,just had two storms with 70mph winds and its fine ,but strengthening will be done !

[@ritchystorm]

Very nice video, I just bought a cheap blowawaytunnel and i will enforce it like you did. Green greetings from the Netherlands

[@dougpeterson5257]

I had seen these on Amazon and thought that it was impossible to be any good. Now I'm thinking that I can get it to work and would be easier than a self designed self built tunnel. Lots to consider.

[@williamattwell992]

Cracking vid, needed this.

[@ianmorton2798]

Thanks again Steve. This is my weekend job (17th/18th April 21). As you have said in previous videos you need to react to the necesary jobs. Lots of tips/ ideas. My tunnel is 5mx3mx2m. Hopefully it will be a nice weekend and the majority will be done.

[@Seancreaney7]

Just yesterday I put up a tunnel 4 x 2 1/2 m and when I took it out of the packing and saw the wee apron going around I knew straightaway it wasnt good enough . I think you are quite brilliant the way you solved it . First think I am going to copy what you done ,l thanks very much .

[@tonyzarzecki5408]

I’m setting my new hoop house, like the door idea. Mine is 10x6x7 foot. Still working on base with pavers.

[@EmmaJaneFish]

Is the tunnel still going strong? This video was very informative. Thank you 😊

[@robbo7765]

Brilliant Steve 👍. Looking at getting my first polytunnel. Food for thought regarding fly away polytunnels. First tunnels seems to me to be the best option,great reviews, more pricey but better in long run. Thanks for the advice. Thanks for sharing Robbo.

[@jackosallotment6224]

I did a very similar job on my tunnel in 2017. I have a set of videos exposing what I did cheers 🍻

[@tulipsmoran5197]

It's much easier if you make doors at both ends - eliminates crawling though the zipped opening.

[@markshaw5835]

Wow great information. I need to do some work with mine.

[@GreenSideUp]

Its amazing how a little information can inspire others into action...Steve...😃

[@markshaw5835]

@@GreenSideUp it sure does. I've finally got the wood for my raised bed. I've copied how u did it. Made it so much easier. Just need to paint them. But of course it's been raining all day lol

[@GreenSideUp]

@@markshaw5835 You need a tunnel with a temp bench in like me....for painting boards...😁😁...oh yeah...that's what your making...Steve...😃👍

[@markshaw5835]

@@GreenSideUp lol yea I'm trying to lol if the weather stay nice

[@nygardenguru]

That’s funny blow away tunnel like mine is wanting to do

[@dragonext2001]

Very informative video. I'm still on the bench though about buying a cheap pre-made one of making one with pvc and clear plastic. Either way I'd use pallets for the sides to make it taller and weigh it down. There's always someone with free pallets. Rather make my own if it'll be cheaper but not sure if pvc pipes or cattle panels would be cheaper than pre-made greenhouse that I'd have to alter to use.

[@goodfriend6428]

WONDERFUL! THANK YOU!!

[@katec5532]

Thanks Steve. Our experiences n mind thoughts are alike. Lost 2 covers but can be recycled elsewhere, recently bought another one, but agree that the tuck down inadequate even with black pegs etc. Also the bottom bar is prone to rust. However did some adjustments regarding nut/bolts n strapped pipe insulation with tape over to hopefully stop friction rub which can result in tares . Going to readjust door, but until then it was suggested to use vaseline on zips. 2nd frame. Not currently covered but hooked sheep fencing over with outside beds, to grow beans, peas, at least for now. Huw Richards (you tube)has a good tunnel and common sense, worth checking him out, along with Charles Dowding. Regards from Ireland.

[@ryanpratt9746]

It may seem quite basic now we’ve seen it but I wouldn’t have thought of making the doors for both strengthening the frame but also to stop those zips failing . I’ve bought a cheap one that’s real flimsy and I think with some door frames either end and extra 2 beams will provide the strength I was hoping to achieve. Thanks

[@johnmurphy168]

Could you please let me know where you got the replacement cover for the pollytunnel as I’m looking to replace mind as it’s wind torn yours gratefully john 👍 Mighty job on your own pollytunnel

[@lizhaydon2250]

Thank you.

[@crizzo84041]

Thank you!

[@frankieg7575]

Nice work (liked subbed), I have just bought a 6x9 poly tunnel with this type cover. I built it last week and is on place in my allotment. yesterday following some rain I noticed some water collection along the top, which I will address but when gently nudging the cover from the inside resulted in water spray falling from the inside. Is this condensation or are these covers pseudo semi-permeable?

[@john1boggity56]

Wish I saw this before installed.mine. I've all but lost one of them after one year.

[@gordonmitchell729]

Hi, I like what you added to the greenhouse and I will do similar when I get mine ready to put up. I am wondering what temperature the cover will tolerate especially with the hot weather we have had lately. Do you think that the cover might melt or be damaged by very hot weather? I would appreciate any information about it, thank you.

[@alangoffin3599]

what make is the polytunnel please - great video thanks Alan

[@Steve-oj2lx]

My outsunny green mesh cover disintegrated after 1 year. Its usually where the metal is in contact with plastic.

[@ben-fe3zy]

Great video. Do you grow the same veg in your blow away as you do in your posh tunnel? Or does the green cover suit different plants?

[@GreenSideUp]

Hi James, I have never really noticed that much of a difference, the big tunnel is instantly hot when the sun comes out, but the little one is never too far behind...Steve...👍

[@ben-fe3zy]

​@@GreenSideUp Thanks Steve, that's really useful.

[@RobinHood-hh8wl]

Great video thanks. Been Looking at getting one of these cheap ones as council will not let me put up proper tunnel as classed as commercial but the temporary cheap ones are ok. Thought I would start with a small 4 x 2. Only thing putting me off is I tried a small garden one from gardman a few years back, it did not even last a year. Cover went brittle and disintegrated, phoned and got free replacement but same thing happened. Skipped it. Cheaper one you linked on Amazon looks good any experience? Thanks.

[@GreenSideUp]

Yes, that was my second tunnel and it served me well, I passed it to another plot holder when I wanted to get my big tunnel, that plot holder passed it to someone on another site who is still using it now....8 years on...Steve...😁

[@RobinHood-hh8wl]

Brilliant thanks.

[@pdarley58]

Steve what size wood did you use? What size were the stakes (look like 2”x1” Door frame size The boards look like scaffold boards ? What size batons did you attach to the boards? Did the boards make the sides of your raised beds? I’m intending to get one of these for my garden. It will be on grass. I’m going to do no dig. Do I need to do anything before I add my compost to the bed? Thinking black plastic? Do I need to make extra deep beds for crops that need deep roots or will they penetrate the soil that is underneath? Sorry for so many questions. New yo all of this and it’s all very confusing to a newby! Phil

[@Gosia-MG]

Did you concrete the posts inside the tunnel into the ground?

[@lutherwolf926]

Hi steve :) to save on timber ( im trying to use what's here on the land ) I was planning on concreting the corners of the poly frame into a trench... I know this will mean losing abit of height but do you think it will be strong enough when the gales come?... also shall be sorting out some solid frames and doors as I feel like that's the key!!!

[@monaraahmed7193]

👍👍👍

[@GreenSideUp]

Thank you Monara...Steve...😃

[@jasonduffee131]

The ones on ebay are completely unfit for purpose now, the tubes barley support the weight of the frame, got a full refund on mine and they didn't want it back.I may just build a frame out of 25mm conduit to the same design and use the cover and your door set up.

[@chris53small]

how much work will replacing the cover be will it affect your growing season or you do it when temperatures are high. what make is the tunnel and would you recommend them

[@squackd]

I never thought about cutting bar on bottom for door I've just a big door the size of zip, small tunnel could do with extra top support what would work? Thanks

[@chrissievandyke171]

Someone has a video on adding silicone to the cover to help it last longer.

[@paulchurchuk]

Hi there, I'm going to build a 6m x 3m tunnel but wanted to know what length are the hoops from one side to the other ? And what length and width is it please. Then I can just buy the proper cover. Thanks Paul

[@andyfoster1659]

Hi Steve where can I find second hand polytunnels from the commercial size can't find any on ebay or the internet any help would be appreciated thanks

[@Frankie_1967]

Hi Steve, you mention the three ridge poles in your poly tunnel, I have the same poly tunnel but it doesn’t have the top ridge pole did you add the centre ridge pole if so can you tell me were I could purchase it, or was it part of the package.

[@GreenSideUp]

Hi Frankie, there are various models of this type of tunnel, I have listed two of them in the video description, one of them has two ridge poles and only two brace bars, the other has three ridge poles and four brace bars, this is the one I have...Steve...👍

[@Frankie_1967]

Hi Steve, thanks for you prompt reply much appreciated, once again another video with loads of info keep the videos coming. Take care 👍

[@davej7458]

You can easly add a ridge pole made of EMT Electrical conduit or whatever is equivalent wherever you live. Another excellent material is Cyclone Fence top rail if you need something that heavy.

[@melissabarnum2422]

Anyone have any ideas for filling the square's in.. mine has a bunch of empty squares on the sides and top.. also mine is 4' by 6 ', we use it to start plants

[@diogos33]

Hi, can I just make one door, why do you have two doors? Is it something about ventilation? Thanks

[@alexcole4970]

He said it helps to steady it.

[@barneyboomer8737]

How does it hold up with a snow load?

[@GreenSideUp]

Hi Barry, even though I am in Cumbria we do not get a lot of snow in our village, in six years probably had snow on it a handful of times, mostly just a covering that thaws quickly, only once did I have a layer around 3-4 inches on and I got to the plot by mid morning to brush it off...Steve...😃👍

[@maureen3621]

Which direction are your polytunnels facing?

[@piotr8828]

It's not gonna be cheap at all, paying for all this wood plus cost of polytunnel you can buy proper domestic tunnel

[@rebeccazody1278]

Thank you!