Would I Buy a Northern Polytunnel Again? My 6-Month Verdict!

[@practicepatch3506]

Excellent video thank you! On the question of muck in your collected rainwater, causing blockage of your irrigation outlets, I tried filters but found they constantly got blocked and needed cleaning. My solution was to replace the filters with a small (5L) settlement tank, in which the water take off was a foot higher than the base of the tank. That way gunk sinks and the water supplying the irrigation system is pretty much free of particulates. Algae can be a problem for which I use 6mls kitchen bleach per 1000L water, now and again. Doesn't seem to bother the plants at that dilution.

[@simplifygardening]

Thats great advice and thanks for the tips

[@GardenerScott]

Brilliant, Tony. Fantastic setup that makes me want to get one soon.

[@simplifygardening]

They are brilliantly Scott. How are you mate

[@mikiknops9667]

Me also, but I am planning to build one myself and weld it together.

[@GrownLocal]

Just got our first tunnel from Northern yesterday, sadly it was missing a part but the company have been a delight to deal with and are quickly getting the missing part to us. Companies will make mistakes from time to time its how the deal with it the mistake that makes them!

[@simplifygardening]

They are a good company with all my dealings

[@terakinzel7349]

🙂

[@NorthernPolytunnelsVideo]

Great Video as always, Tony and thanks for the valuable feedback, which we're looking into with our design team. 😀

[@simplifygardening]

I look forward to seeing what solution you come up with. Please get in touch if there is anything you would like me to test out as I JUST LOVE THIS TUNNEL :)

[@lorrainereid5707]

Thank you , Im doing my research on Polytunnels as Im looking to buy one soon, this video and your previous video about building it has really helped me decide. cheers!

[@davidmiller6504]

Had a Northern polytunnel for a few years now. Has stood up to some bad weather while other structures next to us have succumbed. Glad we went for this supplier. Just jealous of your mega structure and the side vents!

[@marktoldgardengnome4110]

Sounds like you are very pleased with your new greenhouse Tony. And I'm sure, with your ingenuity, going forward things will only get better. TYFS, Mark n Rosa

[@simplifygardening]

Yes Mark & Rosa im super happy and I have big plans for next year

[@marktoldgardengnome4110]

@@simplifygardening One thing I'd be most curious about is how warm it stays, retains heat, if its possible to grow cold weather crops in there in the dead of Winter where you live?

[@teresadaniels7207]

Hi Tony. Great tunnel. When rolling up the sides roll them under not over. This prevents debris and rain collecting and rotting the fabric. I’m just outside Cardiff so I know the wind and rain you have to contend with.

[@tassiegirl1991]

I was just thinking the same watching it.

[@simplifygardening]

You know what I thought about that as I was editing the video sometimes you can’t see the wood for the trees lol

[@Pixieworksstudio]

I'll bet they will be pleased with you, Tony. Very thorough. Love the side ventilation.

[@simplifygardening]

Yeah its awesome and really helps control the humidity

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

This was very helpful- I keep looking at getting a high tunnel similar to this, and just can't seem to take the plunge. Off to check out the construction video next! Thanks!

[@simplifygardening]

Thanks

[@mariondunn6580]

Thanks Tony, I have a Northern Polytunnels tunnel. Have had it for 10 years and it's been a joy. I'm doing a replan at the moment. I'd wasted a lot of space inside which should be used for growing. Planning the internal layout is key to productivity along with water on tap.

[@simplifygardening]

Sounds great and its something I need to do too

[@lizzieatherfold2293]

Excellent deffo want one of these for next season

[@elainewilliams3025]

Hi Tony. Great information. We are constricted to a 2x2x4 so your tunnel has room to.. To Northern Polytunnels, it is a mistake to rule out influencers and of course, not everyone out there has a large following unlike Tony but any avenue to sell more tunnels surely is beneficial to the bottom line. Great tunnel and I will be looking and talking to fellow allotment holders about them.

[@simplifygardening]

Hi Elaine. To their credit after seeing my build video Northern Polytunnels have changed their mind on working with influencers and they are in the process of sorting a system out for that

[@damianmaynard2592]

Great insight and tips on your polytunnel and love the enthusiasm. I dream of having one of these and putting a big round galvanised water trough in it, so you have plenty of water for the plants, but you can also grab a beer and sit in it in the long summer evenings. 🤩

[@simplifygardening]

Damien check out the i collected 3650 gallons of gods tears video and see the water system set up for it

[@damianmaynard2592]

@@simplifygardening Wowzers, thats a whole lot of water and ingenuity! Thanks for that . Great channel .

[@simplifygardening]

@@damianmaynard2592 Big tunnel needs lots of water

[@christinelarkin8054]

Really like the design, wish they had one like this in the States

[@simplifygardening]

Yes its great. Ive not looked in the states maybe I will get on a mission for you and look for one

[@raymondlara9239]

Hawaii???🙂

[@tassiegirl1991]

Great to see you Tony missed having videos

[@simplifygardening]

Thanks gd to be making videos again

[@debexspacecadet6586]

Perfect timing, we were researching large tunnels just this week. Thank you.

[@simplifygardening]

Excellent these are awesome and I paid for this myself

[@debexspacecadet6586]

@@simplifygardening we just ordered one from northern ply tunnels to send to france, chose this one thanks to your video. We will certainly let the company know we are your viewers.

[@suzannecarr231]

I’ve had mine fir 18 months and can’t fault it. Like you I researched the best one for a windy exposed site.👍

[@simplifygardening]

Yeah I always suggest people to do research for their climates

[@kath-phlox]

The roll-up could be rolled up the opposite way, that way, it won't collect debris.

[@simplifygardening]

Yes Kath. Sometimes you cant see the wood for the trees

[@stevefromthegarden1135]

This was my 1st thought when I saw it. :) Roll it the other way.

[@simplifygardening]

@@stevefromthegarden1135 lol yup doh!

[@Lees_allotment]

Hi Tony. Just came across this video. Watched loads of your other videos. And got myself some great ideas. I've just built my tunnel this weekend. 25ftx 12ft. Been looking at ideas for layouts inside. Keep up the great video.

[@simplifygardening]

That’s great I have a home made vs purchased tunnel video coming

[@Lees_allotment]

@@simplifygardening I had thought about building my own. But decided to buy a tunnel instead. Much happier that I bought instead of built.

[@aadammarshall5709]

Very interesting, thank you.

[@simplifygardening]

Thanks for viewing

[@annlyder8657]

Great vlog Tony. I got mine 20x10 and assembled it in Spring this year. I love it. Growing stuff over the winter period too. Thanks for the tip on the irrigation system too x

[@simplifygardening]

Thanks Ann. I am glad you have yours, and that your growing over winter

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

Another great video mate 👍 That's some size!

[@simplifygardening]

Yeah it’s been brill

[@malk1275]

Great information 🙂 my garden Small so can't get one, but am happy with my garden.

[@simplifygardening]

That’s what it’s all about Malk

[@AAHomeGardening]

Massive size polytunnel Looks sturdy and nice indeed

[@simplifygardening]

It is a great tunnel

[@coullclaire1037]

Is there any way you can set up the roll up sides so that the polythene rolls the opposite way so that water doesn't get in. You're turning the handle anticlockwise which means rainwater can get in all the way along the pipe which is why it's gone all green and guncky. Can you turn the handle clockwise so that the polythene creates a roof over the whole pipe and stops that happening?

[@davidwilliams-vr9rh]

excellent review mate.

[@simplifygardening]

Thanks David glad you enjoyed it

[@stevendowden2579]

lovely tony

[@simplifygardening]

Cheers Steven

[@AAHomeGardening]

Lovely aloes

[@simplifygardening]

Thanks I did a video on aloe and these were the ones planted in that video

[@Labraxsquad20]

Oi Oi Tony great video, polytunnel is something I'd like a couple or 4 of.

[@simplifygardening]

If I had room I would definitely get another one

[@MyScottyboy1]

'A-frame' makes it extra strong. Nice one, Tony.

[@simplifygardening]

It real does and a necessity for windy areas

[@anitahaywood9827]

That tunnel is HUGE!!

[@simplifygardening]

Yeah its brilliant

[@wendybright445]

Them folds that collect water, I would use silicone to seal them up 👍

[@norfolkandgoodroadtoselfsu447]

Very informative. thanx Tony

[@simplifygardening]

Very welcome

[@metaflortex]

If you could roll up the winder the other way round the dirt wont accumulate on top of the rolled up window shield, as then the roll will be on the inside where dirt wont reach.

[@markshaw5835]

With the back door to the tunnel, can't u reduce the size by putting a small window at the top of it and then have a smaller door. Tunnel looks great

[@simplifygardening]

Yes I guess you could do that good idea

[@markshaw5835]

@@simplifygardening no problem

[@Yeshua73732]

Banana tree cool, does it grow the banana?

[@johnosbourne6155]

Hi perhaps you could seal up those folds with double sided adhesive tapes.

[@simplifygardening]

Great idea John.

[@alanoliver5378]

Tony, quick question, I don't have a polytunel, I do have an old greenhouse, glasses, my flan is to simple cover it in plastic sheet, the sheet isn't clear it's opaque, will this be OK or not, does it block out sunlight etc.

[@eliciaclegg6338]

This is great. Thank you for sharing.

[@simplifygardening]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for commenting

[@colb1416]

Great review Tony, I'm waiting on my greenhouse coming (1st Nov) I've also got my name on the list for an allotment that shouldn't take too long. I'll have to wait and see what allotment I inherit before taking the plunge. Also I'd better take Mrs B on holiday first she dosnt even know about the allotment yet. Haha

[@simplifygardening]

Lol allotments come first lol

[@redshift5050]

I like your video. Well worth the time to watch it.

[@stevefromthegarden1135]

For the end wall to not have folds, you need to redo the plastic as a separate sheet. I would think there is a wiggle wire channel all the way around the end wall where you can start the plastic at the top and pull it down tight to the bottom. Secure it into the door frame then cut out the excess where the door is. If you don't get rid of the folds, you will end up growing mold and algae in that water which will shorten the life of the plastic.

[@simplifygardening]

I dont hav e it in home made tunnel but its a 2 min job to wipe out once a month

[@howarddavies3744]

Could I ask the size of your tunnel?

[@Adam-Minka-Dink]

Very keen to see the rainwater and irrigation system. 'Irrigatia' look like a good supplier for such systems. Let us know what Irrigation system you choose.

[@simplifygardening]

That video is already it. Its called I collected gods tears search the videos I think its like 3 or 4 videos back

[@JoeZyzyx]

for the water problem by back door, I'd put some duct tape reinforcement on the bottom area, and punch a small hole to allow the water to drain out.

[@simplifygardening]

Great tips thanks

[@Adam-Minka-Dink]

Tony, how will you capture water off the tunnel without gutters?

[@simplifygardening]

I dont need to catch it off this tunnel. I catch it elsewhere if you look at this video you will see there is actually 7,000 litres attached to this tunnel kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3ypiZh9rMaGZ5I

[@alanporter2694]

I am sure it was covered elsewhere. How big is the tunnel?

[@simplifygardening]

36ft x 16ft

[@cw2126]

Yes then Tony 👍👍👍

[@simplifygardening]

Hey pal how’s things

[@rebeccazody1278]

Great video

[@williamclark6641]

Could roll the roll up the other way to stop water or dirt building up on top of it? See it's been answered already 👍

[@simplifygardening]

Thanks William its been mentioned. Don't I feel like a wally :)

[@vegadog30]

Northern Polytunnel owes him 🤑! I want one!

[@simplifygardening]

You should get one they are awesome. I absolutely love mine

[@chrisdaviesguitar]

how long does the plastic of the poly tunnel last and are they replaceable?

[@simplifygardening]

I dont know with this one but my home made one has had it on for over 10 years with no probs

[@Accidentalcrofter84]

Can anyone tell me how these handle winds off over 20 mph and higher gusts? Thanks

[@simplifygardening]

This just handled the biggest storms we ever had of 120mph winds

[@lesleyannehall8040]

I have a smaller one. I'd like to be able to collect rain water from it but can't think how. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

[@simplifygardening]

There is liitle plastic strips that can be attached tot the plastic outside that collet the water they are very narrow but do work

[@Adam-Minka-Dink]

@@simplifygardening I've considered options as I am about to embark on a similar tunnel. I've decided the best option for me is to have wooden side bars with a lip so I can install standard gutters and collect rainwater efficiently.

[@timothyyoung4463]

Great video Tony, just subscribed to your channel. I may have missed it but what was the thickness of your poly covering?

[@simplifygardening]

Timothy I don't recall sorry but go here and it will tell you northernpolytunnels.co.uk/?ref=simplify

[@EddieSchirmer]

so, a question... i can't seem to find 10 gallon pots for growing in like you had for your potatoes... so, instead i was thinking maybe slightly larger plastic totes, and just have a few more grown per tote than you do for your containers. but, my question is, should i cut holes in those bins/totes, or could a couple inches of stone help with containing the water, especially for growing potatoes in them. i had a very large plastic storage bin which i grew some potatoes in and i rarely watered it, and still got a bunch of potatoes. so, shoudl i cut holes in the containers, or is it ok to just let the water sit in the bottom of it, with a layer of rock to sit in? i woudl like to be able to use the totes for more than just growing in, and holes in the bottom doesn't appeal to me. i didn't get a ton of large potatoes since it was just a bunch of store bought ones i tossed into a 5 gallon bucket and then transferred to the larger bin of dirt once it was growing. but, is the water an issue if it can not drain for potatoes?

[@simplifygardening]

yes those will be fine

[@EddieSchirmer]

@@simplifygardening thanks =)

[@TheRobbieg2006]

Do you get the bees in there to pollinate or is it self pollination with electric toothbrush?

[@simplifygardening]

The bees get in and out via the door

[@TheRobbieg2006]

Thanks was hard to get them in my greenhouse last year so needed to self pollinate to start with but they did come eventually 👍

[@chrispedersen6999]

Great video Tony. How many years are you expecting before having to purchase a new skin. Cheers

[@simplifygardening]

If its drum tight it should be 10 years or more

[@AAHomeGardening]

Nice banana plant as well

[@simplifygardening]

Thank you

[@andreamcgowan7151]

What size is this tunnel Tony

[@simplifygardening]

This tunnel is 36ft long by 16ft wide

[@nicolenemeth9989]

Do your banana plants get actually bananas on them? I'm in the Midwest and id love to ne able to grow bananad

[@simplifygardening]

The cavendish bananas are edible but I’m yet to get it to fruit I’m hoping next year

[@markwilson9219]

Brilliant

[@simplifygardening]

Thanks Mark

[@zoechambers8580]

Did you know you’ve rolled the outside blinds the wrong way? If you turn them in on themselves you won’t have the issue of dirt collecting. I found this out from watching one of their instruction videos!

[@kevinrogers326]

I would love a tunnel like this Tony but think the cost is out of my price bracket.

[@simplifygardening]

Hi Kevin. I understand its not everyones budget but they do smaller versions, What I will say after owning many tunnels over the years is the old saying of YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR certainly runs true with these tunnels. Its been worth every penny I paid for it

[@kevinrogers326]

@@simplifygardening Hi Tony, It's a question of saving up as I would like a big tunnel so i can become more self sufficient. So often in life you get what you pay for so will take your advise on board. Also thank for the discount on the root trainer in your last video.

[@simplifygardening]

@@kevinrogers326 Its better to save mate and have one you will be happy with over something that will do

[@nickguthrie9309]

I'm new visitor. Please give your latitude or nearest town or other info to help me decide if I can expect bananas or peppers to do well without added heat.

[@simplifygardening]

Hi Nick I live in south wales UK its a zone 8a latitude 51.6858° N, 3.3821° W

[@mikeharrington5593]

Heating source?

[@simplifygardening]

There is no heat other than passive. Maybe in winter I will create hot beds to raise seedlings but I have a heated area in my second tunnel

[@doughambright9712]

If the folds were downward-facing instead of upward-facing, no moisture would collect (inside or outside, it doesn't matter.) With the sides rolled all the way down, crank the sides the counter-clockwise so that the pocket doesn't form at the top for dirt and water to collect in. What that will do is change the orientation of the "stop." Instead of being below the roll, it will be above the roll.

[@simplifygardening]

Thanks

[@davemaric4057]

Am just about to put polythene on my tunnel (almost identical to this one). Trying to work out what you mean about twisting anti clockwise. If you have downwards facing pleats on one side, won't they always be upwards facing on the other?

[@Ed19601]

Is it wind/storm resistant?

[@simplifygardening]

Its been standing up to 90 mph winds we had here so I guess so

[@Ed19601]

@@simplifygardening great. Tnx

[@peteraston4753]

Whats the price range

[@simplifygardening]

They have them from a few hundred pounds through to 8 grand

[@GreenSideUp]

It's a very nice tunnel Tony, I think my big one is still smaller than yours, but I would rather have one massive one than the three much smaller that I currently have. If anyone here is thinking of getting a tunnel, think about the size then go six foot wider and ten foot longer, you will always want much bigger so supersize first. I bet that is exactly what Tony has done...Steve...😃

[@simplifygardening]

Yeah I now have 2 tunnels this size so I’m lucky

[@JH-fv1gq]

Had a 24x42 commercial. Double doors each end with integrated mesh panels.Hoop spacing 6foot took a heavy snow load. Trenched in . Great fun. Choose your plastic type carefully.

[@simplifygardening]

Yes I made sure I had the best plastic for me

[@lynmaunsell4062]

Living in a subtropical climate, where bananas grow outside, I don’t have a need for a poly tunnel but if I lived in a cool climate I’d want a tunnel just like yours.

[@simplifygardening]

Lyn your very lucky, these are fab I have to admit

[@jensissons5709]

Poke some drainage holes on inside folds

[@simplifygardening]

Yeah good tip thanks

[@CoastalGardensNW]

Great Tony 👍, I would love to have a tunnel like that and the space

[@simplifygardening]

Yes i am very lucky

[@stewartforsyth-i6e]

I have a polytinnel not as big as the polytinnel you have the ground is all stone's so I have black mesh on the floor and interlocking foam mats on the floor and extra bars for support on the roof ,I also have a large waterbutt supplied by a timer with mains water then a system of autopots ,I do not use the tunnel in winter to grow plants but use to store things over winter I will put some inline filters in next year

[@simplifygardening]

I have auto pots here too which will go in next year

[@stevenstewart9762]

HI TONY I STILL PREFER YOUR OTHER TUNNEL THAT YOU BUILT , AFTER 12 MONTHS I FINISHED MY ONE NEARLY THE SAME AS YOURS MATE , I DID SEND YOU PICS OF FACEBOOK SO YOU CAN HAVE A LOOK

[@simplifygardening]

Hi Steven I still have that tunnel and use it constantly. Its been a great tunnel, But I didnt have time to build another like that this time around and not everyone is in a position or able. to copy like you were

[@monaraahmed7193]

👍👍👍

[@simplifygardening]

Thanks

[@ConcreteCauldron]

Fold the plastic the other way so it drains instead of pooling.

[@simplifygardening]

Yeah could see the wood for the trees

[@wendybright445]

Oh and roll that plastic roll on the out side the other way 👍

[@frankcoldwell4424]

I’m actually surprised that you haven’t protected the plastic from the bars which will get extremely hot and could damage the cover.

[@simplifygardening]

Frank the bar are all protected with heat tape

[@donnastevens8832]

Looks great Tony but doubt my Council would let me put that in my garden. Nor do I think a disabled person in their 60s would be able to build it. Shame as it looks fantastic.

[@simplifygardening]

Its not a permanent structure so I believe there is no issue with it

[@brianrodger9019]

Northern Polytunnels in my experience are very poor at customer service. Love your channel not so much your choice of supplier in my estimation.

[@gretchendavis8974]

Interesting 🤔 wonder why I can not like this video

[@CEOAMARU]

Begging 4 dinner got his free by claiming hardship. You should have gone to first tunnels am sure they would have given it for free because of the popularity of your channel and subscribers.

[@simplifygardening]

1st tunnels don’t make them like this

[@Betinasorangeboxcom]

Wish I could afford one

[@delphinium5555]

Very interesting, thank you.

[@charliefarlie770]

Brilliant