Polytunnel patio

[Mash]

Our polytunnel is due for a re-cover.

Thinking of building on a few extra hoops to include a undercover patio. No guesses why.

Anyone already done it or got any good ideas, thoughts or recommendations.

I have got as far as weed mat and gravel. Run leccy for the radio. Leaky hose for watering.

Put another way.... Design your perfect poly here! Tell me what you think is a good idea.

[Easydrinker]

The door end of our PT is the least sunny part year round, has blueberries in buckets one side and herbs the other, about 9sq metres of usually empty space, carpeted, (really!)
We have some furniture in there and during lockdown it has been a good space to sit indoors/outdoors sit and eat pizza with passing friends.
We don't move the pizza oven in for that!
It can be a little noisy in the rain.
At this time I would only reccomend some space for distanced seating and somewhere safe to place a glass.

Robert.

[Mash]

Sounds like you have proved the concept. Was worried it could be just a mad idea.
Once the new bit has dried off, I can see carpetting working.

I hate decking outside, but did consider that.

I am also thinking the plants might be better attended.

[phantom]

Meh! I don't mind sitting out in the greenhouse when the weather is shit. Got a DAB for sounds if needed.........

[Mash]

Yeah. I reckon it could be quite a nice space.

[Easydrinker]

Our PT is inline with a few big Beech trees, about 200 years old, which suck all water from the ground below.
They even push roots up into my raised beds.
I grow everything in the PT in raised beds or buckets.
The bee hive is just outside.
Going to check on the bees and the PT is usually a 'no-brainer' with my first coffee of the morning.
Letting the ducks and chucks out as I go.

This may sound idyllic.
Check the weather forecast for my area, before you decide.
Some of you may enjoy a better climate.

Robert.

[Mash]

I know the idyllic country life appeals to many, but I also know a few enthusiastic townies that have given up. You do need to be resourceful.

Raised beds I had not considered in the same way. I was thinking about dribbly hose and pot in the ground for some stuff.

[buffalobob]

An old mate built himself a little summer house at the end of his garden. It sat on a turntable which moved to face the sun. I've always wanted to build one since seeing it but never had the opportunity. Downsizing and getting out of town soon so you never know
How often do you need to re cover the PT Mash

[Jennysgin]

An old mate built himself a little summer house at the end of his garden. It sat on a turntable which moved to face the sun.

That's genius!

[Easydrinker]

That is a pretty neat idea!
Poly Tunnel plastic generally comes with a five year guarantee, if fitted to recommendations.
If not damaged by falling branches and Pea fowl on the roof, it can last seven, our longest time.

Robert.

[Mash]

An old mate built himself a little summer house at the end of his garden. It sat on a turntable which moved to face the sun. I've always wanted to build one since seeing it but never had the opportunity. Downsizing and getting out of town soon so you never know
How often do you need to re cover the PT Mash

They last better smaller (sub 10 hoops) imo.
Keep them tensioned nicely, in a sheltered spot.
I have an 18x18ft and that's easily 6 years old.
Good plastic is worth the extra. 10 years is normal, I have a mate who lost one to a storm that was 14.

Burying the plastic seems to help as against using a lower batten.

Generally a 2 hit job,. Clearing and getting the frame up. Then step 2 is covering.
Smaller ones you will get the job done in a day.

[Easydrinker]

The amount of human bodies avilable on the frst and second day fixing of polythene are important here/size of PT etc.
Especially in a breeze!
IME stretch the poly 2 or 3 times.
Then, it might be done!
We often revisit the next Summer, and do it one more time.
I live where the wind blows.
Your experience may differ.

Robert.

[Mash]

We do it on a still morning, particularly big covers.
Do not tension when too hot, you can overdo it (perhaps not an issue)

Sod up the into wind side and pull it over.

[Mash]

Well this has been proper mission.

The new poly is finally up and finished. Will never ever use that company again. Complete fecking idiots who I doubt have ever touched one let alone built one. Took 10 deliveries to resolve.

FFS this had been a trial. Learned a lot on my third & largest poly build.

But best of all make some more friends.

[Jennysgin]

What, no photos?!
You know we love a photo!

[Easydrinker]

We don't bury the sides but screw down, sandwiching the Poly between battens and a 2x4 creosoted base runner. fitted to the concreted in hoops.
Infinitley adjustable.
Never too hot to tension polythene where I live.
I think 7 years is the current record for a 5 year guaranteed covering.
The hoops, re-cycled form a retiring nurseryman and original 2x4's must be 23 years in place.

Robert.

[Mash]

The trouble round here is that the wind troubles battened down tunnel more than if they are trenched in. Also stops water ingress & puddling on very flat (close to sea level) areas.

From an eco view did not want to concrete - or is that just too tight

[Mash]

What, no photos?!
You know we love a photo!

Ok. Pics coming soon...