Domestic Polytunnel

domestic Polytunnels

Installing a domestic polytunnel (also known as a home polytunnel or allotment polytunnel) can be a great way to extend the growing season and help increase the variety of plants you can grow. 

Here are some quick steps to follow when installing Domestic Polytunnels:

Choose a suitable location: Select a location that receives plenty of sunlight aligned as near as possible to the path of the sun and has good drainage with appropriate soil growing conditions. The site should be free from overhead and nearby obstructions, such as power lines or trees and hedges. The structure should be easily accessible from your home or allotment. How are you going to fasten the cover to keep it taut, you need to decide how you are going to tension the cover directly into the soil, or locate and fasten onto a concrete base or timber frame. 

Measure and mark out the area: Measure the area carefully where the domestic polytunnel will be located and mark it out using stakes and string. This will help you to visualise the size and shape of your polytunnel and make sure it will fit in the space you have available, make sure you select a plot that receives sufficient sunlight. Level out the ground as much as possible, clearing it of any materials that can cause problems, when either trenching in the cover or when locating anchor points or fixing to a timber/metal bottom rail onto the base.

Assemble the frame: Always follow the manufacturer's kit instructions to assemble the frame in the right order. This will typically involve attaching the frame sections together using bolts or other fastenings. Check before any building starts, that you have the correct amounts of fittings to complete the build, have the right tools and equipment available to carry out the assembly and installation process.

Install the cover: Unroll the cover carefully before placing over the frame making sure there is no damage to the cover, make sure you have no fittings that can snag the cover, be aware to use hot-spot tape in the areas on the frame that the cover will come into contact with, as damage can be caused by excessive heat from the sun’s rays if left unprotected. 

Better to get help if you can when sliding the cover over your polytunnel frame, attach it to the frame using the clips or the fasteners provided. Make sure the cover is at the correct tension and free of wrinkles, as this will help to prevent damage from wind or rain gathering in the folds.

Secure the polytunnel: Either trench directly into the soil or use other reliable anchoring methods to secure the polytunnel to the ground. This will help to prevent it from being damaged by strong winds and keep tension on the covering so rainwater runs off easily.

Prepare the soil: Once the polytunnel is located in place, you can begin preparing the soil for planting. Remove any weeds, rocks, or debris from the soil, and consider adding compost or other nutrients to improve the soil, to suit your required growing needs.

Choosing your plants or crops: Consider the type of plants or crops you would like to grow and select varieties that are suitable for the climate and growing conditions in your area, make sure the cover type you select provides you with the correct growing environment for the crops you intend to grow.
It’s important to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully when installing a domestic polytunnel, as correct installation is essential for the structure's stability and ongoing durability. It may be necessary to obtain any necessary permits or approvals before starting the installation process where you wish to locate your domestic polytunnel.

Our team of installers will provide a total service from, planning, design and installation for any domestic polytunnel kit or bespoke build you may require. 
If you don’t feel confident in installing your own domestic polytunnels give us a call here at PolytunnelsRus, we provide an experienced and knowledgeable team ready to help.