Comparing the Pros & Cons of: Polytunnels, Greenhouses and Low tunnels

As gardeners we want the most productive growing season possible, so what can these offer us in terms of value for money and use. so I ask the question “what’s the best a greenhouse or a polytunnel?” or what about a Low Tunnel (hoop-house)?

Polytunnel vs Greenhouse

Gardening and agriculture have evolved significantly over the years, with various technologies and structures developed to optimize crop growth. Among the most popular options for extending the growing season and providing a controlled environment are polytunnels, greenhouses, and low tunnels. Each structure has its unique advantages and disadvantages, catering to different needs and preferences. In this blog post, we will delve into a detailed comparison of the pros and cons of polytunnels, greenhouses, and low tunnels to help you make an informed decision for your gardening or farming venture.

Watch Glen as he talks you through his experiences of daily life growing veg in his poly tunnel, hoop house or green house.

Polytunnels:

Living with a polytunnel adds a dynamic and fulfilling dimension to daily life, merging the joys of gardening with the practical benefits of controlled environments. From cultivating a variety of crops to enjoying the therapeutic aspects of tending to your plants, a polytunnel can significantly enhance your daily routine. Let’s explore what daily life might look like with a polytunnel.

Morning Rituals:

Begin your day with a stroll through the polytunnel. Check on the progress of your plants, inspect for any signs of pests or diseases, and observe the changes in growth overnight. Depending on the specific needs of your crops, establish a regular watering routine. The controlled environment of the polytunnel allows you to manage soil moisture more efficiently.

Midday Activities:

Utilize the space in your polytunnel wisely by practicing crop rotation. As you harvest mature crops, replace them with new seedlings or transplants. This ensures a continuous supply of fresh produce. During warmer parts of the day, monitor the temperature inside the polytunnel. Adjust ventilation by opening doors or windows to maintain an optimal growing environment.

Afternoon Enjoyment:

Transform your polytunnel into a peaceful retreat. Bring in a comfortable chair, immerse yourself in the greenery, and enjoy moments of relaxation or meditation amidst your thriving plants. In the afternoon, harvest any ripe fruits, vegetables, or herbs. The controlled conditions of the polytunnel often result in more consistent and higher-quality yields.

Evening Activities:

Invite friends or neighbors to share in the joys of your polytunnel. Organize garden parties, workshops, or simply enjoy the space together. The polytunnel becomes a focal point for community engagement. Harvested produce becomes the star of your evening meals. Enjoy the satisfaction of creating dishes with ingredients grown just a few steps away from your kitchen.

Seasonal Variations:

In colder months, the polytunnel allows you to continue gardening when outdoor conditions might be less favorable. Plant cold-hardy crops or use the space for overwintering plants. As spring approaches, the polytunnel becomes a hub of activity. Start seeds indoors, transplant seedlings, and prepare the space for a new growing season.

Challenges and Learning:

Embrace the learning curve of polytunnel gardening. Address challenges such as adjusting ventilation, managing humidity, and preventing pests. Overcoming these hurdles becomes a satisfying part of the daily routine. Stay engaged in continuous learning about the diverse needs of the plants in your polytunnel. Experiment with new crops, growing techniques, and sustainable practices to enhance your gardening skills.

Living with a polytunnel intertwines your daily life with the rhythm of nature. It offers a haven for relaxation, a space for community, and a source of nourishment for both body and soul. With each passing day, the polytunnel becomes not only a practical extension of your garden but also a cherished sanctuary that enriches your daily experiences.

Pros:

1. Cost-Effective: Polytunnels are generally more affordable than greenhouses if you go by size, making them an attractive option for small-scale farmers and hobby gardeners.
2. Easy Installation: Polytunnels are relatively easy to assemble and can be set up quickly, requiring minimal technical expertise.
3. Versatility: These structures provide a suitable environment for a variety of crops and are effective in protecting plants from adverse weather conditions.
4. Good Light Transmission: Polytunnels often have excellent light transmission properties, allowing ample sunlight for plant growth.

Cons: “Disadvantages of polytunnels”

1. Durability: Polytunnels may have a shorter lifespan compared to greenhouses, especially in areas with extreme weather conditions.
2. Limited Insulation: They may not provide as much insulation as greenhouses, making them less suitable for very cold climates.

Greenhouses:

Living with a greenhouse is like having a secret garden that beckons you into a world of perpetual spring. The daily rhythm becomes a choreography of tending to flourishing green life and indulging in the delights of freshly harvested treasures. The greenhouse transforms the ordinary into a spectacle of botanical wonders, where every day holds the promise of new growth and discoveries.

Transform your greenhouse into a haven for relaxation. Bring in a comfortable chair, bask in the natural light, and absorb the tranquil atmosphere. As the temperature inside remains comfortable, take pleasure in tending to your plants, whether it be pruning, training vines, or harvesting ripe fruits and vegetables.

Pros:

1. Precise Environmental Control: Greenhouses offer better control over temperature, humidity, and light, creating an ideal environment for various crops.
2. Extended Growing Season: With superior insulation, greenhouses enable year-round cultivation, allowing farmers to grow crops even during harsh weather conditions.
3. Protection from Pests: Greenhouses act as a barrier, protecting crops from pests and diseases, reducing the need for pesticides.
4. Higher Yield: The controlled environment in greenhouses often results in higher crop yields and better quality produce.

Cons:

1. Higher Initial Investment: Greenhouses can be more expensive to install compared to polytunnels and low tunnels, making them a significant investment.
2. Complex Installation: Setting up a greenhouse requires more planning and technical expertise, which may be challenging for beginners.
3. Energy Consumption: Maintaining the controlled environment in greenhouses may require additional energy inputs for heating and cooling.

Low Tunnels:

For allotment growers, low tunnels represent a pragmatic and efficient solution to extend the growing season and protect crops from variable weather conditions. These unassuming structures, often consisting of simple hoops covered with lightweight fabric or plastic, become invaluable tools in the hands of allotment enthusiasts. As the seasons transition and temperatures fluctuate, low tunnels offer a cost-effective means to shield tender plants from frost, promote earlier planting in the spring, and facilitate late-season harvests.

Allotment growers can strategically place low tunnels over specific beds or rows, creating microclimates that nurture plants and enhance their resilience against the whims of nature. Beyond their protective functions, low tunnels also contribute to soil warming, fostering optimal conditions for seed germination and root development. With their ease of installation and affordability, low tunnels become an accessible resource for allotment growers, enabling them to maximize their plot’s productivity and revel in a more extended and diverse growing experience throughout the gardening calendar.

Pros:

1. Low Cost: Low tunnels are the most cost-effective option among the three and are suitable for small-scale gardening.
2. Easy Installation: Similar to polytunnels, low tunnels are easy to install and require minimal effort.
3. Season Extension: While not as effective as greenhouses, low tunnels can help extend the growing season by providing some protection against frost.

Cons:

1. Limited Space: Low tunnels are suitable for small-scale applications but may not be practical for larger agricultural operations.
2. Limited Environmental Control: Like polytunnels, low tunnels offer limited control over environmental factors compared to greenhouses.
3. Durability: Low tunnels may not be as durable as polytunnels or greenhouses and may need more frequent maintenance.

Building a DIY low tunnel is a cost-effective and versatile solution for extending the growing season and protecting your plants from adverse weather conditions. Whether you’re a beginner gardener or an experienced grower, a low tunnel can be a valuable addition to your gardening toolkit. Take a look at this video guide on how to build a low tunnel (hoop-house)

In Conclusion:

Choosing the right structure for your gardening or farming venture depends on various factors such as budget, available space, technical expertise, and specific crop requirements. Polytunnels, greenhouses, and low tunnels each have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. While polytunnels offer a balance between cost and functionality, greenhouses provide precise control over environmental conditions but at a higher initial investment. Low tunnels are a cost-effective solution for small-scale applications with limited space. Consider your needs and resources carefully before making a decision, and you’ll be well on your way to creating an optimal growing environment for your crops.