Polytunnel greenhouses – affordable growing space for your garden

A polytunnel greenhouse is a practical and affordable way to create plenty of protected growing space without investing in a traditional glass or polycarbonate greenhouse. The simple construction combines a sturdy steel frame with a durable greenhouse cover, creating a sheltered environment for vegetables, herbs, fruit, flowers and young plants.

Polytunnels are available in many sizes, from compact models for home gardens to large walk-in structures for enthusiastic gardeners and semi-professional growing. They are particularly attractive if growing capacity, flexibility and price matter more than the architectural appearance of a permanent greenhouse.

Why choose a polytunnel greenhouse?

The main advantage of a polytunnel is that you can create a relatively large growing area at an accessible price.

The covered structure protects plants from direct exposure to rain, wind and changing outdoor conditions while allowing sunlight to reach the crops. This creates a more sheltered growing environment and can help extend the season from early spring into autumn.

For beginners, a polytunnel provides an easy way to explore greenhouse growing. For more experienced gardeners, the larger models offer plenty of room for rows of vegetables, berries, herbs and other crops.

What can you grow in a polytunnel?

A polytunnel can be used for a wide variety of crops.

Popular choices include tomatoes, cucumbers, chillies, salads, herbs, strawberries and other fruit and vegetables, as well as flowers and seedlings. The sheltered environment is particularly useful for plants that benefit from warmer conditions or protection during the early and late parts of the growing season.

What grows best will depend on the season, ventilation, watering and the conditions inside your particular greenhouse. A polytunnel gives you more control over the growing environment, but good plant care remains essential.

Strong frames, durable covers and ventilation

Many Dancover polytunnel greenhouses use galvanised steel tube frames combined with UV-resistant greenhouse covers. Cover materials and thicknesses vary between models, so always check the specifications of the individual greenhouse.

Ventilation is particularly important. Selected models feature mesh windows with roll-up covers and doors at both ends that can be opened to increase airflow. This helps release excess heat and moisture during warm weather.

The cover should always be fitted correctly and kept taut. A well-fitted cover reduces unnecessary movement and wear and helps the greenhouse function as intended.

Where should you place a polytunnel?

Choose a level location with plenty of daylight and as little unnecessary shade as possible.

A reasonably sheltered position is also useful, as polytunnels are lightweight temporary greenhouse structures and can be exposed to significant forces in windy conditions.

Think about practical access too. A nearby water source makes everyday care easier, while electricity may be useful if you plan to add irrigation controls, lighting or other equipment.

There is no single ideal orientation for every garden. The best position depends on your surroundings, available sunlight, wind exposure and what you intend to grow.

What size polytunnel should you choose?

Start by considering what you want to grow and how much space the mature plants will require.

Remember to allow room for paths, watering and access as well as the crops themselves. If you plan to grow several different vegetables or use shelving, raised beds or irrigation equipment, a little extra space can make the greenhouse significantly easier to work in.

Dancover offers everything from compact 6 m² polytunnels to much larger structures, including models intended for dedicated gardeners and semi-professional growers.

If you have sufficient garden space and expect your interest in growing to increase, choosing slightly more room than you need today can provide useful flexibility.

Polytunnel, polycarbonate or glass greenhouse?

The right greenhouse depends on your priorities.

Choose a polytunnel greenhouse if you want plenty of growing space at an affordable price and your main focus is cultivation.

Choose a [polycarbonate greenhouse] if you prefer a more permanent-looking structure with rigid, impact-resistant panels and useful insulation.

Choose a [glass greenhouse] if excellent transparency and the traditional greenhouse appearance are particularly important.

If you want to combine plants with a comfortable seating or dining area, an [orangery] is specifically designed to provide both growing and living space.

Get more from your polytunnel

Good ventilation, regular watering and sensible use of the available space make a big difference to the growing environment.

Depending on the size of the greenhouse, you can use raised beds, plant supports, irrigation systems and other greenhouse accessories to organise your crops and simplify everyday care.

Check the cover, frame and anchoring regularly, particularly after periods of windy weather. Repairing minor cover damage promptly can also help prevent it from becoming a larger problem.

Frequently asked questions about polytunnel greenhouses

Are polytunnel greenhouses cheaper than glass or polycarbonate greenhouses?

Generally, yes. Their relatively simple steel-frame and greenhouse-cover construction makes polytunnels an affordable way to create a large protected growing area compared with many rigid glass or polycarbonate structures.

Do polytunnels extend the growing season?

Yes. The covered environment can help you begin growing earlier in spring and continue later into autumn by providing plants with more sheltered conditions than the open garden.

Do polytunnel greenhouses need ventilation?

Yes. Temperatures and humidity can rise inside a closed polytunnel, so regular ventilation is important. Many models include roll-up windows or doors that can be opened to improve airflow.

Are polytunnels suitable for beginners?

Yes. They provide an accessible way to start greenhouse growing and are available in sizes suited to both smaller home gardens and more ambitious cultivation projects.