How to Choose the Right Polycroo Polytunnel for Your Needs

A Polycroo polytunnel is more than just a storm strength structure – it’s a versatile space that can transform your garden into a sanctuary. Whether you’re looking to grow your own fruit, vegetables, and flowers, or seeking a peaceful spot to relax and entertain, a Polycroo polytunnel can be tailored to suit your needs. It can even serve as a functional work or storage space, offering year-round protection for plants, tools, and equipment.

In this blog, we’ll guide you through the steps to selecting the perfect polytunnel, from choosing the right size to customising the features that make it uniquely yours.

Step 1: Decide on the Right Size

The first step in choosing your Polycroo polytunnel is selecting the appropriate size. We offer four sizes, all designed to cater to a variety of gardening and lifestyle needs. The available sizes are:

• 4m wide x 4m long
• 4m wide x 5m long
• 4m wide x 6m long
• 4m wide x 7m long

While these are the nominal sizes, the actual overall dimensions of the polytunnel are slightly larger, giving you additional space to make the most of your setup.

How to choose the right size:

• Growing needs: If you're primarily using the polytunnel to grow fruit, vegetables, and flowers, consider the size of your garden and the amount of space your plants will need as they mature. Larger tunnels provide more space for multiple planting beds and allow you to grow a wider variety of crops.
• Relaxation and entertainment: If you plan to use your polytunnel as a space to relax or entertain, larger options give you the flexibility to create seating areas or even install garden furniture, while still leaving space for plants.
• Multifunctional use: For those who want to combine growing with other activities like storing tools or using the polytunnel as a workspace, choosing a larger size ensures there’s enough room for both plants and functional areas.

Step 2: Build It Yourself or Leave It to the Professionals

Once you've selected the right size, the next decision is whether to build the polytunnel yourself or have it professionally installed by Polycroo.

• Self-Build Kits: Our self-build kits come with a detailed construction assembly guide, making it straightforward for those with some DIY experience to construct their polytunnel. This is a great option for hands-on individuals looking to save on installation costs.

• Professional Installation: If you prefer to have your polytunnel professionally installed, Polycroo offers expert installation services. Choosing this option ensures that your structure is built to perfection and also opens up additional customisation options, such as the integration of planter beds.

Step 3: Select Planter Bed Layout, Size, and Height Options

For those using their polytunnel primarily for growing, planter beds are a crucial element. Polycroo offers fully customisable planter beds to maximise the efficiency and aesthetics of your growing space. Here’s what you can tailor:

• Layout Options: Choose from a variety of planter bed arrangements that optimise space and workflow in your polytunnel. Whether you prefer beds along the edges, in a central aisle, or a combination of both, we can design the layout to suit your needs.
• Size Options: We offer planter beds in a range of sizes to accommodate the types of plants you’ll be growing, from compact beds for herbs and flowers to larger, deeper beds for vegetables and fruit-bearing plants.
• Height Options: Our planter beds can also be customised for height. Raised beds are ideal for ergonomic gardening, reducing the need to bend over while you work, while lower beds give your plants more growing height and can create a more cohesive visual flow in your polytunnel.

These planter bed options ensure that your polytunnel is as productive and comfortable as possible, allowing you to enjoy the experience of gardening while also having a space to relax and unwind.

Step 4: Flooring Options

Choosing the right flooring for your Polycroo polytunnel depends on both practicality and aesthetics. We offer three options:

1. Leave the Existing Ground: For a natural, earthy look that’s ideal for direct planting, you can opt to leave the ground as it is. This works well if you're growing directly in soil or want a rustic garden feel.
2. Gravel Floor: Gravel flooring provides excellent drainage and gives your polytunnel a clean, low-maintenance finish.
3. Timber Decking: For a polished and elevated feel, timber decking is the perfect choice. It provides a smooth surface, ideal for creating a relaxing space, whether for seating or entertaining among your plants.

Step 5: Water Collection, Storage, and Irrigation Solutions

For those passionate about sustainability and efficient water usage, Polycroo offers a comprehensive rainwater management system. Our solutions include rainwater collection, storage, and irrigation. Here’s how it works:

• Collection: We can install systems to collect rainwater from the polytunnel roof, ensuring you capture as much water as possible to use for your plants.
• Storage: Once collected, rainwater is stored in tanks that can be sized to meet your gardening needs, from small capacity tanks for modest gardens to larger systems for extensive growing spaces.
• Irrigation/Distribution: To make watering your plants hassle-free, we can install a solar powered irrigation system that distributes the stored rainwater to your planter beds automatically or through manual controls, ensuring your plants receive consistent hydration.

This system not only helps reduce water usage, but also promotes environmentally friendly gardening practices. The plants love the rainwater too.

Your Polycroo Sanctuary: A Space to Grow, Relax, and Enjoy

Many Polycroo customers consider their polytunnel a sanctuary – a peaceful retreat in their own back garden. Whether it's a place to relax amongst the beauty of your plants, entertain friends in a unique garden setting, or even use it as a tranquil workspace, your polytunnel can offer you the escape you need from the stresses of everyday life.

Free Consultation with the Polycroo Team

At Polycroo, we understand that every customer has unique needs and visions for their polytunnel. That’s why we offer a free, no-obligation 20-minute consultation. Our friendly team is here to help you choose the right size, layout, and custom features that perfectly suit your gardening and lifestyle needs.

To get started, simply call or email us today, and we’ll be delighted to assist you in creating the perfect Polycroo polytunnel for your garden.