Have you got a polytunnel yet? I’m sure you must have, but just in case you’re still on the fence, here’s 10 reasons why you need a polytunnel in your life. Or in your garden or on the allotment.

1: Protection from the Weather for You and Your Plants

Naturally enough polytunnels do a fantastic job of protecting both plants and gardeners from the worst of the weather conditions. Those polythene walls may not look like the biggest barrier to the elements but polytunnels are incredibly strong and will withstand extreme weather and wind. Heavy rain, howling wind, and the storms that are becoming ever more frequent will be repelled easily making the interior of your polytunnel the stable environment you need for strong and healthy growth of your plants and crops. This protection not only keeps your delicate plants safe but will also allow you to work comfortably no matter what the weather is like.

The controlled environment within a polytunnel means you don’t have to worry about the impact of sudden temperature fluctuations, which in turn prevents issues like bolting in vegetables or frost damage in tender plants. This protection extends to the soil as well. The soil within the tunnel won’t be affected by heavy rain or drying winds preserving its structure and nutrient content.

2: Year-Round Gardening

This is possibly one of the biggest attractions of a new polytunnel. You can extend your gardening from the spring and summer months to all-year-round. They make a microclimate that can sustain plant growth even during the colder months, extending your gardening season beyond the traditional periods. And of course it doesn’t matter what the weather is like, you'll always be dry and sheltered from the wind when you’re working in your polytunnel. You may even be able to harvest produce such as fruits out of season.

But the benefits of year-round gardening extend beyond just the availability of fresh produce. It keeps you engaged in the garden which is always great for our mental health and wellbeing. The extra tasks which will come from year-round gardening will keep you active and fit as a fiddle. From a practical viewpoint the continuous growth cycle allows for better planning and rotation of crops.

3: Greater Crop Variety

The big polythene tent in the garden will have its own little environment which you can use to grow a wider variety of crops and plants than you could in your outdoor garden. Crops won’t be exposed to the harsh elements and you’ll be able to experiment with different varieties which may struggle when grown in the ground outside your polytunnel.

Growing a greater variety of crops in a polytunnel can also have some other benefits. This diversity can aid in pest and disease control, as a mix of plants can reduce the spread and impact of specific pests or diseases. Also, the quality of the soil within the tunnel will improve over time as different plants contribute different nutrients and organic matter to the soil.

4: Undercover Storage for Tools and Equipment

One of the great things about a polytunnel is that you get so much more bang for your buck than you do with a greenhouse. The extra space you have not only allows you to grow a variety of crops or plants but also provides the added benefit of undercover storage space for all your gardening tools and equipment. You can protect your tools from the elements, preventing rust and damage caused by exposure to rain and sun. You’ll also have all your tools conveniently to hand when you're working in your polytunnel. The storage space can also be used as a work area. You can install a bench for potting and preparing plants, so you can keep busy no matter what the weather is like outside.

5: More Cost-Effective than a Traditional Greenhouse

Polytunnels are a more economical alternative to traditional greenhouses. They are much less expensive to purchase, easier to install, and take very little effort to maintain. The materials used in polytunnels, primarily polyethylene, are more affordable than the glass and metal of conventional greenhouses. You don’t need a big budget to buy a big polytunnel.

In terms of maintenance, polytunnels are relatively low-cost and easy to repair. The polyethylene cover can be replaced at a fraction of the cost of repairing broken glass in a greenhouse. If you look at the comparable price per square foot, a polytunnel is far greater value than a greenhouse.

6: Space Efficiency

Due to their design of polythene over metal hoops polytunnels have a huge amount of interior space aloof which can be utilised for planting or storage. This is because they have fewer structural constraints than traditional greenhouses. This efficiency means gardeners can plant more crops in the same area. The flexibility in design also allows for the customisation of the internal layout, including the addition of shelving and raised beds.

If you have space for a polytunnel, and they are available from sizes as small as 10x12’, you will be able to cram so much in, and get so much enjoyment from your undercover gardening.

7: Extended Growing Seasons

A great thing about polytunnels is how they will extend the growing season. You can plant earlier and harvest later, not to mention potter all year round in the shelter of your tunnel. Your polytunnel protects plants from early frosts and keeps the soil warmer for longer periods. You can plant longer-maturing crops and benefit from more yield over a longer period than you would experience when planting outdoors.

8: Increased Yield

Because you can create ideal growing conditions in your polytunnel you’ll find yourself enjoying bumper yields from your crops. Your plants will grow strongly and healthily thanks to the controlled environment within the polytunnel. It reduces the stresses that plants may face outdoors, such as extreme temperatures and variable weather, leading to healthier plants and crops which are more productive.

This increased yield is not only in terms of the quantity of produce but also its quality. The protection from pests and diseases, along with consistent watering and feeding, results in fruits and vegetables that are often larger, tastier, and more nutritious. This enhanced yield is especially noticeable in crops that are sensitive to environmental conditions, such as tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers.

9: Better Seed Germination

The warm conditions inside a polytunnel create the perfect microclimate for seed germination. This controlled environment will increase the germination rate, leading to a higher success rate in growing plants from seeds.

Because they have been protected from the elements, seedlings grown in a polytunnel are often stronger and more resilient. This strong start can lead to healthier, more robust plants that are better equipped to thrive once transplanted outside or continue growing within the polytunnel.

10: Therapeutic Benefits

All forms of gardening are so beneficial to our mental health and general well-being. And that is so true of working in your polytunnel. The enclosed space, filled with nature, is such a relaxing place which can reduce stress, improve your mood, and even provide a wonderful sense of well-being. And, of course, physically working in your tunnel will help your overall mental health. In community settings, polytunnels can also serve as a social hub, fostering community engagement and shared learning experiences, which are beneficial for social well-being.

Plenty of reasons why you should take the plunge and get yourself a polytunnel for your garden or allotment. Here at Direct Plants we manufacture heavy duty commercial grade polytunnels in our workshops right here in Norfolk. And, of course, we use the polytunnels we build on our own five-acre nursery.

Check out our full range of polytunnels - you won’t find better quality or value anywhere else. Buy direct from the manufacturer and save pounds.