Polytunnel

[jaymac]

Hi All,

I am very close to erecting my polytunnel 6m x 3m now starting to think about raised beds what size is best to utilise the full tunnel. I am thinking 2 8' x 4' beds with a path down the middle but not to sure if I will reach the far side of the bed or a small path down each side approx 1' and a 2' path in the middle then beds 2 8' x 3'.

[suzybob]

How about 2' wide beds down each side and a 4' wide bed in the centre? That would give you 1' wide paths between the beds. Or make the centre bed 3' wide to give you paths 1 1/2' wide.

[Alison]

I have a 10' wide tunnel with a 2' bed all down one side with a path offset from the Middle next to this. I then have beds from the other side which are about 6' long across the bed accessed by paths perpendicular to the main path. Would add a photo so don't seem o be able to do it on this stupid tablet. Will try later on a proper computer.

[veggiechicken]

Like this perhaps?

E I

I don't do graphics

[Kristen]

I don't do graphics

But you do do very good regional accents

[Alison]

Like this perhaps?

E I

I don't do graphics

Yes, that's good , no need for me to work out how to add the photo now (it's annoying as I can see it but not select as it wants me to drag and drop but if I click on it I only get the option to copy)

[veggiechicken]

But you do do very good regional accents

Silly voices and funny walks are my forte

[unclefudgly]

I have the same size polytunnel, and last year went with the layout above suggested by Alison, but because of low polytunnel sides I felt it a bit limiting when growing taller plants like cordon tomatoes and climbers like cukes and beans.
This year I want to maximize using the central height so going for 3 long strips, with the taller plants running down the middle, and smaller things like peppers and aubergines along the sides.
Good Luck

[Alison]

I have the same size polytunnel, and last year went with the layout above suggested by Alison, but because of low polytunnel sides I felt it a bit limiting when growing taller plants like cordon tomatoes and climbers like cukes and beans.
This year I want to maximize using the central height so going for 3 long strips, with the taller plants running down the middle, and smaller things like peppers and aubergines along the sides.
Good Luck

Probably depends on your tunnel, mine has pretty good vertical sides but I know some of them arch more.

[jaymac]

Polytunnel

Hi all, sorry for not getting back sooner been very busy at work but thanks for all your good advice. The polytunnel I have is green with side windows and a door at the front 6m x 3m not to sure how high the sides are so I have to wait untill I erect it to find the best position of the raised beds. Would love to see some pics of your tunnels.

Cheers

[Scarlet]

Yes, that's good , no need for me to work out how to add the photo now (it's annoying as I can see it but not select as it wants me to drag and drop but if I click on it I only get the option to copy)

Don't bother trying to work it out...it's impossible and bl@@dy infuriating, it doesn't work and I can't see a work around you need a computer to do it.

[Alison]

Hi all, sorry for not getting back sooner been very busy at work but thanks for all your good advice. The polytunnel I have is green with side windows and a door at the front 6m x 3m not to sure how high the sides are so I have to wait untill I erect it to find the best position of the raised beds. Would love to see some pics of your tunnels.

Cheers

I'd advise against raising the beds much as you lose head room for toms etc, mine are edged with wood a few inches tall to mark the beds but soil level is only a few inches higher than the paths and that is mainly because the paths are compacted. Obviously if you can't bend due to mobility issues then you'll have to find a compromise.

[Kristen]

The beds in my greenhouse are "lowered", rather than "raised", for more cropping height ...