TAKE cover

Stephanie Hafferty has been loving developing a new plot with no-dig beds but she was really excited when her new polytunnel arrived

- Stephanie Hafferty

Since I moved to my new half-acre homestead in Wales I have looked forward to August with great enthusiasm because it means the arrival of my polytunnel.

In my previous garden, I had a 12 x 40ft polytunnel for 10 years or so and absolutely loved how it meant I could grow so much more, especially warmth-loving summer crops. It has been strange only growing outdoor varieties of tomatoes, cucumbers, and aubergines this year, but I am looking forwards and planning what I will grow once this new polytunnel is up.

When I was looking for a new home, space for a polytunnel at least the size of my previous one was crucial. I’d pace the gardens, imagining where a tunnel would go – I wonder what the estate agents thought of me! Here at Ael Y Bryn, the orchard had enough space, next to Dai’s sheep field.

PREPARATION AND PLANNING

A polytunnel is a long-term decision and investment and it is worthwhile considering all of your requirements carefully. Always buy the largest you can afford (and legally fit in your garden). The first thing to do is find out your local planning rules. These vary from county to county. There are regulations about distances from roads, neighbouring boundaries, and the height of the structure.

You may need planning permission. Usually, any polytunnel over 14ft wide is considered a commercial structure and requires planning permission, whereas one 14ft or less is a domestic tunnel and does not. A phone call to your local planning office is usually helpful in this respect.