FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

Q What steel do you use?

A I use galvanised ¾” 'blue band' tubing which is 2.7mm in wall thickness, that’s 1mm thicker than conventional tunnels

Q Would that withstand extreme winds?

A I would say yes, but it is dependant where it’s situated. A mountain top with no shelter around the tunnel is not the right place. Find a spot that’s at least a bit protected or put up some windbreak fence around it. I can provide windbreak netting. Go for high spec.

Q What’s the difference in the plastic?

A Now, I provide two sorts of plastic. One is called 3 season, it will last at least 3 years before you need to reclad due to UV degradation. My experience though is that it lasts a good bit longer, since the detereoration is mostly due to the breakdown through the UV rays in the sunlight which is not too strong in this country. It’s otherwise specified as 180 micron or 720g/sqm. A good quality plastic for its considerable low cost!

The other one is called 5 season and willlast at least 5 years and will usually do a good bit more. Its a top of the range plastic. Its specification is 200 micron and weighs 800g/sqm.

Q How is the plastic fixed onto the tunnels?

A Usually it is trenched in all around in a one foot deep and wide trench, refilled with the soil taken out or preferably with heavy sand which makes a far better and safer job. On the gable ends the plastic also fixed to the timber door frames, included in the kit.

Q What if the ground is stoney or rocky?

A In a case like this, you have to fix the ground tubes, into which the tunnel frames slide, into the ground with concrete. These have to be extra long and to them is fixed a timber rail onto which the plastic is then fastened with rolled in 2” x 1” battens.

Q Does the ground need any preparation?

A I usually ask to rotovate the plot about 1 or 2 weeks before the tunnel is erected. That makes it easier to dig the trenches. I advise as well to manure it at the same time with the best rotten manure you can get. If you don’t want to disturb the ground it’s OK, but you will need a pickaxe to do the trenches.

Q Will the ground need to be level?

A Yes, the ground needs to be fairly level. It doesn’t matter if it is on a slope. But level it needs be.

Q Are these tunnels easy to erect?

A I’d say a good handyman with a bit of skill and one or two helpers will have no difficulties to put them up. I provide a step by step manual. To be sure it’s done right, you have it erected by us. It’s usually faster (one day) and professional.

Q When is the best time to put them up?

A Hot summer days are perfect . The plastic stretches a lot better when warm. But reasonable spring and autumn days will do. A very calm and rain free day is required. We erect from March to November, provided the weather is good. Waiting times in spring are usually longer. So, if you want to be ready for spring planting have it put up in the autumn (or summer) before.

Q How fast can I have the tunnel?

A When you order, you go in the queue from then on it’s up to the weather. If you want to put it up yourself it’s dependent on stock. Usually within two weeks, since sidebars and ridgepoles have to be made to size. Order early and you get it sooner.

Q What doors are with the tunnel?

A Doors are an optiona extrasl. My door frames are 1.8m (6ft) high and 120cm (4ft) wide for the smaller tunnels and so are the doors. For reason of ventilation the larger tunnels (from 16m up) I provide larger frames. They are 2m wide and 1.8m high. For these I make double doors. My doors are made out of timber frame, pressure treated as a standard and clad either with 5 season plastic or windbreak netting. Hinges and lockable latches are galvanised. I offer DIY kits for doors as well. The frames for the doors are included in the kit!

Q How big are the tunnels?

A Standard size is: width 4.2 - 4.8m, length 6-20m, height approx 7’. Anything else costs extra. Extra headroom could be arranged.

Q How much are they?

A There is a price list you can check and print out.

Q Can I collect myself and what do I need?

A If you want to collect the tunnel yourself you will need a van, not too small, a trailer or a very strong roof-rack of decent size. Big tunnels are heavy. Best talk to me about it.

Q Do they need any maintenance?

A Tunnels need very little maintenance. Keep the plastic clean with soapy water to get the most sunlight into them. Sometimes they have to be restretched, which is possible without great effort with my system. We can do that for you or you can do it yourself.

Q What if we run into any difficulties?

A Just call me and I will try to help. Asking is free!