A number of plotters have reported problems with their polytunnels recently. Some have reported that the covers perforate after a season or so and some have arrived on site to find that they have taken off in a gale and were last seen heading for the North Sea. When I researched a possible purchase, I found it very difficult to tell which make and model was a bargain and which an investment.
Val on Plot 23 has suggested a novel alternative – the Polycrub.

I didn’t know much about Polycrubs, so I sent off a query to the makers/sellers asking:
Did they make a model close to the 8′ by 6′ that the Council allows?
Are they suitable for self-builders?
Do they deliver to Aberdeen?
What would the costs be?
Here’s the response I got back from the Maree, their General Manager:
“Many thanks for your e-mail. Polycrubs are popular with community groups and of course began life here with us as a community project. Our smallest Polycrub is approx. 3 x 3m (10 x 10 feet) – delivered prices are noted below and we have also attached some info sheets.
The price includes everything required for the external structure of the kit, except cement for the posts. The kit comes with a ground plan and full construction notes for a level site and should be built in accordance with these. We find that anyone with suitable building experience has the capacity to erect a polycrub.
There are two options for delivery to your address:
Option 1 Delivery by ordinary flat-bed/
Option 2 Delivery by Hi-ab truck. With this option, the kit will be lifted off using the crane on the truck. The kit bundle does not need to be opened up when it reaches site and weather conditions are not as important. The cost of a 3 x 3m using this option would be £2928 including VAT.
If a customer decides to place an order, we will invoice for the cost of the kit. Once that is paid, we’ll arrange to have the kit delivered. Delivery usually takes around 2-3 weeks, depending on the weather/ haulier availability.”
For
Jill Dryburgh
Wondering about these polycurbs, Do the sheets go completely over the roof of the polytunnel? And how thick is the polycarbonate they use?
Norman
Sorry Jill, but I have no personal experience of the Polycurbs, so can’t help. I know they reply to info requests and enquiries however. Norman
Richard Davies
Polycrubs are superb really. Very durable and more solid than polytunnels. Pretty much a double glazed greenhouse / nissan hut in one. I use mine to store a boat in all winter. I live in the Outer Hebrides and they withstand our winters, which have 100mph winds most years and gales weekly for a few months each winter. I constructed my own and sourced the black pipe locally from a fish farm and sheeting and fittings independently. This means I have managed a 9 meter by 4 meter for around £2400 (but a fair amount of work to do) and needs access to fish farm scrapped pipes. The size issue may be a problem for many as they are not easy to construct in small sizes. The company is excellent and their kits are great. I helped put one together before making my own.