Polytunnel Problems

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/curtain sider truck. This option meansthat the kit would have to be off-loaded from the truck by hand. None of the components are heavy but customers need to be aware that the sheets are long and pliable. Sheets can be like a sail in anything but the calmest of condition and are prone to lift in any sort of wind, so the customer should liaise with the haulage company to make sure that the delivery takes place on a calm day and extreme care needs to be taken when off-loading. The cost of a 3 x 3m using this option would be £2688 including VAT.

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 convenience I have added a permanent link on our Links Page. Please speak with Val if you want any more background information.