Sallygarden Smallholding - The Forum For Sustainable Living

I'm new to the polytunnel concept, but I'd like to experiment. I'm looking to build a mini tunnel on the cheap to try this out. Something around 4' by 10', like this - http://www.motherearthnews.com/Organic- ... eason.aspx.

That seems like a simple design to try, but I'm having trouble finding the 6 or 8 mil plastic in reasonable quantities. Everything I seem to find is 100' rolls, and a lot more money than I was hoping to spend. Can I subsitute 4mil, or is that too thin? What difference does the thickness make? Is a doubled up sheet of 4mil the same as 8mil, or is there a problem there I'm not thinking of?

Thanks in advance for your help.

A doubled up sheet would actually give you slightly better insulation than a single 4mil sheet, but unless it's UV stabilized stuff it won't last. A better option is to get the sheet you need cut to size by a polytunnel cover retailer like 'polythene one'. Don't forget that spare film has umpteen uses like covering doors, making cloches etc.

Yep, I second the suggestion by Hedgewizard, my OH built a polytunnel early this year out of water pipe and covered it with plastic sheeting from the local store and it only lasted about 6 months. The plastic is now split all over so it will have to be taken down.
We saw the plans on the internet and thought it would be fantastic to give it a go!
When we finally worked out how much had been spent on water pipe, wood, fixings and plastic it came to about €250 for a 40'x15' so we may have been better of going for a shop bought smaller tunnel!
Swings and roundabouts unfortunately, there are some Advantages to DIY but if you want a small one it may be better just to buy one?

Hope this helps

Diane