Greenhouse or polytunnel - new to growing fruit and veg

Dixiegirl47 · 08-03-2025 06:23PM #1

I'm about to semi retire and I am looking to starting growing fruit and veg. I wondered if a greenhouse or polytunnel was better and what the opinions were here. I have looked at Polytunneldirect.ie and have been impressed by their polytunnels and greenhouses. Also, my garden is North facing, but still appears quite sunny - will it be still be worth it to get greenhouse or polytunnel?

macraignil · 08-03-2025 11:28PM

A lot depends on what you want to grow. Its possible to get seedlings going fairly early on south facing windowsills but if you want crops that like more heat like tomatoes on a worth while scale and have somewhere for salad and herbs to remain productive over the colder months of the year then a poly tunnel or greenhouse could be worthwhile. Poly tunnels will allow more growing space with less up front cost but the plastic usually needs to be replaced after about five years in a poly tunnel and a greenhouse may be a better investment if you want something more durable and giving a bit of a better overall environment for the plants and yourself spending time there.

Happy gardening!

Dixiegirl47 · 09-03-2025 11:51AM

Thanks, that's really helpful. I will go for the greenhouse. So looking forward to doing so much more with my garden.

The Continental Op · 10-03-2025 10:35AM

My usual comment for this question - size matters. Its common to get greenhouse start to use it then complain you should have got a bigger one.

scrips · 13-03-2025 11:37PM

A lot depends on how exposed your garden is. Near the Atlantic you'd see fewer greenhouses than polytunnels. Having said that, there were a lot of destroyed polytunnels after Storm Eowyn. A polytunnel is excellent for growing lots of different veg. Whichever you choose, you'll need to irrigate, or else water your plants by hand. I love spending time in my polytunnel.

Pat734 · 18-09-2025 10:46PM

Dixiegirl,

Any update on your choice and how is it working out for you if you did go ahead and buy one? I'd love to know what you grew/grow, performance, tips, etc? Thanks in advance. Anyone who has a greenhouse or polytunnel is welcome to input here and it would be really appreciated.

Bill Hook · 20-09-2025 10:34AM

I have a 10m x 4m polytunnel and I love it. We get food from it all year round.

Coming to the end of summer veg now (tomatoes, cucumbers, aubergines, basil, thai basil) so we are busy pickling, freezing and making chutney. The peppers (chilli and regular) and the cherry tomatoes will keep going for another month or more. As stuff gets cleared we plant coriander, spring cabbage, kale, oriental greens and winter radish.

And it is a great place to sit with a book and cup of tea when it is too miserable outdoors!

Two books worth getting from the library that are Irish based:
The Polytunnel Book by Joyce Russell
Fruit & Vegetables for the Polytunnel and Greenhouse by Klaus Laitenberger

DayInTheBog · 21-09-2025 08:55PM

My tunnel is almost full, just got to plant garlic

The other tunnel had the pumpkins and courgettes harvested and plants removed today. I'll put a top dressing of compost and transplant beetroot and spring onions.

Greenhouse or polytunnel - new to growing fruit and veg

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