Polytunnels vs Greenhouses
A Polytunnel or a Greenhouse: Which is Best for Your Garden?
Are you looking to protect your homegrown produce and extend your growing season but unsure whether to invest in a polytunnel or a greenhouse?
Both structures provide protected growing environments, however, they have key differences that may influence your decision. This guide explores the benefits and features of each, helping you choose the best option for your garden.
It’s worth bearing in mind that both polytunnels and greenhouses range hugely in quality and specification. At Haygrove Garden Tunnels we pride ourselves on supplying premium quality polytunnels that can withstand storms and provide the optimal growing conditions.
What are the Differences Between a Polytunnel and a Greenhouse?
Structure and Materials
- Polytunnels are made from a steel frame covered with polythene (plastic), providing excellent durability and flexibility. Unlike some polytunnels, Haygrove Garden Tunnels do not include any wooden framework which is prone to rotting. Polytunnels can be fixed directly on the soil. Our polytunnels are secured by anchors and the cover is clipped into the base plate.
- Greenhouses have a rigid frame, usually aluminium or metal, with glass panels for light exposure. There are several options including traditional glass, toughened safety glass, polycarbonate, and acrylic, each with varying strengths, light transmission, and durability. Greenhouses require a flat, concrete bases.
Light Transmission
- Polytunnels: the polythene cover varies in strength and performance. Our covers offer 88% light transmission and diffuse the light, ensuring even light distribution. Polythene is susceptible to UV degradation which makes the plastic brittle and reducing transparency. We offer a 5-year guarantee against UV degradation, and on average covers need to be replaced every 10 years.
- Greenhouses usually provide 65%-85% light transmission, but they can create very hot climates and struggle with light diffusion, increasing the risk of scorching on upper leaves. To prevent scorch, some greenhouses include blinds, but this adds expense and reduces light needed for photosynthesis.
Aesthetics vs Cost
- Polytunnels may not be considered as aesthetically pleasing but are significantly more budget-friendly – often costing a third of the price of a comparable greenhouse.
- Greenhouses come in various styles, such as Victorian or Orangeries, making them more visually appealing. However, they’re also much more expensive meaning you get less growing space for your investment.
Practicality and Use Cases
- Polytunnels are favoured in home gardens, allotments, and community gardens due to their affordability, ease of installation, and flexibility. They are also popular in schools for safety as footballs and other stray objects bounce off them, rather than smashing the glass.
- Greenhouses are more commonly found in decorative gardens where aesthetics play a key role.
Features of Haygrove Garden Tunnels
- Cost-effective – More affordable than greenhouses, making them accessible for a wide range of gardeners and maximising your protected growing space.
- Flexible installation – Can be placed on sloping ground with minimal preparation or concrete fixings. They can also be picked up and re-positioned if needed.
- Light diffusion – This reduces the risk of hot spots and plant scorching with even light distribution for healthy, uniform plants.
- Safety – Strong polythene covers are safe in storms or from stray objects as they do not smash.
- Sometimes less visually appealing – More functional in design, which may not suit all garden styles.
- Replacing covers – Polytunnels do require replacement covers as their strength and light transmission decrease over time.
Features of Greenhouses
- Long lifespan – Glass panels and sturdy frames can last for decades if well-maintained.
- Usually more aesthetically pleasing – Available in various styles to enhance garden appearance.
- Higher upfront cost – Roughly 3x more expensive than polytunnels, including installation and maintenance
- Direct sunlight – Requires shading or blinds to prevent scorch and overheating.
- Fixed structure – Needs a solid, level foundation, making relocation difficult and costly
Why Choose a Polytunnel Over a Greenhouse?
Polytunnels offer several advantages over traditional greenhouses:
Key Considerations When Buying a Polytunnel
- Lifespan: While polytunnel covers need replacing every 8-12 years, the frame itself is long-lasting. Greenhouse glass panels, though durable, can be costly to replace if broken.
- Size and Space: Polytunnels come in various sizes. Haygrove Garden Tunnels are available in widths of 3m, 4m and 5m with lengths ranging from 6m to 20m.
- Garden Layout: Unlike greenhouses, which require solid foundations, polytunnels can be safely positioned on gently sloping land without levelling or concrete foundations.
- Rainwater harvesting: Like many greenhouses, Haygrove Garden Tunnels can be fitted with gutters for water collection. This is unusual for a polytunnel and is one of the features that is most popular with our Garden Tunnels.
- Strength: If you live in an exposed or windy area, ensure you chose a polytunnel that is strong enough. Haygrove Garden Tunnels have been proven to withstand storms throughout the British Isles, and we are confident in the robust design.
The Final Verdict: Polytunnel or Greenhouse?
While greenhouses have their benefits, polytunnels provide an affordable, flexible, and efficient solution for year-round growing. Haygrove offers both small and large polytunnels, replacement covers, and accessories to suit every gardener’s needs.
If you need expert guidance on choosing the right garden tunnel, contact our team today!
Get in touch
Looking for some more information or after a quote? Fill in the contact form below and a member of our team will be in touch as soon as possible to assist you!