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The Hobby Polytunnel
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No Digging
Our Hobby Polytunnel is supplied with screw anchor foundations as standard - all the security you need without the digging.
Made In the UK
All the hoops, brackets and polythene are made right here in the UK.
MAGNAtube Coated Framework
Designed to tolerate the harshest environments without undue deterioration. Guaranteed for 20 years.
Tanalised Timber Batons
High quality tanalised timber for maximum protection against rot.
3-in-1 PVC Zipped Door
Well loved for its versitility, a full access door, part ventilation or full ventilation.
Wide Entrance As Standard
Our timber door is 800mm wide as standard. No upgrade necessary for your wheelbarrow!
Technical Specification
Lumisol Polythene
British made, 7-layer, UV open polythene that has been specifically designed for the British weather. Available in either a Clear or Diffused finish, both options are 720g (180 micron), with anti-condensation properties.
Lumisol Diffused allows up to 90% light transmission but the diffusion in the film scatters the light as it passes through the polythene. This allows the light to penetrate deep into the plant canopy as it hits the plants from all directions, not just from the direction of the sun. Lumisol diffused can also reduce mid-day summertime temperatures by 2-4ºC.
Lumisol Clear allows up to 92% of light transmission. In areas of the UK where light levels can be lower, clear polythene allows more light to enter and can bring picking time forward.
Easy Cover Tensioning
Our cover tensioning system makes tensioning your polythene throughout the season fast and simple – Loosen the hoop collar, lift the hoop, lift the collar and retighten in place.
We install this simple tensioning system on all our polytunnels because we know how essential maintaining good cover tension is to extending the life of your polythene. Polythene should be pulled taught like a drum skin to prevent it from vibrating in the wind and degrading prematurely.
Two Piece Hoop
Our 2 piece hoops are made using 32mm MAGNAtube for superior strength and durability, the coating is guaranteed to last for 20 years without corrosion, no additional storm bracing required.
Hoops that are made from 3 or 4 pieces are much more convenient to deliver, but compromise on strength and often require additional "belts and braces" to support them.
Central Ridge Bar
Positioned at the top of the polytunnel and running down the length the ridge bar provides stability to the structure and can also be a good place for hanging baskets or crop support.
Our ridge tube is 32mm tube and comes as standard with your Polytunnel. Additional ridges can be added to your tunnel for crop supports and can be positioning at almost any point along the hoop.
Anti-Hotspot Tape
Supplied as standard - acts as insulation between the metal and the polythene to prevent the build up of damaging hot spots and prolong the cover life of your polythene sheet
Tanalised Timber Base Rails and Door Frames
Tanalised timber has been saturated with Tanalith wood preservative under rigidly controlled conditions in a vacuum pressure timber impregnation plant. This helps the timber stay rot free for as long as possible. 50mm x 75mm batons to ensure a strong and sturdy structure.
Wide Entrance as Standard
Our standard door width is 800mm, no upgrade necessary for your wheelbarrow. 50mm x 75mm Timber to ensure sturdy construction. Our door kits also come with polythene and netting in the cladding pack, allowing you to choose how you clad your door - either all polythene, all net or half and half.
3 in 1 PVC Zipped Door
A popular choice for its versatility. Can be zipped open and rolled up out of the way. A Velcro panel can be partially opened to reveal a ventilation panel or fully removed for increased air flow in the tunnel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have any tips or advice to help me buy my first Polytunnel?
There’s lots to consider when purchasing your first polytunnel and we appreciate this may be a little overwhelming. We’ve put together a blog post with our advice for planning your first Polytunnel, you can read it here.
How long does it take to build a Polytunnel?
Depending on your experience and the size of the structure, a hobby polytunnel will take 1 – 2 days to construct. It’s best to set aside a weekend and take your time, sheeting your polytunnel must be done on a still day.
Can I build a Polytunnel on a slope?
Yes, you can build your Polytunnel on a slope. If you can, we would always recommend levelling the ground before installing a tunnel, although it may be hard work it will make the assembly of the tunnel and working inside much easier. That being said, building on a slope can be managed and our polytunnels are designed to take a reasonable slope. It’s typically best to slope down the length of the tunnel instead of across the width as this can make the smooth operation of doors difficult. For more information and tips on building on a slope check out our in-depth guide here.
Do I need any specialist tools or equipment?
Only basic tools are required to construct your Polytunnel, although we would recommend some heavy-duty wire cutters for trimming down wiggle wire.
What is the difference between Lumisol Diffused and Lumisol Clear?
Lumisol Clear and Diffused are both British made, 7-layer anti-drip films specifically designed for the British weather. Neither is a bad option, but there are some clear differences between the two.
Lumisol Clear is a UV open film that allows 92% of light to reach your plants. The added heat & light can lead to earlier harvesting and a longer post-harvest shelf life. Particularly popular in the North and West regions of the UK where lower light levels naturally occur. This UV open film promotes plant antioxidants which are good for plant health and encourage stronger plants.
Lumisol Diffused is a light diffusing polythene that scatters the light as it passes through the polythene. This enables the light to penetrate deep into the plant canopy as it hits the plants in all directions, not just from the direction of the sun. Light diffusing polythene also allows more light into your polytunnel when the sun is low in the sky, as the diffusing process deflects more light downwards into the crops. Diffused polythene allows 90% light transmission and will reduce mid-day summertime temperatures by 2-4°C.
How long will my Polythene last?
Our British Made polythene is guaranteed against degradation for 5 seasons*. When well cared for and properly tensioned its likely it will last well beyond this. We know how important well tensioned polythene is, which is why all our polytunnels use our unique polythene tensioning system to ensure you can easily get that drum tight finish season after season.
*Incremental guarantee from invoice date
Why should I buy a Northern Polytunnel?
We are a third-generation family business established in 1969 and pride ourselves on striving to supply quality, British made products at the best possible price directly from the manufacturer. We use our industry experience as a supplier of commercial horticultural structures to ensure your Domestic Polytunnels are market leading products you can rely on season after season.
What is the difference between the Polytunnels in your range?
The Allotment – Our range of polytunnels starts with the entry level Allotment Polytunnel, offering the same high-quality 32mm MAGNAtube coated framework as our hobby and hobby plus Polytunnels but without some of the more costly features. The polythene is trenched into the ground on our Allotment Polytunnel.
The Hobby – The Hobby is our midrange Polytunnel. High quality heavy duty 32mm framework with tanalised timber base rails and door frames. Side ventilation can be added to this model as it has base rails. Some simple woodwork skills are required for the timber elements of this tunnel.
The Easy Build – The Hobby Plus has all the high-quality 32mm MAGNAtube coated framework you’d expect from any of our Polytunnels, but is a full metal construction. Aluminium base rails, door frames and one sliding door as standard. The aluminium side rails make sheeting the Polytunnel simple with our Wiggle Wire system and make the addition of side ventilation straightforward.
The Super Strength – Constructed using commercial Polytunnel tube and fixings to ensure this Polytunnel is suitable for even the most harsh, exposed locations. Full metal construction and all the perks of our Easy Build Polytunnel but with the extra strength you need.
Is Anti-Hotspot Tape included in the price?
Yes, hotspot tape is always included in the price of your polytunnel. The price we quote is always inclusive of all tapes, screws, brackets and fixings you will need to build your Polytunnel, so no nasty surprises after purchase.
How will my Polytunnel be delivered?
Your Domestic Polytunnel will be delivered by our third-party carrier – DX. Your order will usually be dispatched from us in 24-48 hours, delivery is usually within 24 hours. We offer free delivery to mainland UK on all orders over £150.