The Polytunnel Saga – a salutary lesson

When I first took on my plot the only structures I’d envisaged were a shed, raised beds, a compost bin and a wigwam for my beans.  But surveying the neighbouring plots I soon discovered that almost everyone had numerous other structures – hoop tunnels in all shapes and sizes, greenhouses and polytunnels.  And very soon my shopping list started getting longer. Which was a bit of a problem as my earnings – and hence my budget – seemed to be shrinking rapidly.

But as luck would have it our allotment association was organising an auction of unwanted items from plots that had, or were being, vacated as part of the downsizing programme.  And I had my eye on one of several sheds – and then my heart skipped a little beat when I discovered that there was also a polytunnel up for grabs!  I was actually out of the country during the auction but my neighbour had offered to bid for me on anything on my wishlist.  And when I got back I discovered she’d managed to get everything on my list (shed, polytunnel, water butts and canes – and I had money back too!

Polytunnel

Shed

I then had many sleepless nights trying to work out how to move the shed and polytunnel several hundred metres across the site to my plot.  The shed has actually yet to be moved although I have had help to dismantle it and if we can get the allotment trailer mobile this task should be accomplished next weekend.  But a few weeks ago I was able to get the critical mass of people together to shift the tunnel without having to dismantle it.

So a mix of family and new allotment friends all grabbed a bit of tunnel and with my brother-in-law directing us we set off around the site  like some giant green caterpillar. You can see what I mean by watching the video – and, as I find it far too upsetting to write about (boo hoo!)  do watch to the end to see what happened in high winds, just a few weeks after the triumphant installation of my new pride and joy 😉  The joy was definitely short-lived although I am still hoping to be able to salvage something from the wreckage.

And the lesson to be learned?  Take note of your neighbouring plotholders who warn you how strong the winds can blow across the exposed site – and always dig in your polytunnel covers before there’s a storm warning!