First Tunnels Polytunnels

A polytunnel creates a sheltered growing environment, protecting your plants from wind and heavy rain while providing extra warmth. This helps extend the growing season, so you can sow earlier in spring and continue harvesting later into autumn.

It also opens up more growing possibilities, from tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers to strawberries, salads and herbs. With seasonal planning, you can make use of the space throughout the year, raising spring seedlings, growing summer crops and harvesting winter greens.

The polytunnel shelter makes it easier to manage growing conditions and gives you a comfortable place to garden when the weather turns wet. Whether you want to grow more of your own food, try unusual varieties or raise young plants, a polytunnel offers a versatile space for your gardening plans.

The right size depends on your available space, what you want to grow and how much room you need to work comfortably. Start by measuring the usable site, allowing for boundaries, obstacles and access around the outside for maintenance.

Next, sketch a simple layout showing your beds, paths, staging and door positions. Make sure you can reach the centre of each bed and move tools or a wheelbarrow through the tunnel, even when crops are fully grown.

Planning the layout helps you choose a size that works for both your plants and your everyday gardening tasks. If you would like help comparing suitable sizes, send us your measurements and tell us how you plan to use your polytunnel.

The cost depends on its size, specification and optional extras. Browse our domestic and commercial ranges to compare prices and choose the right combination for your budget.

From tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers to strawberries, salads and herbs, a polytunnel opens up a world of growing possibilities. With a little seasonal planning, it can be a hive of activity throughout the year, bursting with crops from spring to autumn and providing space for winter greens and early seedlings.

By sheltering plants from changeable weather, a polytunnel creates a more protected, manageable growing environment. This helps extend the growing season, allowing you to sow earlier in spring and continue harvesting well into autumn. It also gives you the opportunity to try more unusual crops that might struggle outdoors in the UK.

It’s easy to see why polytunnels are popular with home gardeners and commercial growers alike. Award-winning food producers use them to grow crops such as chillies, bringing greater variety to consumers, while Chelsea Flower Show gold medal winners use them to nurture plants for their garden designs.

Growing in a polytunnel does call for a few adjustments to your usual gardening routine, but getting started is straightforward. Our month-by-month growing guide will help you plan, plant and care for your crops through every season, so you can make the most of your space and enjoy a fantastic range of home-grown fruit and vegetables.

A garden polytunnel may be installed without a planning application if it meets the relevant permitted development rules. Whether these apply depends on your location, the structure’s size, height and position, and how you intend to use it. If you are unsure, check with your local planning authority before ordering.

If you need drawings to support a planning application, we can provide scaled CAD elevation drawings for a small charge. This will be credited back if you order your polytunnel from us after planning permission has been granted. View an example of our elevation drawings or contact our team to discuss your requirements.

Yes. Our polytunnel kits are designed for self-assembly, with detailed instructions, construction videos and technical support to guide you. If you are comfortable with practical DIY tasks such as assembling flat-pack furniture, building your own polytunnel is an achievable project with careful preparation and someone to help.

Allow plenty of time, especially for your first build. Experienced constructors may assemble a 12ft × 25ft polytunnel in a day, but we recommend setting aside at least two days if you are new to the process. The time needed will depend on your chosen size, specification, site conditions and experience.

Our comprehensive construction guides are available to download free of charge, so you can read through the process before starting or replace lost instructions. Our videos demonstrate key stages, including installing foundations, assembling hoops and doors, and fitting the polythene cover.

You will need basic tools, including a spade, tape measure, pegs and string, a lump hammer, a drill with metal drill bits, spanners or a socket set, Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers, a hammer, saw, and scissors or a utility knife. A stepladder is also useful. Check your model’s instructions for the full equipment list, and plan to fit the cover in calm weather.

If you need help during construction, call 01282 601253, Monday to Friday, 8.30am–5pm, or 07801 601253 at weekends, 9am–5pm. The construction helpline is unavailable on bank holidays and during the Christmas closure.

Prefer to leave the build to us? Contact our team to discuss our construction service.

A well-maintained polytunnel frame can provide many years of growing space. The cover will need replacing periodically, with its lifespan depending on the material, exposure and care. Regular checks and prompt repairs help keep everything in good condition.

Your polytunnel will arrive as a kit in several securely packed packages, ready for assembly. As a guide, a 12ft × 25ft polytunnel typically consists of around 10 packages weighing approximately 160kg in total, depending on the options you choose. Smaller structures will weigh less, while large commercial polytunnels can weigh up to a tonne.

Most orders are delivered by a nationwide carrier. Domestic polytunnels are normally despatched within 1–3 working days, while commercial models are normally despatched within 5–7 working days. Lead times may increase during busy periods, so please check our delivery page for the latest information.

Once your order has been despatched, we’ll contact you by email or telephone with an expected delivery date. We’ll do our best to accommodate special requests, although we cannot guarantee a specific delivery date or time.

If access to your property is restricted, or you have any questions about your delivery, please call our team on 01282 601253 before ordering so we can discuss your requirements.

We offer several convenient ways to pay:

• Credit or debit card: We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Maestro. Card payments are processed securely.
• PayPal: Pay quickly and securely using your PayPal account.
• Clearpay: Spread the cost over interest-free instalments, subject to eligibility.
• Cheque: Send your cheque to the address below.

First Tunnels Ltd
Shorten Brook Way
Altham Industrial Estate
BB5 5YJ