Environmentally Friendly Polytunnel Paths
Environmentally Friendly Polytunnel Paths
It’s almost as crucial to make the paths in your polytunnel as it is to make the growth regions. Path materials are more than just a fashion statement. The right approach might mean the difference between a nightmare of upkeep and an area that is simple to manage. We\’ll go through some of the best eco-friendly polytunnel route ideas in this article, whether you desire hard paving or something softer and more organic.
Certain routes may make it simpler to keep a polytunnel cool in the summer (say by providing a hard surface from which water can evaporate to chill the space) or warm in the winter (by providing a hard surface from which water can evaporate to keep the area warm) (by adding to the thermal mass within the structure). As a result, the path materials you choose for your polytunnel make a major difference. It makes sense to consider all of the numerous path options available to you and compare and contrast them to determine which one is the best fit for you.
Ideas for Eco-Friendly Hard Paving Paths
To begin, consider some of the hard paving route options available for your polytunnel. Each of these options has the advantage of being able to withstand traffic. They can be extremely long-lasting and sturdy, and they may also provide the above-mentioned benefits of temperature regulation.
Cobbles of Pebble Stone
It’s possible that you won\’t even need to look for or purchase flat stone slabs that have been shaped to produce flat paving. Pebble stones or little uneven river rocks, for example, are another excellent option for your polytunnel walkways. These might be used to make a cobblestone path by embedding them in the soil. A DIY cobblestone path can be lovely, and you might even be able to create it out of rocks and stones dug up from your garden or found elsewhere. If the soil isn\’t holding the cobbles in place, you can alternatively embed them in a mortar (lime mortar is more eco-friendly) or natural clay.
Paving made from recycled glass
If you want sturdy, flat pavement but don\’t want to spend the money on real stone (which can be pricey) or concrete (which is harmful for the environment), you might want to try recycled glass paving.
Slabs of Natural Stone
Natural stone slabs are one of the first and most evident eco-friendly choices for any polytunnels and gardens. Natural stone can be environmentally benign if it is sourced locally, especially if it is salvaged from other parts of the house or yard. The larger the natural stone pieces you want to use, the more expensive the job will be. Small pieces, such as those left over from the paving of a patio elsewhere in your property, may be suitable for use in a polytunnel.
Gravel
You could also want to use a gravel polytunnel route if your growing portions are raised or have high edging. Again, you may be able to make this with small stones and other items found on your property or purchased locally. Gravel has adequate drainage and could be a good choice for a polytunnel in an area where groundwater levels are high and the land is prone to flooding. Gravel paths, on the other hand, without a membrane beneath them, are more likely to develop weed problems than walks with superior general covering.
Paving made from reclaimed concrete
If you decide to go with concrete paving for cost or other practical reasons, keep in mind that you should always check into the possibility of using salvaged materials before purchasing new. It\’s sometimes extremely simple and inexpensive to obtain some old concrete slabs that someone else wants to remove from their own garden, and these could be ideal for your polytunnel.
Mosaic Paths Made of Broken Tiles
You might be able to be even more creative with your polytunnel walkways by laying broken tile, sea glass, and other things into some type of mortar to create a mosaic trail. If you\’re an artist, using this method to design paths could be a great opportunity to let your creativity run wild and create something both beautiful and functional.
Earth Paths
It\’s possible that you won\’t need to add any material to your polytunnel routes at all. You might also explore rammed earth as an option, which could result in a completely practical solution. You may be able to build a firm passage through your polytunnel by compacting the earth.
Using Reclaimed Bricks
Bricks are another reused material that could work well for a polytunnel walkway. Ordinary home bricks can easily be found at a reasonable price at reclamation yards or elsewhere. Using these to create a walkway in your polytunnel could provide you with a stable and long-lasting work surface.
Check out our top 3 recommendations for year-round polytunnels
Super Pro Heavy Duty Polytunnel
6 x 3.5 x 1.95m
- “High Eaves” straight wall design
- Stand-up working space across the entire tunnel width
- Superior walk-in space & extra cultivating area
- High quality & durable materials
- Dual-zippered
- UV protected
- Cross-woven rip-stop PE cover
- Ground skirt to anchor & weight down the polytunnel
- Speedy construction with easy to read assembly guide
- 600 x 350 x 195cm (19.6 x 11.4 x 6.3 ft)
- 32mm thick galvanised frame
- 200cm wide hinged metal framed door
Polytunnel Pro Galvanised
6 x 3 x 2m
- 600 x 300 x 200cm / 19.6 x 9.8 x 6.5 ft
- Door size: 89 x 192cm / 35 x 75.5 inches
- 25mm thick, fully galvanised, non-rust frame
- Extremely strong and durable
- 6-section frame design
- Full ground bars
- Diagonal storm-bracing bars
- Two longitudinal roof bars
- One large roll-up window on the wide
- Integral fly net
- UV open, giving natural UV levels
- Speedy construction with an easy to read assembly guide
Polytunnel Pro Galvanised
4 x 2 x 2m
- 4 x 2 x 2m / 13.1 x 6.5 x 6.5 ft
- Door size: 89 x 192cm / 35 x 75.5 inches
- 25mm thick galvanised frame
- Super strong & durable
- Fully galvanised non-rust steel frame
- 4-section frame design
- 8m2 of workspace
- Full ground bars
- Diagonal storm bracing bars
- Two longitudinal roof bars
- 4 large roll-up windows on the side
- Integral fly net
- Metal door frame
- UV open, giving natural UV levels
- Speedy construction with easy to read assembly guide