Putting up the Polytunnel

I've had the polytunnel I bought off Amazon, stood in the hall for several weeks, but finally put it up today.

Instructions didn't look complicated, and a review on Amazon of the VonHaus 2x3m polytunnel, said it could be put up on one's own, and in a couple of hours.

Today the temperature dropped a little, and the sun was clouded out, with the wind picking up a little that made the final stages a little more difficult.

I found a flat piece of allotment, partly over where the old shed used to be, and laid out some 5m x 2m weed control fabric. I secured that with pegs. The ladybirds were all out in the warmth, and hopefully I haven't covered too many of them up.

It took some time to figure out the numbering on the poles, and which side of each other they needed to be fitted, but after half an hour, it became obvious, and I only made a few mistakes, easily rectified. They reminded you not to tighten the bolts until the end, and you do need to undo some bolts as you work around to slot in higher pieces occasionally. The last few were the hardest to do... The upper support frame had two bolts that refused to join, but by taking them apart and switching, they worked... The door was also easy to do, although one tube was slightly flattened, and I needed to open out the hole from within with some secateurs.

The cover was a bit tight, until you get the ends lined up, and the sides stretched out. The wind had picked up, and it was easier to secure the windy side first, and smooth down the others... I'm pretty impressed by how it all came together. I thought it would be a much tougher job.

I've still to bury in the sides, but they have been weighted under bricks and planks or wood and some earth overnight. I'm not expecting high winds tonight ...