Polytunnel installation process
TIP
To prevent the support wire causing heat damage where it comes into
contact with your polytunnel skin, thread the wire through 4mm micro
irrigation pipe first, or use a foam barrier between the wire and the
polytunnel.
Using pliers or wire cutters, cut a short (30cm) section of wire and thread it through the
small hole in the flat end of the wire tensioner. Using the wire, fix the tensioner to
something strong at one end of the polytunnel, at least 1m above the ground.
Uncoil the wire, and secure one end at the same height at the other end of the
polytunnel. A loop around a hoop with a good twist will do.
Straighten out the wire so that it reaches the tensioner, and cut it a little longer than
needed. Donʼt let the wire spring away and cut your polytunnel.
Thread the free end of the wire through the hole in the wire tensioner frame, and then
through the hole in the tensioner barrel. See how the barrel spins just one way (against
the ratchet mechanism), and feed the wire through appropriately.
Turn the tensioner barrel to tighten the wire. Not too tight.
Fix your LDPE perimeter pipe to the wire using cable ties every 30cm, making a full loop
around the polytunnel.
Close the loop with a tee joint, and from the centre of the tee joint, take a length of
flexible braided hose to one of the outlets on the water valves. The one with the yellow
wire is zone 1, and the one with the black wire is zone 2. Secure it with a jubilee clip over
the raised part of the barb.
Punch holes in the LDPE pipe and insert your emitters or take-off lines. We suggest
about 40cm apart for sprayers.
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