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Product Review First Tunnels mini tunnel

Product review mini tunnel from First Tunnels  The lovely folks at First tunnels sent us one of their not so mini – mini tunnels to test out and review. The mini tunnels are 4ft (1.22m) wide and available in three different lengths with the option of a polythene or net cover. We received the largest of the three at 4ft x 15ft (1.22 x 4.57m) and were very excited to try another of their products having had one of their larger tunnels on our site for the last 6 years. Those that have a polytunnel know, that once you have one, you always dream of more…just think of all the extra plants you can get in there! It arrived in just 3 days.

Mandy unpacks mini-tunnel
The exciting packages have arrived from First Tunnels

Julien unpacks the First Tunnels parcels
Julien unpacks the First Tunnels parcels

The idea of a mini tunnel, or portable plant protector is that you can move it around once built and it can be used to give a protective and warm environment for tender crops in the cooler months, act as a mini hothouse for tomatoes and peppers and other heat loving specimens and also a barrier to pests. The mini tunnel could easily be placed over a raised bed or can even be used inside a larger tunnel to create a micro environment.

Putting together the base frame of the mini tunnel
Julien fixes the metal plates that hold the sections of the base frame together

Fixing corner brackets mini tunnel
Fixing on the corner brackets on the mini tunnel frame

Good idea to read the instructions fully first, as it is easy to get carried away and start doing things in the wrong order (and also to prevent a lot of swearing!). They were easy to follow and it took about 3-4 hours in total to construct. Basically it is built in three stages – the base frame, then the hoops, and finally tensioning and securing the cover. We were really impressed with the sturdy nature of the materials, it really is a well made kit that is built to last. You will need a saw, hammer, cordless drill, screwdriver and staple gun to hand.

Mandy and Julien construct the mini-tunnel
Getting the hoops in place


The polythene cover is laid over the hoops ready to be stapled to hold it taught while the wooden batons are tacked on

Wait for a calm quiet day to do your construction, not at the moment the Beast from the East arrives to scupper your plans. Just managed to build the base and hoops before being entirely buried in snow and ice for a week. Once thawed we waited for a ‘warmish’ day to get the polythene cover on. We did this with two of us, but if you can get a couple of friends to help with the tensioning of the cover you would get a super snug fit. The only slight issue we had was our staple gun firing staples right through the polythene, so we improvised with some small tacks to hold it in place while we nailed on the wooden securing batons. The mini tunnel has two drop down legs that prop up one side for ventilation on hotter days. We are on an exposed site, but because of the size of the not so mini – mini tunnel it is quite heavy so should withstand windy conditions and not be blown eastwards and cloche an unsuspecting shopper in Ashburton.

Pimp up your mini-tunnel

Now that sounds a bit wrong! However we are going to make a couple of customised tweaks by tacking on a 2ft strip of enviromesh around the base so when it is propped up for ventilation there will still be a barrier to pests. We are bringing on some of our perennial kale plants in there for the moment, so are giving them this extra bit of protection. We are also going to add on a central handle to make it easier to lift up one side for watering plants and will make our own wooden prop (like you would use for a washing line only shorter) so we can water without having to bend down so far. You could actually turn this into a nice portable brassica cage by replacing the polythene with enviromesh. The thermal plastic is quite opaque and it is possible to hide in there without being seen…plenty of room for a sun lounger and a cocktail or two after a hard day in the veg patch.

Mandy Barber with mini polytunnel
Mandy very proud of the finished mini-tunnel

Ideal for small spaces and those on a budget

If you don’t have space for a large tunnel this is the next best thing and is really affordable too. I can imagine having a few of these side by side as a brilliant solution for allotments and home gardeners. You can take a look at the product in more detail here: https://www.firsttunnels.co.uk/spare-accessories/mini-polytunnel

Mini polytnunnel complete
The finished mini tunnel gleaming in the sun

“Thanks for everything, the info sheet was great. I planted the cuttings the day they arrived and have just multi sown the 9 star in seed trays. All very exciting, we’re now planning our perennial area.”

“You are right, perennial kale is fantastic! Thanks so much for the cuttings. I am a convert to having a corner of perpetual kale in the patch!”

“As the evening sun back lit the plants at Incredible Vegetables, I felt I was standing in one of the most important gardens of our time. Wildflowers working alongside an abundance of edimentals and perennial vegetables. A ‘food glade’ to rival the aesthetic of our greatest plant designers.”

– Jon Davies, garden designer, London Glades –

“I love your website and the work you’re doing. What you’re doing is exiting, useful, and one day will help to replace and enhance what human kind has damaged.With that our natural friends will return and we’ll be better for it.”

“Mandy, thank you. I am delighted with this plant – it is so strong and healthy and exceptionally well packaged – all done with loving care obviously. I shall look forward to having more plants from you.”

“Plants all arrived lovely and are growing well. I just wanted to say i was very impressed with the quality of the cuttings.. and its been a pleasure dealing with you. And I look forward to any purchases in the future.”

“The kale cuttings you sent survived the winter and are thriving. Thank you Mandy Barber you are the super hero of edibles, loving your work!!”

“I bought some Skirret seed’s off you last year. Well they grew and yesterday some got cooked and this message is just to say, they were delicious. Looking forward to a lot more next year. Thank you.”

“The Taunton Dean cuttings arrived a short while ago and never have I seen healthier looking cuttings! They are now firmly ensconced in some nice compost and are having a good drink. I even loved the packaging, which will be composted.”

“Hi I just wanted to let you know that I sowed half of my Caucasian spinach seeds and every single one grew, absolutely amazed, thanks for the seeds and keep up the good work.”

“Just to let you know that the lovely healthy looking plants arrived. Your plants are simply outstanding, every single tuber and plant are growing amazingly.”

“The plants arrived safely, I did not expect such magnificent specimens! I didn’t think I would be successful at stratification etc but I now have a whole bunch of Hablitzia seedlings sprouting after following your excellent advice.”

“Just to say, the Daubentons Kale is in the ground and looking well – thanks to the lovely damp compost encasing its roots…you do a good job at your end, I can tell by the way you package. Will be back for more of your wonderful perennials.”

“Thank you so much for all the vegetables, they really are incredible. I’m sure I’ve never before seen a healthier rootball than the one that arrived with our happy looking daubentons kale, and seeds and tubers are thriving thanks to all the useful information provided.”

“Thank you so much for sending such wonderful, healthy and very large plants. They are beautiful !! You packaged them so well and they arrived so quickly – I couldn’t get to the post office till the following day but they were absolutely fine. They’re now potted up and sitting in my ‘cold’ greenhouse while they adjust.”

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We welcome your enquiries and comments. You can also reach us via our Twitter, Instagram and Facebook pages and we love to see your photos, so do tag us in your posts.

If at all possible please contact us by email at info@incrediblevegetables.co.uk, rather than by phone, as we can answer you much more quickly by email. 

If you do need to phone, the number is below - leave us a brief message and we will get back to you as soon as we can. Most days we are out working in the field so sometimes we are unable to answer the phone if we have our hands full.

We look forward to hearing from you,

Mandy and Julien

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