Selfsufficientish.com

Hello all!
First post so hope it's in the right spot...
We've got a spot round the corner from our garden that we hope to cultivate into vegetable growing land. It's got some rather close trees so somewhat shady, but consequently lovely rich soil (the nettles are thriving!).
It's already fenced off, & we've got masses of wood & pallets knocking about, so wondering if a homespun polytunnel might be the way to go? Can anyone give there thoughts on wrapping the whole patch in polythene and making a poly"cube"?
It's only our second year of growing but have been rather disappointed in this years veg and herb crop, as after promising beginnings we seem to have grown a lot for the deer, rabbits, cabbage whites etc, and not much for us! Wondered if this might be a way of a) protecting against pests, b) keeping things warmer.
Does a polytunnel's success rely more on light or heat, as i fear this spot may only get a few hours sunlight a day, but is well protected and should keep its heat once it's in!
Many thanks, Clementine

Hi clementine and welcome to Ish

Not sure about your plans - someone will advise. But most conventional vegetables need plenty of sun - could you lop off a branch or two to let in more light? Or look for veg that can tolerate some shade - although they might be quite limited.

I think a polytunnel is basically like a big cloche. It does raise the temperature but mainly provides protection from the elements.

Oh, although most members will find this, if you go to the welcome section and say hello you'll get loads of greetings

Hi Clementine welcome

A polytunnel type affair would work very well as it is not so much a greenhouse as a protected growing area, so all day sun is not so essential. It would become a controllable microclimate that protects the plants from a most pests, some diseases, wind and extremes of temperature.
I don't think a "cube" would work though as you need some sort of pitched roof, otherwise the rain would puddle on the top which would make the roof sag, and eventually stretch the polythene. But a poly"tunnel" built like a house with upright walls and a pent or pitched roof would work very well, I think.
Make sure you have a water supply to hand though as a tunnel needs watering every few days.
Good luck with whatever you decide.