After Year 1 of growing, most Irish gardeners face the same decision: invest in a polytunnel, or invest in raised beds? Both cost real money. Both massively change what you can grow. Here's the honest comparison.
Quick Answer
If you want tomatoes, peppers, chillies, aubergines, cucumbers or a longer season: polytunnel.
If you have heavy clay soil, poor drainage, or want a tidier visual garden: raised beds.
If you can only afford one and you live in a typical Irish suburban garden: raised beds first, polytunnel in Year 3.
The Costs
| Polytunnel | Raised beds | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level cost (2026 Ireland) | €400–€900 (3m × 2m) | €80–€200 per bed (scaffold boards DIY) |
| Mid-range cost | €1,000–€2,500 (5m × 3m wind-rated) | €250–€500 per bed (sleepers or kit) |
| Plus required extras | Ground anchoring, crop bars, irrigation | Bagged compost to fill (~€60–€150 per bed) |
| Lifespan | 5–10 years cover; 15–20 years frame | 10+ years (sleepers), 3–5 years (scaffold board) |
What Each Enables
Polytunnel unlocks
- Tomatoes — the big one. Outdoors Irish tomatoes are a lottery; indoor they're reliable
- Peppers, chillies, aubergines — Mediterranean crops become genuinely possible
- Cucumbers — outdoor Irish cucumbers are slow; polytunnel they produce like crazy
- Extended season — harvest into November/December with hardier crops
- Earlier starts — begin seed-raising in February with warmth
Raised beds unlock
- Better drainage — particularly helpful in Ireland's wet climate and for heavy clay soil
- Warmer soil earlier in spring — you can plant 2–3 weeks sooner
- Back-friendly height — less kneeling, easier maintenance
- Visually tidy — defined beds look more cared-for than patchy ground
- Control over soil — fill with exactly the compost mix you want
Think About Your Situation
Heavy clay, wet site, existing outdoor crops fine
Raised beds first. They solve your single biggest constraint (drainage) and don't require a polytunnel-sized space commitment.
Good soil, sunny garden, want to grow more variety
Polytunnel first. Your existing ground is fine; what you're missing is warmth.
Tiny garden, zero space for a polytunnel
Raised beds only. A cold frame or small greenhouse can scratch the tomato itch without a polytunnel footprint.
Allotment (50–100m²) with standard soil
Polytunnel first — the space is fine, the payoff on summer crops is enormous, and most allotments allow polytunnels (check rules).
What to Buy in Ireland
Polytunnel: The Polytunnel Company is the specialist. Go wind-rated — Irish weather punishes cheap kits.
Raised beds: DIY from scaffold boards is cheapest (~€80 per bed). Sleepers (railway or new) look better but cost 3–5× more. Quickcrop sells kits if you prefer pre-made.
Work out what fits your space
Not sure which matches your garden? Talk to your Homegrown plot-share host or visit a community garden to see both in action.
See Community Gardens