Greenhouse and polytunnel rental in Europe
1 entry in Agriculture — Greenhouse and polytunnel rental
Greenhouse and polytunnel rental serves growers who need covered growing space without the capital outlay of a permanent structure. This covers everything from lightweight tunnel frames covered in polythene film, used for season extension or protecting soft fruit and salad crops, through to more substantial glasshouse or multi-span polytunnel structures capable of supporting irrigation lines, heating pipework and shading systems. Rental arrangements are common where a grower has a short-term need, such as a single season's nursery production, a trial crop, or a temporary expansion during peak demand, and does not want to commit to a fixed asset.
In practice, hire usually involves the supplier delivering the frame components and covering material to site, with erection either included in the price or offered as a separate service. Ground anchoring method matters a great deal in exposed or windy sites, and growers in market-gardening regions such as those around Eyragues often favour designs proven against local mistral-type winds. Rental periods can run from a few weeks for a quick-turnaround crop to multi-season agreements where the same structure is left in place and simply re-covered when the film degrades under UV exposure.
Before booking, it is worth clarifying who is responsible for planning permission or local agricultural building declarations, since even temporary structures can fall under municipal rules depending on footprint and height. Ask about wind and snow load ratings, what happens if the covering is damaged by weather or wildlife during the hire period, and whether ventilation, irrigation fittings or shading nets are included or charged as extras. Ground preparation, drainage and the cost of dismantling and removal at the end of the contract are also worth confirming in writing before the structure arrives.
Frequently asked
- How long can a greenhouse or polytunnel typically be hired for?
- Hire periods range from a few weeks for a single crop cycle to multi-season contracts covering a full year or more. Some suppliers offer rolling agreements that can be extended if the grower's needs change. It's worth agreeing the minimum term and any penalties for early return before signing.
- Does the rental price include installation and dismantling?
- This varies by supplier: some quote a delivery-only price with erection as an optional extra, while others include full installation and later removal in the base rate. Always ask specifically about groundworks, anchoring and end-of-term dismantling, as these can add significantly to the overall cost if not included.
- Who is responsible if the covering is damaged by wind or weather?
- Responsibility for storm or wind damage depends on the rental agreement, so check whether the supplier carries insurance on the structure or expects the hirer to arrange cover. Some contracts specify a wind-load rating beyond which damage is not the supplier's liability. Get this in writing before the structure goes up.
- Do I need planning permission for a rented polytunnel?
- Requirements depend on the structure's size, height and how long it will remain in place, and rules differ between French communes. Temporary or seasonal tunnels are sometimes exempt, but larger or permanent-looking installations may require a declaration or permit from the local mairie. It's sensible to check with the town hall before the structure arrives rather than after.
- Can irrigation and heating be added to a rented structure?
- Many suppliers offer irrigation lines, misting systems or basic heating as optional extras alongside the frame and covering, though this isn't universal. If these are needed, raise it early in discussions since retrofitting after installation can be more disruptive and costly than fitting them at the outset.
- What happens at the end of the rental period?
- Typically the supplier returns to dismantle and remove the structure, though some agreements allow the hirer to purchase the frame or extend the term instead. Ground restoration, such as removing anchors or foundations, should be clarified in advance so there are no surprises about who handles it.