Which Greenhouse?

[neonplanet40]

HI guys,

Moving into a house (rented) and want to grow some vegetables and things. Thinking of getting a greenhouse to experiment and learn etc. Never had one before. Never grew veg or anything before. So its all new to me

I don't want to spend a lot (loads of stuff to get) so about £300 tops for now. I am 6ft 6inches so I already know I won't fit comfortably in most. I'll just have to sit on a chair!


Does anyone have some recommendations? As it is Scotland, it is windy a lot which is a concern. That is why I am leaning towards horticultural glass. I am sure I will need a base too.

Thanks for your help

[peterb]

Dependimng on what you want to grow, you don't really need a greenhouse to start with.

Runner beans can be started indoors and planted out later (I haven't started mine yet - I should have den it a month ago) and things like courgettes will also grow outdoors. some tomatoes will also grow outdoors, and trailing varieties can be grown in hanging baskets, although it isn't something I've done.

Potatoes are a good crop for breaking up ground.

A green house does help you get things started earlier, but you might want to consider a cold frame, less expensive and good for starting seeds of while there is still the risk of frost.

It might be worth investing in this too
http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Vegetabl.../dp/0903505207

[neonplanet40]

For me getting a greenhouse with shelves was great. Then getting a load of long big pots. I can't dig up the garden. So it all needs to be self contained. Which is why I think a greenhouse would suit my needs.

For example,

I had seen this + optional base

http://www.primrose.co.uk/halls-popu...&material=2275

I will get that book thank you

[peterb]

Thats not a bad deal! You need to make sure the base is firm, if it isn't anchored down properly, or the base isn't flat, the doors can jam. Don't bank on being able to take it with you either, although they are bolted together and in theory could be dismantled, they tend to be designed for assembly, not dismantling.

But good luck with the vegs and don't forget the option of grow bags for courgettes and so on, although they can have variable results - at least they have for me.

(There is nothing quite like runner beans from picked to plate in 15 minutes!)

[neonplanet40]

Thanks mate I was hoping to take it apart again but I will come to that at a later stage lol.

[Saracen]

One thing to consider is whether you can get by with doing initial planting indoors, maybe in a utility room. Then, one of those cheap plastic thingies that can be taken down and stored in winter.

A lot depends on how much you want to grow at one time. I do mainly herbs, with a bit of tomatoes, beans, etc. I start out in little tray cultivators indoors, move to a plastic thingie invthe garden, and then pot up for longer cultivation properly outdoors. I don't do a vast amount, but have managed to cope without a proper greenhouse .... so far.

Were it me, I would get by with something like this if it were only for a couple of years, and wait until I was more settled for a full greenhouse. Of course, you may well see it different.

Note - I noticed you said "Scotland" and "windy". I'm not Scotland, but I've found those plastic things cope quite well provided they're, firstly, properly weighted down, and secondly, a decent make not the really cheap 'n' cheerful ones.

[Whalefish]

HI guys,
I am 6ft 6inches so I already know I won't fit comfortably in most. I'll just have to sit on a chair!

My advice would be to get the biggest you can for the money (it'll never be big enough) and if you can raise the base up with a course of
blocks or bricks. This is what I did and then used a couple of blocks on either side of the door as steps in\out.

[realstock]

My missus developed the need to plant some veggies this year and bought this monstrosity from Argos to my horror. If you live in a really windy place, i wouldn't advise on it.

We have weighted it down with an old tv stand for extra shelf space. We have runner beans, chalots, potatoes, tomatoes a some herbs growing too. With a bunch of reusable grow bags that can be relocated at any time, it is the perfect option. Especially if you are renting.

[cptwhite_uk]

Designed and built my own last year Here it is:



This is a modular system framework with polycarbonate roof and 6mm toughened glass sides, glazed with gasket, and double sliding doors. It's approx 2950mmx 2200mm overall (about 9.75 ft x 7.3 ft). Total build cost was around £1400....yes I know...

£300 will get you the smallest most budget green house you can buy at 6ft x 4ft.

You only need to put heat lovng plants in the greenhouse - tomatoes, peppers, maybe cucumbers etc. Most root vegetables - radish, onions, carrots, parsnips will grow perfectly fine in the mild and damp british summers

I grow in 35cm pots minimum (any less and vegetables suffer from restriction). Will post further when I have more time.

[Brian224]

In Scotland I would definitely go for a greenhouse with TUV approval. That way you should be confident of its ability to withstand snow and (most) wind loads. Important to consider how it will be fixed down though unless there is a secure slab to bolt it to, the ground spikes supplied with steel bases must be concreted in place for maximum strength. The big plus to a steel base for you might be the extra 5" headroom.

If it is very windy, why not consider cold frames or a tomato house up against a wall? Easy to take with you when you move, and useful even if you get a greenhouse later.