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Post by Jonah on Mar 7, 2007 11:07:03 GMT
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Post by Spruance on Mar 7, 2007 12:45:16 GMT
If I had to make the choice Jonah, I think that I would probably opt for the aluminium one.
The wooden one does look nicer, but wood is more likely to retain heat than aluminium, and in a small space this could turn into an outdoor oven!
As for stability, I wouldn't think that there is a lot to choose between either model. If you are planning to site it near a wall, could you use vine eyes in the wall to secure the frame by means of some sort of wire fastening? It just really depends on how windy it is where you are intending to put it.
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Post by Jonah on Mar 7, 2007 15:15:05 GMT
Thanks Spruance,  I was thinking of putting it just outside the conservatory, where we have a retaining wall and pergola, so I could probably attach it to the pergola uprights somehow. Not sure how I could do it with the metal one? I never knew that about the wood retaining the heat, thank you for enlightening me, it would be in a position that catches a lot of sun. I'd like to get something a bit bigger in the future, but for now I see those as a better alternative to the pvc ones [been there, done that]. I may be wrong! ;D |
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Post by Spruance on Mar 7, 2007 17:28:01 GMT
Both of my GH's are wooden Jonah, and one of the main selling points for me (given that they are unheated) was the insulation properties of wood over aluminium. Obviously in a full size GH this is an advantage, but it might be less so in a smaller mini-GH. Perhaps one of our professional gardeners can advise you better on this.  |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 7, 2007 19:08:00 GMT
Thanks Spruance, I was thinking of putting it just outside the conservatory, where we have a retaining wall and pergola, so I could probably attach it to the pergola uprights somehow. Not sure how I could do it with the metal one? ;D Aesthetically the wooden ones look better, but to add to Spru's comments I think the ally ones will be easier to keep clean, won't rot, warp etc. Two issues that I don't fully understand - 1. Attaching it to pergola posts. Does that mean that the back will not be against a wall? Just the wooden one's generally don't have backs to them. If it is against a wall then the ally ones do have backs, so how do you attach them? 2. It may not apply to you, but if you attach it to a wall - Is the ground it rests on perfectly level? Paths around houses generally slope away for drainage reasons. Some growhouses come with adjustable feet. Some do not. If this is likely to be an issue for you make sure you ask the question before buying. Whatever you choose consider the ventilation issues. Can the doors/vents open permanently in summer? Can you vent it lightly in Winter/Spring? |
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Post by Jonah on Mar 7, 2007 22:25:34 GMT
You've got me thinking now Captain! ;D It would be up against a low wall with a pergola on the level above, so there wouldn't be anywhere to attach it to low down. does that make sense? Do you think I would be best off just getting a cold frame for now. Would that be any easier?  I could put it on the grass in a spot where my pots are grouped at the moment. Most of what I am growing are perennials that I was going to keep in pots, leave out in the summer and protect over next winter before planting out next spring. Is this the best way to treat them if I haven't got a greenhouse? |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 7, 2007 23:09:15 GMT
You've got me thinking now Captain! ;D It would be up against a low wall with a pergola on the level above, so there wouldn't be anywhere to attach it to low down. does that make sense? Do you think I would be best off just getting a cold frame for now. Would that be any easier? I could put it on the grass in a spot where my pots are grouped at the moment. Most of what I am growing are perennials that I was going to keep in pots, leave out in the summer and protect over next winter before planting out next spring. Is this the best way to treat them if I haven't got a greenhouse? I don't know! If I were you I'd want a grow house, but having never actually bought one..... I am fascinated with them.....so let us know what you decide  |
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Post by Chuckles on Mar 8, 2007 9:02:34 GMT
I like the look of the Alliminium one, they both look nice but I think the Alliminium one will take less looking after. Could you fix some hooks or similar into the wall and wire the green house to the wall to make it secure,, just a thought |
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Post by Jonah on Mar 8, 2007 10:31:28 GMT
Ooh, I'm indecisive at the best of times, going to have to get my thinking cap on about how best to proceed. ;D I'm actually quite liking the look of the bottom one on the second link now, problem is I may have to evict the washing line to fit it in the garden! I shall have another think. |
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Post by madonplants on Mar 8, 2007 10:37:54 GMT
You've got me thinking now Captain! ;D It would be up against a low wall with a pergola on the level above, so there wouldn't be anywhere to attach it to low down. does that make sense? Do you think I would be best off just getting a cold frame for now. Would that be any easier? I could put it on the grass in a spot where my pots are grouped at the moment.Most of what I am growing are perennials that I was going to keep in pots, leave out in the summer and protect over next winter before planting out next spring. Is this the best way to treat them if I haven't got a greenhouse? I have never had a greenhouse,  more by circumstances than design, but I do have a large coldframe. I never seem to have problems, but my windowsills do get full!! Keith P.s. If we stay here, I will get one one day. |
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Post by Jonah on Mar 23, 2007 13:44:55 GMT
I'm still looking into this. Just found this one: www.greenergardening.com/wallgarden62br069mx194m-p-211.htmlNot sure about glass with the children, but I would go for the toughened option. I could house it up against the side of the shed. Isn't polycarbonate meant to be a better insulator? But would glass be heavier and therefore make it more stable?  |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 23, 2007 14:50:39 GMT
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Post by Jonah on Mar 25, 2007 22:50:33 GMT
Thanks Rita I'm looking at possibly shed shifting now, before we put the paving down, so that I make the right decision. I don't think I'll get a tiny one like I originally planned, but one more that size. |
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Post by Jonah on May 5, 2007 12:19:36 GMT
Well, in case anyone is interested.... ;D I've decided the best place for it is along the side of the playhouse, which gives me a spot 4ft wide by 5ft high. I'm thinking of this one as it fits the dimensions perfectly: www.twowests.co.uk/TwoWestsSite/product/PGMGEA.htmI like the idea of the coldframe on the top, and there is an option of a louvre panel [at another £80, quite a lot of money]. The only problem is the sliding doors - I won't be able to open one as it will be alongside a fence, but I am hoping they can slide out completely.  |
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Post by Deleted on May 5, 2007 23:15:55 GMT
Well, in case anyone is interested.... ;D I've decided the best place for it is along the side of the playhouse, which gives me a spot 4ft wide by 5ft high. I'm thinking of this one as it fits the dimensions perfectly: www.twowests.co.uk/TwoWestsSite/product/PGMGEA.htmI like the idea of the coldframe on the top, and there is an option of a louvre panel [at another £80, quite a lot of money]. The only problem is the sliding doors - I won't be able to open one as it will be alongside a fence, but I am hoping they can slide out completely. Just some flowing thoughts..... What do I like? The flexibility and use of space. It has the potential (should you wish to overwinter, grow cuttings in spring and should you minded to grow tomatoes in summer. I don't think you need the louvre if you keep the door slightly ajar or wide open come May. Has it got a back? Not all of these do. If you affix to something at the rear - has it got adjustable leg pads (paths tend to run away for drainage)? It is potentially a really good flexible tall "cold frame". The negative for myself is the price. I wouldn't pay it! - But then again many people wouldn't have paid what I did for my greenhouse (a lot) and I'd defend that decision for ever. Mind you - Didn't you blow the budget on a little black dress a while back ;D |
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Post by Jonah on May 6, 2007 11:29:20 GMT
I'll have you know my little black number was a bargain! 40 squids is not breaking the bank and doesn't eat in to the garden budget too much if done infrequently [ie. every 50 years or so in my case...!] But I did actually buy two dresses.....  This is what the additional info says, I am reading this as meaning it does have a back: It will be backed up to the playhouse, so if it doesn't there will be a back of sorts. It will be on a soil base, so I will probably even it out and put slabs or gravel below it. It isn't cheap, is it? But I'm hoping it will last a few years. If my £20 plastic job lasted about 3 months I could be getting thru' about 4 of them a season! Main plans for it are overwintering perennial seedlings and tender plants, and some seed sowing in the spring. I thought the vent may be needed in the winter when I don't want the doors open, but need some air. |
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Post by Deleted on May 6, 2007 22:27:00 GMT
Looks like you might have to go for it then! You're absolutely right about venting it in winter.....but given its size is there any real difference between leaving the door slightly ajar and going for the louvres?
Someone I know seems to get offers from Two Wests, so IF you are prepared to hold off for a few days.....
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Post by Jonah on May 15, 2007 13:24:03 GMT
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Post by Deleted on May 15, 2007 22:33:56 GMT
Practicality is me, though I think TwoWests looks a bit more aesthetically pleasing from the photos, although looks more cobbled together. Sliding doors - You will want to open these a fraction in winter, even if it is a hairline crack. I like the fact that the Two Wests open completely, but then again you've said that isn't going to happen due to its siting. So the Chase link with the "patio door" style wins here and also because this arrangement is likely to be more durable in the long run. Top vents - An absolute must! Both have them. Assuming they are both nice and strong. Shelving - Both seem to offer the same number, but not all plants are 4'' tall. Purely on the info supplied the TwoWests one seems to offer more different height options, so that if in future you grow say tomatoes in mid-summer you can take out all the shelves and grow full height. Two Wests - Small top shelf - Won't work, too small and plants will have sun scorch, apart from the fact in winter this will be a very cosy area, but too small. Size - Between the two TwoWests is much bigger in all aspects. Why are you not considering the broadly comparable PC165 rather than PC145? If it between the TwoWests and PC 145 then TwoWests wins - purely on growing area, but those outwardly sliding doors look vulnerable to getting damaged. Not sure I've helped really and I don't have any discount codes for TwoWests (they often do them) due to the peak season to financially sway things. Come on make a decision |
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Post by Jonah on May 15, 2007 23:14:03 GMT
Thanks Capt. The big brother is too tall.  I haven't made a final decision - quite. But I think between the two I will go with the twowests one. The other one only has one top opener, so could get a bit humid on one side. I'll let you know what I go for after clicking a few keys.... ;D Thank you for your help. |
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Post by Jardack on Oct 13, 2007 7:27:29 GMT
Hi Jonah
I am thinking of getting one of these and wondered if you got one in the end and how you got on with it this year?
Jardack
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I could put it on the grass in a spot where my pots are grouped at the moment.
more by circumstances than design, but I do have a large coldframe. I never seem to have problems, but my windowsills do get full!! 
