|
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 10, 2007 13:43:28 GMT
I am hoping to buy or build a glasshouse. What should I definitely do. Should I leave soil on the ground or should it have a solid bass. I like the timber ones. I have a plenty of space,that not a problem but I am in a very exposed ,so the build or buy will have to be strong.I never had on so I haven't a clue  Robin. |
|
|
|
Post by Spruance on Apr 10, 2007 14:14:30 GMT
I have two Alton cedarwood greenhouses, both with a solid concrete floor. These are the first and second greenhouses respectively that I have ever owned so I cannot make a comparison to the metal framed types. Certainly in my case I could have saved a few hundred pounds if I had opted for say, an aluminium GH, but I liked the look of the 8ft x 10ft 6in cedar one in 1996, and as I could afford it, thought why not? I should have really opted for a longer one though**, hence four years later I bought a 8ft x 6ft model. Alton, like other GH manufacturers, have very generous discounts during the off-season, and both of my GH's were sourced during such periods. My GH's are bolted to heavy concrete blocks, but for added stability, these have been concreted in, inside and out, and both seem able to cope with very windy conditions without problems. As for the type of base, it depends on how you want to use the GH. I have permanent staging along one side, and an open concreted area on the other. This is the best option - in my case - for growing GH tomatoes in containers, and it also allows for the installation of temporary plastic staging units in the spring. Some people grow crops directly in the ground in their GH, so if this was you wish you might choose to opt for no permanent staging, and only a central concrete or gravel path. Wooden GH's tend to have better insulation properties than metal ones, as I understand, and in my opinion, they are more pleasing to the eye. Of course, don't forget the old adage**, which is to always buy the biggest GH that you can afford! This RHS link may be useful. |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 10, 2007 18:04:48 GMT
Thanks Spruance. Excuse my ignorance but what is staging........is it a different level. I'm not well up on the gardening lingo  . By the looks of it we will build cause it is the easier option for us and they are so expensive.So any ideas on the best shape...... |
|
|
|
Post by Spruance on Apr 10, 2007 18:19:34 GMT
Staging is just a word for the open slatted shelving, either fixed or moveable, which allows for good air circulation around the growing plants. Like this for instance...  As for the best GH shape, I'm not really sure, I'll have to think about that one. |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 10, 2007 18:27:46 GMT
you just happened to have a picture lying about............boy you are well organized, thanks a million.
I was thinking of doing something different as i have plenty of space and luckily I have a very gifted OH who can build anything......
|
|
|
|
Post by Chuckles on Apr 10, 2007 19:37:05 GMT
I have a 6ft 6in x 6ft 6in Alluminium GH Robin. It's on a base of slabs, then strong planks bolted to the middle of the slabs and the GH frame screwed to the planks. Inside I have slabs down the middle and pebbles between the outer and inner slabs. Double staging down one side and single down the other. At the end I have a removable section of single staging so I can grow Toms if I lift the staging shelf out. That staging Spruance showed in the picture looks very nice with a smaller shelf above.
What I would recommend is to go bigger than you think you want, a lot bigger particularly if you have the room and money to do it. I wish mine was twice the size, I tend to do potting on in mine so a work area is nice tohave. It may be an idea to go look at some GH's and get a feel for what you want.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 10, 2007 22:10:47 GMT
Hi Robin! The one piece of advice I would impart is to do as much research as you possibly can.....which is why you asked I know. It took me 18 months to research mine and that was after owning one at the last house. BTW I agree with everyone who has posted so far. Your particular issue I think is the prevailing winds, so you need to think carefully about its siting and its durability. Ignoring budgets (I'm rather good at spending other people's hard earned money  ) if gales etc are an issue in exposed SW Eire then you really need to look at the strength of the window pane fixings and the type of glass you use. As is the issue of salty winds if you are on the coast? The other thing is how & what are you going to use it for? If it is just for summer edible crops then that's a real shame in my book. Mine is actually fuller in December than in July, at least by volume. Oh and whilst I have staging (as per Spruance's answer), I actually don't use it for 7 months of the year, as I pack the plants in in a different manner Anyhow....your thoughts as to the size, budget and how to use would be interesting......... PS: You asked a question about spuds the other day....but I can't find it....can you bring it up again, so someone might answer? |
|
|
|
Post by Spruance on Apr 11, 2007 12:15:49 GMT
I should perhaps point out that I actually found the staging photo online.  My staging is exactly the same but full up, so it was easier to find a photo than go outside and take one! I have bumped the potato thread that CPC mentioned so that is now towards the top of Vegetable & Fruit Growing. As far as type and shape of GH goes, it is important to consider your local conditions as CPC has said, so why not see what GH choices your neighbours have made? |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 11, 2007 21:13:09 GMT
pollytunnels seem to be the norm in our area.....
We have very strong gale force winds so we will have to very careful.I have an x seaman so he is well used to battening down the hatches.We think we will build something quite different........but i needed the answers as to what should be on the inside.Ill keep you posted.
Thank to all for your help.
|
|
|
|
Post by jean on Apr 12, 2007 5:59:46 GMT
Hi Robin, I went for a poly tunnel as we can get really bad storm force winds here too (you only have to look around the local area at the lack of trees and the ones there are, are all bent and facing the same way). Mine is 10 x 12 and is tucked into a well protected corner and has been up for 3 years now. I could do with a different type of staging that is free standing and can be dismantled easily - so any ideas very welcome.  |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 12, 2007 22:44:30 GMT
your garden is so pretty and so well organise. Thanks for answering my questions silly as they are................
robin
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 13, 2007 19:31:48 GMT
I could do with a different type of staging that is free standing and can be dismantled easily - so any ideas very welcome. [/IMG][/quote] In terms of staging I guess it depends upon what you are using it for. For me it is either the mini-greenhouses (with or without covers) , which are a good shape, let in light, are quite strong....and cheap. However, they are NOT exactly brilliant on the dismantling front in the long term. The other option I use (currently the case) is the following garage shelving..... www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/7017735.htmI showed Argos, but I think I got mine on offer from Homebase for £19.99 each - 10%. It pushes together very easily like lego, can be at any level up to 6 foot. It stores very easily too. Being black it heats up, so potentially a benefit for 9 months of the year outside Summer. Whilst I have a proper potting bench in the GH I also have another one in the garage, where I actually do my potting.....But it is actually a baby changing table and we bought it for £10. |
|
|
|
Post by jean on Apr 13, 2007 20:34:50 GMT
Thanks CPC, I have 3 "potting benches" £20 each from Tescos a few years ago, but there are only 2 layers to rest seed trays on. I need to add an extra couple of layers to make use of the height too. Hardly room to stand in there at the moment  |
|
|
|
Post by Chuckles on Apr 13, 2007 22:17:50 GMT
When I converted one of the dog kennels into a sort of walk in cold frame, now named the PK (The Poly Kennel) I used some alluminium racking from Ikea called Hyliss I think it was about £6. Quit sturdy but I did cable tie them together and cable tied it to the PK frame too.   |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 13, 2007 22:51:30 GMT
That's a top bargain Chuckles and it looks great As it is from IKEA I congratulate you in putting it together in the first place....how many extra drill holes did you have to put in ;D Unfortunately, I suspect that jlottie is a 3 hour drive away from her nearest IKEA near Bristol, otherwise she'd be in like a shot..... |
|
|
|
Post by jean on Apr 14, 2007 6:31:36 GMT
That's a top bargain Chuckles and it looks great As it is from IKEA I congratulate you in putting it together in the first place....how many extra drill holes did you have to put in ;D Unfortunately, I suspect that jlottie is a 3 hour drive away from her nearest IKEA near Bristol, otherwise she'd be in like a shot..... Thats one of the problems living in Cornwall, it takes an hour and a half to get to Exeter and there are no decent big shops in easy reach. I end up using the internet to order things, but then I have the problems of delivery as I am never at home when they arrive The Argos shelving looks good although a little pricey, but I need something that dismantles so I can plant straight into the soil. |
|
|
|
Post by 4pygmies on Apr 14, 2007 6:34:13 GMT
Very sound advice above but I'd just like to add that if you're worried about wind damage you could go for polycarbonate glazing maybe instead of glass perhaps - less expensive to replace and less lethal but possible slightly less insulation qualities. Also some of those geo domes are very strong and look very interesting too, supposed to be very efficient I believe although I have no personal experience of them.
I would echo Spruance too - whatever you choose go for the biggest!
|
|
|
|
Post by jean on Apr 14, 2007 6:47:31 GMT
Very sound advice above but I'd just like to add that if you're worried about wind damage you could go for polycarbonate glazing maybe instead of glass perhaps - less expensive to replace and less lethal but possible slightly less insulation qualities. Also some of those geo domes are very strong and look very interesting too, supposed to be very efficient I believe although I have no personal experience of them. I would echo Spruance too - whatever you choose go for the biggest! Thinking long term Robin, perhaps planting a windbreak hedge may help too. And definitely go for the biggest as there is never enough room ;D |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 14, 2007 7:43:48 GMT
We have thankfully planted a wind breaker a few years ago and it helps but we are on a five acre site so we have a LOT TO DO.Polycarbonate glazing sounds interesting I must look into that.....thanks.
|
|
|
|
Post by Chuckles on Jun 11, 2007 6:12:08 GMT
Hi Robin, just found this thread again. Did you sort out what you are having Robin, build or buy or glasshouse or poly tunnel.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 11, 2007 10:43:33 GMT
looks like we are going to build our own using a three sided walls of the house It is the only way to ensure we will still have a structure there in the winter.I am unsure about what we should put on the ground. Since it will be next to the wall of the house I think we will have either timber base or solid floor.We usually plan as we build.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 11, 2007 22:47:21 GMT
I went to Ikea at weekend intending to seek out the Hyliss shelves but without success...however I noticed they did have a rather nifty glasshouse displayed in their summer section...just didnt have the means of getting it home.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 12, 2007 19:21:03 GMT
sadly (or is it  )we dont have ikea over here. |
|
|
|
Post by Chuckles on Jun 12, 2007 22:00:50 GMT
Ziggy you can check on line if they have stock of the Hyliss shelving and it is £5.99. I certainly intend getting a couple more for my shed  IKEA |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 13, 2007 0:50:27 GMT
Thanks Chuckles.....they doo have it in stock at Glasgow but don't have for delivery. I have to use Glasgow or Edinburgh store BUT my SIL lives in Glasgow (150 miles away) and is coming up at weekend so she will get it for me along with some other bits and pieces i spied when i was there. Wooohooo. |
|
) if gales etc are an issue in exposed SW Eire then you really need to look at the strength of the window pane fixings and the type of glass you use. As is the issue of salty winds if you are on the coast? 
My staging is exactly the same but full up, so it was easier to find a photo than go outside and take one!
)we dont have ikea over here.