Communal greenhouse or polytunnel

[alldigging]

Following on from something in the magazine allotment size thread I thought I'd start a new topic.

How many sites have a communal polytunnel or greenhouse?

I know Edge Lane in Manchester do.

I think it could work really well - people taking turns to water stuff means there's less need to come down every day when starting seeds off, and heating costs would be shared if you wanted heat.

We discussed it ages ago briefly on our site and someone has concerns about disease contamination but I don't think it's really a huge issue is it if you're all growing from seed with new compost?


Thoughts?

[WendyC]

We don't have one and whilst I like the idea in principle, I wouldn't want just anyone watering my plants! Perhaps I'm too fussy.

[bramble]

I have to agree with Wendy.
In theory it sounds like a good idea but I think we all have our own ways and ideas on how to grow our crops.
I could see people might begin to blame each other if plants started to die back and maybe someone thinking the previous person under or over watered them.
Same thing when it would come to feeding, thinning or generally taking care of the plants.

I don't think I stated that very well but I am sure you know what I mean.

[alldigging]

OK so one divided up so you watered your own stuff?

I spose heat is contentious too - if people decide they don't want to pay for the heat but share the greenhouse they share the heat too.

[bramble]

Alldigging, how many people did you have in mind for the communal growing?

[meteor]

I would see it as a recipe for disaster and confrontation, all it takes is one mistake and the blame games start. I personally would not allow anyone near my seedlings never mind water them but that's just me. Maybe I just have spent too much time in the wilderness and have become slightly anti social.