Plastic Greenhouse Blown Down - Need a Proper Greenhouse

[Jameslovell]

Hi all

I just popped up my allotment today to check in my seedlings I had placed up there a couple of days ago. when I got there I discovered that my greenhouse had gone. As I got closer, I could see it on the ground about 10foot from where I had left it. It was one of those plastic temporary ones from Argos. I knew I had to secure it down more, and I was going to do it tomorrow.

But storms don't wait for secure fastening of plastic sheets over lightweight flimsy metal frames. Most of my seedlings, only just pricked out into their own pots have been smashed up. I have rescued a few, but I doubt they will survive.

Anyway, the two reasons for my post (other then my rant) is I need a proper greenhouse and some advice.

1. I am only just starting out on the allotment adventure, so I don't really know what I should be looking for in a greenhouse. I was thinking about 6ft x 4ft. Is this too small? Should I go a bit larger? Should I look for a window or roof vent? Plastic or glass? So many questions, I know, but I don't want to make the wrong decision again and destroy another load of seedlings.

2. What are the best places to buy one from? I don't much money at the moment, but as my brother says 'Buy cheap, pay twice'.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks

[scarey55]

Whatever you do, don't get one like this

Plastic greenhouse

[shirlthegirl43]

The first year I grew my own toms and stuff (year before last) I had a 6 x 4 plastic greenhouse from Instore for 35 quid. It was great and I learned loads from my experiments in that. At the end of that year, the little greenhouse was trashed by high winds in November (I still had tomatoes and peppers ripening in it) and Madmax bought me a 6 x 8 greenhouse from Focus to replace it. They were on offer at the time. Said greenhouse was assembled a year ago and is full to bursting at the moment when all the seedlings are indoors overnight or on chilly days.

Definitely get the biggest 'house you can afford and watch your local freecycle and ebay for a cheap or even freebie.

[JO,JO]

there is a web site where you can trade things in your local area,freecyle i think its callled you might get one for free.

[peanut]

I agree with Jojo, join your local Freecycle group and ask for one....you'll be suprised what you can get for free as people upgrade and get rid!!!

[seniab]

Failing Freecycle, I picked up my 6 x 6 glass greenhouse on ebay for £26, and I really can't fault it. Brand new it would have set me back at least £250 and maybe more. Just wish I'd got an 8 x 6 now. So much to grow and so little space....

[areia]

touch wood my plastic green house is still standing what with old curtain poles reinforced in the roof poles to prevent the plastic sagging when it rains and rope over the top to peg it down a bit more, still makes me nervous when i sit in there on a windy day thoughalso another down side is all the blimin flys bees and wasps that decide to fly in and are too stupid to fly out again

[Two_Sheds]

buy the biggest you can afford - you always need bigger.
You need to be sure that your site is ideal - not too windy, not prone to vandalism.

[skegblade]

I wouldn't start with anything smaller than one of 8' x 6'. I did and it was a mistake. Make sure you secure it well; we use angle irons driven into the ground at each corner on our site.

As for getting a cheap greenhouse you could always mention that you're looking for one when talking to other plot holders; I did and was told where I could get a freebie and have since taken delivery of another.

Phil

[kernowyon]

you could also try sites like ad-trader or friday ads, they sometimes have the 'free to collector' ads for greenhouses. Is there a 'gumtree' in your area? I picked up one from here. Ask everyone you know and get them to ask everyone they know. If you are patient and vigilant, they do turn up.

As previously mentioned, get the biggest one you can, trust me you first look at it and think you will never fill it and two months down the line you will back on the www looking for another one

[Jameslovell]

Thanks so much everyone. I am watching freecycle and gumtree closely.
Hopefully I will sort something before I run out of space at home.

[parrot1974]

We got our new greenhouse from Greenhouses by The Greenhouse People. At the moment they are doing a 6x10ft for £299 and an 8x10ft for £399. Costs extra for toughened glass (but definitely 100% worth it, as it's so much easier to glaze) and ventilation packs, but still very good value. The company have been fantastic and there is a helpline you can ring up for help with putting it up. Absolutely brilliant and can't fault them. Greenhouse went up very easily and is doing very well.

[Norm]

Two Sheds is spot on. The biggest you can afford is best, but remember, it too will need securing to the ground or it will be an expensive kite rather than a cheap one

[seasprout]

We got our new greenhouse from Greenhouses by The Greenhouse People. At the moment they are doing a 6x10ft for £299 and an 8x10ft for £399. Costs extra for toughened glass (but definitely 100% worth it, as it's so much easier to glaze) and ventilation packs, but still very good value. The company have been fantastic and there is a helpline you can ring up for help with putting it up. Absolutely brilliant and can't fault them. Greenhouse went up very easily and is doing very well.

He He... got mine from them as well. Excellent, wish it was bigger though.

[Stacey Steve]

The only thing I would add is that if your allotment site is "remote" from you, I would advise against having an automatic opening roof window.

In high winds last year, the wind pressure pulled the joints apart on the roof.

When I arrived on site, one side of the roff was rising and falling in the wind.

I went inside (stupid thing to do when you have glass panes rising and falling) and was luckily enough to wire down the roof.

I have since bought louvres for one end which has proved a lot better.

Never could get the roof back properly as some of the joints got bent, so had to screw bracing straps at the apex. Again OK but I do get a few drips of water on me if it rains hard.