What exactly would I need??

[Demeter]

I have a pretty small garden which doesn't have full sun anywhere (each bit gets some sun for part of the day, some parts get a bit more than others) and I really want a greenhouse - I can definitely find space for a 6x4, possibly a 6x6 but probably not an 8x6.

I am thinking of getting a temporary plastic 6x4 one, those cheap tent-types, a plastic cover over a tubular frame, just to see how I go before I commit to a proper greenhouse. But in the meantime I am dreaming of a proper greenhouse and wondering if it is really as difficult as it seems.

The main thing that worries me is whether my garden is really suitable. What would I need to have in terms of actually siting the greenhouse?

Clearly I will need a level piece of ground big enough to site the GH. Can I put it in the corner of the garden so that 2 sides would be up against a fence? (it would still get sun on the other 2 sides, and the top of course!)

Does the site of the greenhouse need to have foundations? Or anything else to anchor the greenhouse onto the ground? Would a greenhouse come with everything I need to anchor it to the ground? Most of the ones I have looked at seem to come with a base, but is that it or do you need something to attach the base to?

And of course - how hard are they to erect? Although in general I'm reasonably OK with putting things up, I don't know if I'm *that* handy or even if the idea of doing it by myself is jut laughable... Might be able to enlist someone to help, though.

I would probably go for a polycarb type since even though glass is supposed to be better in many ways, I would be worried about breakages (small child on the premises) and also just the weight of it if I ever had to do any maintenance etc by myself.

Thoughts, anyone? Thanks!

[Norm]

I think you've answered most of your own questions with commom sense. You want a greenhouse that fits the area you have available. You want to site it where it will have some wind protection and get some sun. It will need to be anchored to the ground the best way you can (otherwise it becomes a hang glider in a high wind) and you may need a hand to put it together. Polycarb is the best idea with young kids about. See, you already had the answers

[Demeter]

Thanks Norm - mainly I just wanted to run my thinking past some people with more experience to see if I was on the right track - seems like I am, more or less!

What's the best way to anchor it to the ground though? I don't fancy digging out concrete foundations, is there an easier method?

(I've pretty much decided to get a plastic one at least for this year, so I've got time on my side for working out the best way to go about organising a proper greenhouse.)

[rainbowbrite]

i think you do best going with a plastic one for a year or so. i've done that this year, mostly because i would never have forgiven myself if i had brought a proper one and then lost interest however it's had the opposite effect, i'm addicted and will defo buy one for next year. also i can vouch that the plastic ones are just as effective at starting things off. only thing i don't like about mine is it's tiny and wish i had a bigger, walk-in type.

[Demeter]

i think you do best going with a plastic one for a year or so. i've done that this year, mostly because i would never have forgiven myself if i had brought a proper one and then lost interest however it's had the opposite effect, i'm addicted and will defo buy one for next year. also i can vouch that the plastic ones are just as effective at starting things off. only thing i don't like about mine is it's tiny and wish i had a bigger, walk-in type.

Yes I've already got one of those cupboard / shelves type mini ones, it's the next size up (6x4) walk-in plastic one I'm going to get next. And after that, a proper one - as you say I don't want to buy a proper greenhouse and then regret either because I lose interest or because I get the wrong sort or put it in the wrong place or something!

[Norm]

What's the best way to anchor it to the ground though?

If you can get a few good sized metal tent-type pegs and a few large eye hooks, drive the pegs into the ground along the exposed side and screw the eyes into the fence. If a high wind is forecast, rope it down.

[heebiejeebie]

I have a walk-in plastic tent thingy - lots of tent pegs and a guyline at each corner have held it well so far. Until someone went over the guylines with the mower...

[Demeter]

If you can get a few good sized metal tent-type pegs and a few large eye hooks, drive the pegs into the ground along the exposed side and screw the eyes into the fence. If a high wind is forecast, rope it down.

It took me a while, but I think I get what you mean - eye hooks in the fence on one side of the greenhouse, tent pegs on the ground on the *other* side of the greenhouse, and then I can use these to rope the whole structure down... Yes? And no proper foundations apart from that? Sounds too easy to be true!!

Thanks x
(And thanks heebiejeebie too re what to do with the walk-in plastic one - good excuse not to mow?!)

[Norm]

If the greenhouse is going to be in a corner, the wind can only get at it from 2 sides and if it's in a town garden, there will most likely be other houses to break up the wind from the exposed sides. If the wind does get under and start to lift it, which will need to be pretty strong wind, it should just bobble about a bit rather than take off and land in the next street. Pegging the frame at the base may also be worth doing. Just keep the door shut if a high wind is forecast.

[Demeter]

Wonderful, thanks Norm for all your advice and support.
And at least I know what I want for Christmas now!