Building greenhouse....

[RedThorn]

Hi All

Like markinessex I'm hoping to finally carry on with building my greenhouse

Problem is it's a bit low in the head clearance area... lol

I am planning on building a wall (low one!) out of concrete blocks which are due to be delivered this Saturday. and then mounting the frame on top of the wall. I have completed the building the frame and am very impatient to carry on. However a quick q (I know it is more building related but was hoping that someone can answer) If I lay the concrete foundation will it set in this cold weather? I come from africa where this would not normally be a consideration ...so was wondering....

Also would anyone know where the best place to get the foam tape and some extra glass? There were a few broken panes before I dismantled it and moved it (Plus I broke 3 my self )

[nick the grief]

Hi Red thorn

You have two choices here. If you use ordinary concrete cover it over with something to make sure it doesn't get frosted and leave it a week or so then it will be firm enough to lay on. If the water in the concrete freezes it can cause problems but the slower it sets the better,

Or you can do what I did for the small greenhouse (8x6) I dug the trench out and used post fix which has an excellerant in it so it goes off quicker but it's more expensive (about £1 a bag I think - been a long time)

THe same goes when you build the wall, cove it with sacking or cardboard to ensure it doesn't get frosted and you need to leave this a week as well I'd say.

What I did was have the bottom of the breeze blocks about an inch or two below the soil level and then put some 4"x2" tanaslised timber on the top ( most blocks are 4" wide) and held this on to the wall with frame fixings and then screwed the g/house frame to this. It gives a thermal brake between the concrete blocks and the metal frame and so helps cut down on condensation. If you want a picture of it I can sort one out for you on Thursday as I'm at home then - it will be a bit clearer then ... maybe

If your from Africa is the greenhouse for your plants or for you to escape the British winter

Hope this helps

Found this

[RedThorn]

It's finished!!! Wall built(Last weekend), Glass in .....beeping rain. Will post a photo when it's dry! Just come in for a cuppa to warm up.
Oh did I say IT'S FINISHED
*dances a jig around the house*

BTW Nick I've started working on the OH for the next greenhouse and thanks again for the Idea's. To say I'm happy at the mo is an understatement! First time I've built a wall to so rather proud of myself. After a week the wall didn't falll over...even when I kicked it (gently I might add.... my toes will heal, the wall I'd have to rebuild.


It's finished

Hmm now what.....
* sits still in panic....to many chioices ...arrrrggh!*

[Snadger]

Bit late now I know......but if your greenhouse is a bit low you could dig out earth on the path area only and make a step down into it! I've heard of allotments where they aren't allowed greenhouses but are allowed cold frames. Same principal really,......high sided cold frame with steps and path. Floor lowered so as you can walk into them and beds at ground level!

[RedThorn]

Picure

Picture as promised

Got 2 folding staging tables for £8 each from Focus on clearance(was £35).

Now to clear the devastation around the greenhouse

[di]

Bit late now I know......but if your greenhouse is a bit low you could dig out earth on the path area only and make a step down into it! I've heard of allotments where they aren't allowed greenhouses but are allowed cold frames. Same principal really,......high sided cold frame with steps and path. Floor lowered so as you can walk into them and beds at ground level!

.....just be prepared for what remains you might find!!