Looking for advice for undercover growing.

[Freaya]

Good evening all

I was hoping to tap into the font of wisdom here regarding growing undercover.

I am a newbie and can only keep seeds indoors during germination (atop a nice warm fish tank) then they will have to go outside as I can't provide the light they need indoors, my window-ledges are infested with cats.

I don't have a greenhouse, at best right now I have a box with an old double glazed window on top. Clearly I need something more substantial but the budget will not stretch to an actual greenhouse. I could build a large coldframe but I don't think it would have the height clearance required for toms (how much height do they need above their beds?). I don't mind a low profile building as I am only 5foot3. I don't even mind sitting down in said setup.

My first thought was to go for a polytunnel but we are very fond of our november bonfires and worry that hot embers plus polytunnel cover would equal swiss cheese, how do other people handle this problem and how much cover would be needed to offer protection?

I wondered about making mini tunnels (4x2x2) to go over my square foot garden beds using decent polytunnel plastic but these would only be good for short crops (the sweetcorn will have to fend for itself) and I couldn't grow indoor toms this year. How much ventilation do I need in small cloches to stop things going furry without letting the slugs in?

Okay I am rambling now.....I have so many possibilties and I want to make the right choice as if all my crops fail I will give in on year one and I really want to experience some sucess this year.

Just hoping someone might have some experience to share.....

Have plenty of tools and some woodworking experience so building isn't a problem.

[Freaya]

Also how do the multi-tiered mini greenhouses and lower stages of greenhouse shelving get enough light? Are they not shadowed by higher shelves?

[Two_Sheds]

Where are you? Can you put your location into your profile, as it helps when giving advice.

[Two_Sheds]

I have a box with an old double glazed window on top. Clearly I need something more substantial

That's a cold-frame, which is good for hardening off plants when they come off the windowsills.

You don't necessarily need a greenhouse or a polytunnel. I grow tomatoes on my (south-facing) patio, and chillies (and everything else) on my allotment.
Sweetcorn certainly doesn't need to be in a greenhouse.

[Patchninja]

I agree with Two sheds. Don't struggle to grow too fragile crops. There are so many things you can grow without a greenhouse. I've got one, but grow toms outdoors. Much easier IMHO!