please suggest me a greenhouse

[hailtryfan]

No one else at my local allotments has a greenhouse or polytunnel so i thought you weren't allowed them. Turns out you just aren't allowed glass and can have a greenhouse or polytunnel up to 6x8!

Of course this is very exciting news and has led to loads of research on possible tunnel or GH solutions on this site and elsewhere.

So here is where I'm at. I want to go for 6x8 but still can't decide whether a tunnel or GH will be best. Got up to around �250 to play with but would prefer to spend less if poss.

Problem is I've never had a tunnel or greenhouse before and so don't know pitfalls aparts from what I've read

Can anyone out there reccomend me a tunnel or greenhouse that gives plenty of bang for my buck?

[catback]

Hi
Ive recently bought a 8 X 6 greenhouse off ebay and picked it up from hertfordshire
it was under �250 very pleased with it.

[ginger ninger]

I've had a look round on the tinternet and found this one...and it's new

Norfolk Ultimate Greenhouse - Norfolk - Garden - Home & Lifestyle | Kaleidoscope

[SarahStrawberry]

I realise you're limited by size but I'd have a polytunnel every time, we've just bought our second one 2m x 2m x 4.5m for �50 We looked at greenhouses, but they were so much more expensive for a similar size or smaller. Also, the first tunnel we bought was supposed to last for 3 years and it's been up for about 10 now on quite an exposed site where winters are hard so we have no complaints.

[denise]

Just erected a poly tunnel like the one in the link, went up really easy, it has a cover that fits over not a sheet to wrap over and secure. As I say it only went up yesterday, (before the rain thank goodness) very pleased with it so far, have to see what it is like when in use. Got it back in the summer at a cost of �45. shop around.
Gardman Polytunnel

[SarzWix]

Have a look on First Tunnels, you can 'vitually' build a polytunnel and see what it will cost: Poly Tunnels from First Tunnels - Shop Online For Polytunnels

A 6'x8' appears to be within your price range

If you're going to go for the Norfolk, I would seriously advise against their 'Ultimate' models - the polycarb panels are notorious for not staying put Their 'Standard' ones are a bit better, and cheaper, as they're coved with plastic which you can bury the tails in a trench the same as a polytunnel which keeps them very stable indeed. Greenhouses Standard

I have a Norfolk Standard 12', pics are in the album on my profile.

[garden dabbler]

hiya-we have got one of those gardman polytunnels as well! only put it up a week or so ago,but we have it well secured down and it has remained solid through all the gales last weeks (40mph was the top gusts we had here)

B+Q have these greenhouses thou with polycarbonate panels instead of glass-they look good to me.

Model 8x6 - Aluminium Greenhouse Frame + Base, 0000003834718

and the panels are here-

Model 8x6 - Polycarbonate Glazing Panels, 0000003834732

this doesnt help to choose which one to go for but its an affordable option for whichever you decide!

[Kristen]

I'd have a polytunnel every time

I'd have a glasshouse every time

Mine were very cheap second hand off eBay, and folk come by them on Freecycle

But if I was having to buy new I would wince at the price ...

[denise]

Thanks for the post GD was wondering about it taking off in those winds.

[hailtryfan]

Thanks for all your replies everyone.

I've had a really good look at the first tunnels and they seem excellent, although I think they become much better value when you purchase the larger models. The Gardman tunnels are unfortunately all bigger than my maximum allowable size.

The Norfolk greenhouses look really good and I'm really interested in the fact that they are glazed in sheeting not panels - halfway between a greenhouse and a polytunnel - best of both worlds?

[SarzWix]

Yeah, they are a good compromise between the 2 The downside is they are quite difficult to put the frame together because the instructions are pretty terrible! But my OH managed it, so anybody can

[Potstubsdustbins]

I purchased a green house in 2009 had a look at the B&Q ones and unless they have improved greatly they are very flimsy. I did not want to use glass to many young grand children and pets etc.

In the end I bought a 8 x 6 from Waltons near Newark Notts about �270. Its glazed with twin sheet polycarbonate panels which gives extra strength and better insulation than single poly glazing. So far its withstood everything the weather as thrown at it.

The only down side was the putting together of the thing, written instructions 3 out of 10 pics 5 out of 10. It is most certainly a two man job and frustrating taking things apart and then putting them back correctly.

Also you must have your base ready otherwise if there is a breeze your friends will gain a green house.

Colin

[hailtryfan]

Thanks again everyone for all your suggestions.

Given it loads of thought and have just ordered a Norfolk standard 6x8 greenhouse.

At first I was sceptical because the price is so low but good reviews have reassured me.

Not looking forward to putting it together though as by all accounts the instructions are rubbish.

Wish me luck!

[shangrilyla]

Don't mean to hijack the thread, but I'm in a similar situation. I don't need something huge - but I was wondering if anyone has ever used the plastic greenhouses from B&Q or Wilkinson? They come with shelves and a plastic that slips over the frame.

Are they any good? Will they blow away or tear easily? I was thinking of getting one that is about 3' by 6' for �40. It's cheap, but if it's only going to last one season it might not be worth it.

Any suggestions would be great!

[Potstubsdustbins]

Hi Shangrilyla,

I had something similar but smaller for a good few years and I got on with it quite well. However it was in a sheltered spot and very well tied down. On here you will often hear them refered to as 'blow aways'.

Colin