Lean to?

[danniiangel]

Hi all,

I have recently got an allotment and want to get sorted for the spring for starting off seeds etc. I don't really have the space for a full greenhouse but was thinking of attaching a lean-to to the back of my shed (south-west, west facing). I either want to build one or buy one ready made.

What I've been wondering is - is it any different to a cold-frame and will an unheated lean-to be sufficient for starting off seeds whilst giving them enough heat and protection?

Any advice gratefully received.

Thanks!

[Peas'n'Kews]

Essentially, an unheated greenhouse seems to be just a very large cold frame!

Cold frame - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

However, I know I'd rather have greenhouse space........

[Aberdeenplotter]

Depends on what you are trying to start off. Some seeds benefit from heat but you should be able to judge from the seed packets. Onions are a classic case in point. Although they germinate best at a temperature of 18c(65f) when you may get up to 100% germination, they will germinate at much lower temperatures but with much much lower rates of success. An unheated greenhouse is better than no greenhouse.

[SarzWix]

I would say that a lean-to is going to be slightly better than a cold-frame because it has more height, and heat rises, whilst cold sinks. So just being up off the ground is going to be better in terms of heat. Also, you could put a small paraffin heater in just to keep the temperature above freezing if you wanted to.

[Dead Dogs]

I have an unheated lean-to greenhouse, south-west facing. Seed do germinate quicker in there than out side. I still tend to germinate my seeds using a heated prop. in doors during January and February. Don't get that many sunny days that time of year and when it is fine the sun is very low.

[pauco]

Sunny days!!! whats them


paul.

[Dead Dogs]

Sunny days!!! whats them


paul.

Today is a sunny day.

Sky is blue with small amounts of wispy white stuff. Shadows on the ground and have to squint because it is so bright.

Oh! and it is warm out of the wind.