Information greatly appreciated

[sunshine60]

Hello,
I have been doing a lot of reading on greenhouses but oh God I need feedback please. I live in an exposed area in southern Ireland. I'm trying to decide the best options. I have found a company that does extra strong frames and polycarbonate sheets. The thing is they don't have vents in the roof. They put windows high up on the walls and vents along the lower walls. Will this be sufficient ventilation? They are called 'Steeltechsheds' Please could someone help, I have longed for a greenhouse for years and finally I can afford one. Any information will be greatly appreciated.

[BertieFox]

With vents along the lower walls and above at the top, this will create a circulation of air which should be very good ventilation. As long as the higher ones are right at the top I don't see that as a particular problem. Polycarb sheets and strong frames sounds fine, but be aware that polycarbonate is expensive and discolours/goes opaque fairly quickly. Lots of little bugs also crawl into the hollow gaps in the spacing unless you have them really WELL sealed at both ends, so don't neglect to do that. Strong waterproof tape is better than the metal covers which can come loose, or use both.

The other helpful aid to ventilation is to use an electric fan, which isn't particularly expensive, and these can easily be set up with a small thermostat to come on when the temperature rises too much. Correctly positioned near a top vent this would bring the temperature down a lot.

An exposed area in southern Ireland doesn't sound that sunny and hot to me! but that's probably prejudice after a wonderful holiday we had around 30 years ago when it rained every single day for the two weeks in August when we were camping over there!

Good luck with your greenhouse. I hope it's a nice large one as the one thing people NEVER say is 'my greenhouse is too large!'

p.s. If you have both the time, the inclination and some basic DIY tools, there's always the 'build it yourself' option, especially with polycarbonate sheeting which is easy to cut to size. You can also build your own vents and windows with this of course. It's just that for the cost of something manufactured you can build something really large and effective yourself. There are lots of plans out there on the Internet. It does take a lot of time to do, but in my view it's well worth the effort, but then I am lucky enough to be retired and having sufficient time.

[out in the cold]

Welcome to the vine sunshine.

Have you also considered a polytunnel? If wind is a problem, this could perhaps provide a better option for you. It seemed that way for us when we looked into it last year

[BUFFS]

whatever you decide to have,make sure its well anchored,my dad was from cork and he said the wind could really blow in off the atlantic,where we are we anchor the frame onto the concrete footings(12ins deep) with 6ins of more concrete,as having anchored a blowaway type with 3 full size kerb stones,about 70-80lbs,at a guess,it then blew away ,never to be seen again,anyway good luck..

[Two_Sheds]

I have longed for a greenhouse for years and finally I can afford one.

What's your budget?

I have one of these, they're extremely strong. I used to have all my seedlings thrown & battered round the garden by the wind, but no more