Glass replacement?

[buzzingtalk]

Hi all, I don't have a greenhouse but figured this post belongs here. I recently acquired a plastic shed a bit like the pic below, and am going to turn it into a greenhouse type thing for spring this year. I have a very sunny south facing allotment, and will face it towards the sun. You can't see in the pic but the back section of it is a large piece of black plastic that slides down some slots to hold it in place - I need to replace this black plastic with something that light can penetrate. I'll turn that side to the sun, and can use the lid which operates on 2 hinges as a vent and can access it by using the front doors. Quite rudimentary, but it is better than no greenhouse.

Anyone got any suggestions for cheap material to replace it with?

http://blog.love2learnallotmenting.c...stic-Sheds.jpg

[Bigmallly]

The first thing that comes to my mind is polycarb. Attach some timber to the box & screw the polycarb to the timber. Another cheap option is to measure the panel you wish to change & see if you can get an old window from your local double glazing company, they usually have skips full.

[buzzingtalk]

It's a big old bit of plastic - about 1.5m by 1m or so. Plus i think glass would be too thick to fit into the ridge

Have looked into polycarb but it's quite expensive. I'm only working part time with ungaranteed hours so am loathe to spend any money when I'm not 100% sure when the next big bit is coming...Will measure it up tomorrow and see about polycarb though. Those were the only 2 materials i could think of

[buzzingtalk]

The postage is the biggest cost haha! So have found a few sheet plastic places nearby (ish) which would certainly cut costs - anything i need to get in particularly, or is all polycarbonate suitable

[Guest]

If it is for a season then scrounge some large sacks from a trade merchant or get some rubble sacks. Basically thick clear plastic bag - think cover of a blowaway. Its cheap

http://www.plumbcenter.co.uk/en/exte...g-635-x-990mm/ just as a start. Don't forget the size is actually bigger if you split the bag down

[bario1]

Your nearest bed shop will maybe have massive thick plastic bags that they transport mattresses in... you could cut one up and staple it over the hole?

[Bigmallly]

Nice one Bario, I was gonna suggest a small piece of Polytunnel polythene but your idea is better & cheaper.

[Tomatoe]

You could always contact your local council to see if they have any old, scratched bus shelter windows. Our local council usually let these go on the cheap/free.

[buzzingtalk]

Ooooh good ideas everyone! Would plastic sheeting be warm enough? I can get lots of plastic wrap from my mums shop for free if so...

[bario1]

I'm sure it'll be fine - it wont be as thick and durable as proper polytunnel plastic, but it'll do the job for a season. As long as it's not that stuff they use to wrap suitcases at the airport...

[Guest]

Ooooh good ideas everyone! Would plastic sheeting be warm enough? I can get lots of plastic wrap from my mums shop for free if so...

It is enough to make a difference. You can always use that this season, then hopefully you will have spare cash next season and you can upgrade it