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Victorian greenhouse.

ivachetivachet Posts: 4
in The potting shed
Hello fellow gardeners, could you please advise on pros and cons of 6’ vs 8’ greenhouse? I have space for 12-14’ in length. And also dwarf wall vs glass to the ground? 

Posts

  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    Always go for the biggest you can fit and afford.  

    Wall or glass depends on the base and what you want to grow.   More glass means more light but if you're planning benches and shelving for trays of seeds, seedlings, cuttings or alpines and tender plants then you don't need light to the floor.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • PosyPosy Posts: 3,601
    I agree. It won't be big enough, what ever you choose! I had to have little walls for mine and the floor is solid so I don't grow in the ground, but I haven't found this a problem.
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    With an 8ft greenhouse and double sliding doors you can easily get a wheelbarrow inside.
    It's one of those cases where bigger really is better :)

    If you're going to grow tomatoes and the like, glass to the ground is best to maximize light.
    If you're just raising seeds/cuttings and overwintering plants, then a dwarf wall will help retain more heat.

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • ZeroZero1ZeroZero1 Posts: 577
    I got a Stramshaw from The Greenhouse people. I am very pleased except it is too small. It's been going 7 years now and no faults at all. I would agree the bigger the better and personally I would go for glass to the floor, even with staging. I frequently pack  out my green house with three tiers of plants, one on the floor and two above and they grow well. Go for toughened safety glass. I have banged my glass numerous times and it has never broken. 
  • ZeroZero1ZeroZero1 Posts: 577
    Just a tip. Think about water when constructing the base. If you can it's a good idea to run a hose into the greenhouse through the floor. I did this and it's a godsend. 
  • PosyPosy Posts: 3,601
    Yes and my greenhouse gutter feeds a water butt just outside the door. Electricity for light and heat is an addition you will value of it can be managed.
  • ivachetivachet Posts: 4
    Thank you for all your helpful comments and tips. I do have space for 8’ and as you rightly say bigger the better, however I am thinking longer rather than wider. As i feel it would give me more usable space. The door is wide enough for a wheelbarrow and even a wheelchair (32”). It’s always a compromise.  I am thinking Robinson’s Repton 6’6” by 14’8”, all toughened glass, roof blinds, water, electricity, 6 roof vents, 5 louvres?, shelving on one side. I am already feeling embarrassed how very extravagant it’s going to be. 
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    I'm thrilled with the greenhouse I had put in a couple of years ago
    A Rhino Premuim 8x10



    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • ivachetivachet Posts: 4
    That looks fab.👍
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    If you have the space and the funds, go for 8' wide and as long as you can manage.  You'll only regret it later if you don't.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
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