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Cheap Greenhouse

GlenjjonesGlenjjones Posts: 146
in The potting shed
Hi Guys,

I've never had a greenhouse, but I am considering it as a future investment. As I've never had one and don't really know how much I will use it I am considering one of the ones that has the metal pole frames with green plastic type cover and a zip down door.

I know that that isn't a "real" greenhouse, but as a glass greenhouse will likely cost a few hundred pounds I thought for around £60 this would be a good way to test one out before investing in a more sturdy structure.

Has anyone had any experience with these and are they worth it?

Thanks,
G 
«13

Posts

  • BigladBiglad Posts: 3,265
    From personal experience, they have a tendency to move around the garden during stormy weather :o 

    I don't have room for a 'proper' greenhouse at the moment so I'm on my second 'blow-away'. Only this time, it's got a lot more weight in it ;)

    Pretty useful for cuttings, seedlings, etc. but won't fit all of the stuff in pots that I might want to protect at some point this winter.
    East Lancs
  • GlenjjonesGlenjjones Posts: 146
    I was thinking of weighing it down with a few concrete blocks. 
    I'm thinking it will be useful for mainly overwintering, starting seeds earlier in spring and maybe a few chillies/tomatoes in the summer.
  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,618
    I had one anchored down with two rows of building bricks.  The last big storm, it went over two hedges and ended up on top of a neighbours conservatory, having travelled 50 yards or so with the frame attached.  The covers last a maximum of two years. The zips are a weak point. The plastic perishes.  I bought  it when I had a load of seedlings needing hardening off.   If you intend growing regularly, have a look on local social media sites. One near me is offering a large glasshouse for free, the recipient has to take it down and move it.
  • GlenjjonesGlenjjones Posts: 146
    That's my biggest fear, is that I try one of these then decide that I need a larger real one, and don't really have the room to put it anywhere! :D
  • Nanny BeachNanny Beach Posts: 8,719
    You are optimistic thinking a few hundred pounds for a greenhouse, what aout a compramise, and getting a decent cold frame
  • nick615nick615 Posts: 1,487
    I can enlarge on it if necessary, Glenjjones, but I suppose your first decision to make is what space you can devote to one.  If that's not enormous, it's fun to mentally design your own using materials from other applications to make it, e.g. if you know of a plastic fence manufacturer, the stuff they use for support posts makes an ideal frame and clear corrugated plastic is good for cladding etc.
  • PosyPosy Posts: 3,601
    Keep an eye on local press and websites. Greenhouses are sometimes offered free or very cheap to anyone willing to remove them. You often have to replace some of the glass and they are not the most prestigious, but they do the job.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    The plastic covers tear, and weighing them down only works if you don't live in a windy area. 
    What are you wanting it for? There are compromises. I have a timber framed, polycarbonate one which isn't very big [about 4 feet wide x 2 feet deep x 5 feet high ] but it suits me for tomatoes and other bits and pieces for overwintering, or doing seeds. I still have it tied to the house wall behind, as the wind can lift it, but it's much tougher.
    It was about £150 at the time - a few years ago, but considering I had to buy those plastic ones every couple of years, it would have been better just to get one of those to start with.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • GlenjjonesGlenjjones Posts: 146
    Nanny Beach, why am I optimistic for thinking a few hundred pounds for a greenhouse?
    there seems to be loads of decent options in the region of £200 to £600.
    I'm not talking anything massive or fancy, just a more permanent structure than a "temporary" "blow-away" type.
    I'm also considering making one out of timber and polycarbonate myself, though I'm not convinced it will be that much better than the temporary ones.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Mine has been great @Glenjjones.  :)

    It's this one, although I got it from a different outlet

    https://www.rowgar.co.uk/product/hardwood-mini-greenhouse/
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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