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Greenhouse or Lean to ??
Mrs M
Posts: 34
I am not yet sure if I want a new greenhouse or a lean-to but does anyone know of an easy to erect greenhouse which is not way too expensive? We erected our old one 20 years ago and it was a bit fiddly. I really only want it to start off seeds and also to grow tomatoes. I never had enough success with other veg to bother growing them again. Any help would be appreciated.
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We have a lean-to metal greenhouse against the garage and it's excellent. But it wasn't cheap. I've tried the plastic greenhouses and they're ok for seeds,and for tomatoes, but hopeless if you want to keep anything in them over the winter.
Thanks for your replies. I had plastic covered "greenhouse" / "frame" before but while they were fine for hardening off plants, that is not what I want now. I am looking for a sturdy structure. I would prefer one that I could walk into as I do enjoy spending time pottering about there. I would pay up to about £400 but don't feel I want to pay any more. Just really wondered if anyone knows of a brand which may be fairly easy to construct. Thanks
No greenhouse will be easy to erect, they all have problems usually with the glazing. My Robinson 10 by 6 leanto is South facing on the garage wall and with the aid of a frost guard heater is ideal for wintering plants.
Have you thought of a garden hut with a full length window, it could be a potting shed, cold frame come storage ideal for seeds. It is up to you, there other ways, it needs thought on your real needs.
Frank.
Thanks. I think an 8 x 6 or 6 x 6 will be big enough for my requirements. The last one was 8 x 6 but at that timeI grew a lot of bedding plants to sell to a local shop. I am not doing that now. Hoping to get one with polycarbonate glazing this time - I think these panels come in a complete length rather than the 2' x 2' (or whatever) that my last one with toughened glass had. That may be easier to work with too. Decisions, decisions !! My husband thinks I am worrying too much about he is going to install it. He said he will manage fine !! (time will tell ).
Hi Mrs M,
I was in a similar dilemma and investigated a 6x8 however I realised I couldn't build it myself and there would be additional cost for a suitable base not to mention staging so after some investigation I found this ...
http://www.gardenchic.co.uk/forest-garden-tall-wall-greenhouse-p1377
its under budget as I don't think I need to buy anything else and doesn't need to be against the house as it has a back yet should be good enough for my needs and will sit on existing patio. Its being delivered on Wednesday so will see how it goes. (Its not painted when you get it)
Thanks for sending the link. I would be looking for a bit more depth though. However, it certainly looks ideal. I really think that if I bought that size I would soon be wishing I had gone for something bigger. I am going to look at that website and see if they have a bigger size. Hope you are happy with your purchase when it arrives and I am quite sure you will be able to construct it. I would be interested to hear how you get on. Thanks for now.
You are right if it were deeper I could work in it although I had to compromise its should be sturdier than the 2tier plastic one I used to use, plus if its on the patio near the house and water I can't help but keep a close eye on things and yes above all I have to be able to put the thing together! Will keep you posted Mrs M.
I am quite sure you will be pleased with it. It looks attractive and if it is big enough for your purpose, that is all you need. I hope it is dry on Wednesday / Thursday so that you can get it assembled. Good luck. Hear from you soon.
Well finally I made up my mind......I have just bought an inexpensive double cold frame to start my seeds / harden off plants for this year anyway. This has let me get on with it and even if I decide to buy a full greenhouse later, this cold frame will be fine for hardening off my plants so it will still be of use to me. Thanks all for your suggestions. How did you get on with yours Little Miss Sunshine?
Hi Mrs M, I wish I could say it was plain sailing but on delivery that back panels were damaged so had to wait a few days for replacements. I got someone to put it together on Saturday only to find three strips to cover gaps and reinforce the back panels were missing and there are huge gaps around the doors. I am not happy with this so have sent photos to the online retailer who has offered to send the missing bits if they have them in stock and will hopefully come up with a solution to the gaps. Perhaps this is a one off... you'd certainly hope so!