I saved some secondary glazing units which were made redundant by double glazing. These are ideal for use as coldframes as they already have a strong frame and have toughened glass. I have a variety of sizes including a couple of door sized panels which will make Monty Don sized coldframes. Just need to clear some space in the garden for them now.
The top is stuff you can buy cut to size at B&Q/Homebase, and you can also buy the white trim to finish the edges. The hole has been drilled so that I can stick in a bamboo cane to stop the lid blowing shut (sophisticated !!) - I am sure there are lots more things you coud do to allow it to be open half way. I have been very happy with my two options (ie open/shut !).
As I said, it is now in about its tenth season, and still going strong.
Hope this helps - shout if you need anything photo'ed closer up.
The top stuff is called twinwall polycarbonate sheet (10mm thick by the look of yours) and it's important to put those end trims on otherwise spiders etc get inside the 'tubes' and you can never clean them out. It's really strong and long-lasting stuff. Mine is at least 15 years old and still going strong. I don't know what I'd do without mine - now full of young plants which had to be removed from the greenhouse once the tomatoes went in.
A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
And no, it has no base - I have chucked in a load of gravel to try and deter the weeds and mice from coming through, and then the trays just sit on top of that.
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I saved some secondary glazing units which were made redundant by double glazing. These are ideal for use as coldframes as they already have a strong frame and have toughened glass. I have a variety of sizes including a couple of door sized panels which will make Monty Don sized coldframes. Just need to clear some space in the garden for them now.
Will post pics tomorrow - just about to slump on the sofa now !
ok here goes:
The top is stuff you can buy cut to size at B&Q/Homebase, and you can also buy the white trim to finish the edges. The hole has been drilled so that I can stick in a bamboo cane to stop the lid blowing shut (sophisticated !!) - I am sure there are lots more things you coud do to allow it to be open half way. I have been very happy with my two options (ie open/shut !).
As I said, it is now in about its tenth season, and still going strong.
Hope this helps - shout if you need anything photo'ed closer up.
Hi chicky, that look just like mine.
The top stuff is called twinwall polycarbonate sheet (10mm thick by the look of yours) and it's important to put those end trims on otherwise spiders etc get inside the 'tubes' and you can never clean them out. It's really strong and long-lasting stuff. Mine is at least 15 years old and still going strong. I don't know what I'd do without mine - now full of young plants which had to be removed from the greenhouse once the tomatoes went in.
Bet yours doesn't have the bamboo cane opening system !! Unique, that ....
Nice pics Chicky. Does it have a floor / base or do the trays / pots just sit on the ground?
PS Have you thought about patenting your hold-open system and taking it on Dragon's Den? I'm sure the lovely Peter Jones would offer to invest
Not sure I could face Peter Jones !
And no, it has no base - I have chucked in a load of gravel to try and deter the weeds and mice from coming through, and then the trays just sit on top of that.
Thanks Chicky - might have a go at copying yours & am defo copying the bamboo cane idea.
Simple things are best (at least that's what I keep telling my OH!)
Bump for Matty and Mrs G
Hope this helps with some ideas
Thanks chicky - most kind of you. Was wondering how to prop it halfway - guess 2 shorter bamboo canes each end would do that as well. Will show OH
Are those bords 4x1 ?