Grow / Greenhouse
Forrestgrump
Posts: 247
I know a number of people use plastic / poly mini green houses I'm looking to purchase http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B009W0H85E/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=23Q41VTSTF3UF&coliid=IZ0RREEFYR0SX
I will be using it for seedlings and growing on plants are there any problems I need to look out for?
If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.
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I'd say buy a spare cover. They disintegrate fairly quickly.
If you live in Derbyshire, as I do.
I've found that they are way too flimsy outside, I have mine inside my greenhouse to give it wind protection and it can still blow over on a windy day!
as long as you can secure it well, put heavy stuff at the base and have it in a wind free environment then you should be ok, but once they falls over though they usually break something so they can't be fixed again.
I've had one blow over even with bricks and bags of compost in the bottom, lost all my seedlings a week after I'd moved them outside in April a few years ago.
As well as plenty of weight in the bottom I would recommend using a bungee cord around the top to secure it to a wall / fence / shed to give added stability. I have seen on this site someone used luggage straps to fix to a wall, clever idea.
They heat up very quickly in the summer so you must remember to open it for ventilation to avoid condensation and overheating problems but they are a useful growing space in a small garden where space is limited.
This year I have bought a larger one 3'x4' it's like half the size of the walk in one and am hoping to grow tomatoes, peppers, chillies and cucumbers in it. I just have to decide where to site it and what to strap it down to, I wouldn't risk having it freestanding.
Thank you for the advice, I was thinking I will put it against my brick wall on the decking so could fix it down with some clips and will as suggested fix or tie it at the top.
Its only temporary just to bring on my seedlings until they can go out in the garden.
I've had one of these (I've had most gadgets and bits of kit over the years) and I'd have to agree with treehugger - they're useless outside. Quite good if you just want some extra temporary shelving in a greenhouse or potting shed, but too flimsy otherwise. If you have the space and a bit more cash better to buy a small greenhouse second hand off ebay. You'll need time and patience to move it and put it up but you can do such a lot more with one.
You will probably get away with it if you strap it to your wall but make sure your fixing points are heavy duty!
I have used one of these quite successfully for a few years, although I have had to buy new covers, despite being in a windy position up here in Scotland. It is wedged into position against the garage wall with a bench on one side and a low wall on the other, plus the heavy sun umbrella stand in the base (we don't need that often) It's going nowhere.
My preference would be to have a narrow lean-to greenhouse against the garage but will have to work on that one.
Hi saw this question else where.
I have one inside my GH that keeps plants over wintering extra warm. It is now being filled up with seedlings (potted on ones). And I pull the front cover down at night at the moment. Come the warmer weather I will take the plastic cover off and use it as shelving inside.
The one inside I do insulate the base by putting a couple of layers of bubble wrap under the lowest shelf.
I have a small one outside, but have given up on covering it so just use the shelves for the 'nearly there' small plants
Look out in places like Wilkinson for their offers - my inside one 120cm wide cost £10 on one of its offers.
While I think these represent really good value for money and can be very useful, temperatures do fluctuate wildly and they are subject to condensation.
Again many thanks for all the comments.
I hope this will be temporary, I'm hoping that I can persuade the landlords to allow me to erect a proper greenhouse in the garden later this year.