Plastic Greenhouse

deef

Hi there,
I'm new to this forum and to gardening but started growing seedlings in Feb and it's addictive! Anyway, I got a 3 tiered plastic greenhouse from Poundstretchers (£9.99) a few days ago to put all of my seedlings that have been taking over my windowsills. It's great and fits them all, the only problem is that condensation develops really quickly at the top, even if the zips are half way open and I'm worried that the excess water will be bad for the plants. Because of this I normally leave it completely open during the day and close it at night, but my boyfriend keeps reminding me that this defeats the whole purpose of getting a greenhouse as it just becomes a glorified shelf! I'm thinking of poking some holes in the top to ventilate - has anyone done this before and does it work? Or will it completely rip the plastic?
Please advise...

RoscoPColtrane

From recent experience I would say that you should definately keep it open during the day. I closed mine the other day and within just 6 hours all my 6" high tomato, cucumber and chilli plants were cooked and I'm having to start again. Mine is the same as yours, £9.99 in poundstretchers.

midnightraven3

when i had one of these, i did what you did
opened during the day and closed it at night

i dont really see why your boyfriend thinks thats odd

glass greenhouse have ventilation
i wouldnt poke holes in it, that really would give you a glorified shelf as it wouldnt protect when it is needed

red-boxer

I agree with the other replies, open it during the day and close up at night. In my opinion plants need air as much as they need light and water, they are still being protected as the top and sides of the greenhouse are still covered, as with a glass greenhouse the vents & door are open during the day and closed up at night

LJM

i also have this problem i got one from b&q i have kept it open all day but when its been really nice ive just taken cover off for a few hours and put back on in the eve

frugalsar

oh I have one of these and I open it during the day because really its just to keep them warm at night! brrr! otherwise they cook!!!

deef

Thank you all for the replies - it is reassuring that I'm doing the right thing and it should be open during the day.

katholicos

You're doing the right thing in keeping it open during the day and closing it in the evening. That's what I do and everything is thriving so far. I have 2 x upright plastic growhouses like yours - only mine were from B &M.

Rotwein44

I agree too, last year i cooked some strawberry plants in just one day and my other seedlings struggled as it was far too hot in there!

balloo_2

Are the covers on the greenhousesee through or reinforced? The covers on the plastic greenhouse will rip if you poke holes in it It doesn't take much for that to happen anyway. Make sure you fasten it to a wall or something as it will blow over easily even with weight on/in it try using the plastic clips that plumbers use for copper pipes and clip it in cover and all gently.

Mankysteve

Aldi have a walk in for £29.99.