Buying a greenhouse

russetred

Hi guys, hope you can give me some advice. I've been saving up on the quiet to buy my DH a greenhouse. Our growing season is so short that this would make a huge difference to what he can start earlier and the varieties he could grow.

So I'd like to get him a greenhouse but I know nothing about what kind to get or where's best to buy it from. We have the space for a 10ft one(this I picked up from him wishing out loud!) and I know it will need to be sturdy as it gets really windy round here. I have a budget of £500. Any pointers please. Thanks.:D

alanobrien

You have a large choice with that budget which is nice . Ideally look for one with the metal base included and at that size two roof vents preferably automatic.

I would also recommend a low level louvre type vent but these can be bought fairly cheaply seperately and are not an absolute necessity.

There is a wide choice of glazing, as a minimum i would go for horticultural / toughened glass. I have a couple of small kids so my greenhouse has polycarbonate glazing for safety. That said i do like it for durability and ease of fitting.

Yuu may also want to consider staging. I favour fold away staging as it allows me to over winter the more tender plants in the greenhouse.

Finally a couple of links to examples of what you can get around that price.

http://www.greenhousepeople.co.uk/greenhouses/7ft-8ft-wide-greenhouses/simplicity_clearance_le_8x10/

http://www.shedstore.co.uk/garden-greenhouse/halls-greenhouses/popular/halls-popular-greenhouse-10-by-6

lisa26_2

I can't remember where mine came from but just a word or warning........be prepared for a mammoth task when it comes to building it! It took my OH about 10 days to do mine which is 5x8 aluminium with horticultural glass. That did include a bit of ground prep and replacing a fence panel but most of the time was spent on building the greenhouse.

My parents spent a bit more on a wooden one which came partially built then the guys came and finished it off on site. There is an extra expense with that though as you need something solid for it to be attached to, either concrete footings or a course or 2 of bricks.

Orange_King

I got one of Gardman's polycarb ones last year and it has withstood some dreadful batterings from the winds, only on Friday past it withstood gale force conditions, but it is well anchored down.

The 6 x 6 I got was about £289 or so and it came with a base and a single non auto vent. Staging can be bought cheaply from B&M.

abbecer

Hi,
If you are quick you may be able to get one from Focus DIY. They have a 6 x 6 polycarbonate that was £269 reduced to £169 with a further 20% off so £135.20. I have reserved mine to collect today. Also been a bit cheeky and taking FIL so we can use his 10% pensioners discount also. Offer ends Thursday.

Hope this helps.

Rebecca x

mrbadexample

Make sure you buy as big a one as you can possibly fit in - you'll fill it in no time.