Greenhouse location

[Matrix34]

I'm currently using one of the small walk-in, zip-door, plastic type greenhouses but I've out grown it and wanting to expand.

I've just purchased a 6.3ft x 5.3ft greenhouse with auto-window opener and louvres which gets delivered in about 4-5 weeks time.

I'm planning to build it on a 7ft x 7ft decking at the bottom of my garden.
There's no issue with the decking taking the weight, that's not a problem.

Can anybody see an issue, particularly in colder weather, where cold air can enter the greenhouse through the gaps inbetween the decking floor boards?

Personally I think that as heat rises I can utilise high level shelves for seed growing and leave the hardier plants at low level where it will be colder.


Appreciate any comments please

[sandy115]

possible pest problems by entering the gaps in the decking perhaps

[airconednightmare]

making the decking secure from pests shouldn't be difficult, a sheet of poly, weed matting, tarp, etc would do the trick. just be aware that the greenhouse will not only push down on the decking but also try to lift it and/or push it from side to side in the wind. make sure it is secured to the posts which hold the decking down and make sure they are concreted in place

only down side i can see is you will be restricted to growing in pots or containers which will mean more watering trips than having plants in the ground. but on the up side this should also help to keep soil pests under control.

[green1976]

What will the location in your yard be? I think the decking might seem like a good platform, but as mentioned above, you will be limited to only potted plants. This has its advantages, but not planting directly in the soil could get tedious. Also if you ever think about installing any plumbing or electricity to the unit, you will have to work through the decking to do so. As far as the weather, I don't anticipate that being an issue as much as pests and working out of pots. To help prevent pests and too much air circulation, you could place carpet tiles on top of the decking to reduce the air and pests from getting through.

[rosa15]

Go for multiple layers covering for greenhouse as it is recommended for cold climates.Use materials which absorbing and retaining warmth from the sun and helping to maintain the temperature in the greenhouse after the sun goes down. Concrete, stone or brick are all recommended for the low base walls. Or, install a greenhouse with a dropped floor, that is dug several feet into the ground.

[stupo74]

Hi Matrix,

Quote: I'm currently using one of the small walk-in, zip-door, plastic type greenhouses but I've out grown it and wanting to expand.

I think a visit to the "Quack" might be in order mate

Thats one "Kinky Habit" too much for me

However, you could try Number 28 in "marmites" street

I believe "Lilo" does a good line in "Plastic Coverings"

Cheers stupo.

[Matrix34]

Finally got my new greenhouse up and running (1 month ago)
Side manual vents, auto top window openner and 2-tier aluminium 6ft potting benches.

Here are some pictures of the build etc:-

This was what I had before


This is the new greenhouse installed onto my old back garden decking:-












This is one of my 3 raised vegatable beds:



And now 1 month on from completing the greenhouse:-

Cucumbers comming on great


Tomatoes


Chillies, hollyhock, purple carrots, delphs and more lettuce

[Mister Beans]

Nice greenhouse Matrix. What size is it ?

It looks a bit like my Elite Streamline greenhouse I had a couple of years ago.

[Matrix34]

It's 5ft3 x 6ft3 exactly.
Perfect for what I needed. I've had it for nearly 3 months now and I love it. I'm in there as soon as I get home from work watering the toms and cues etc.

The auto vent is a must tho, life saver

[smeagal]

I do not have space for a walk in greenhouse so am stuck with cold frames and a Wilko Plastic one
But after a piece of advice from Lesley Jay I investigated the problems I had with my plants drying out.
So after an afternoon sitting in the garden with pad and pencil and trying to fit all the pots and dustbins into a small garden It hit me like a brick!
There I am starring at the back of my house and I remember seeing something on the RHS site about planters and trellising going up a wall and using the combined heat of the sun and the wall to help salad stuff grow.
So I went searching and found the article and what a fool I felt!!
For two seasons I had all this space half of which was taken up by the greenhouse (which just baked the seedlings) so I have moved it to the west facing fence and will put two troughs with supporting frameworks and use them to grow my tomato's ,cues and runner beans. Result.
Now I am on the scrounge
Would anyone have an old paraffin sump heater or very small g/house heater I can beg buy or steal As already said my greenhouse is plastic so will not take a great deal to warm it.
Thanks for reading this rant.
Smeag

[Pixel_Donkey]

Hi Matrix34, what make is that greenhouse and where did you get it from?

I looked at the greenhouses from B&Q but they look like they would blow away in the wind and they don't come with the side vent.

I like the idea of a automatic venting system but not a top vent as the wind could take it off

[Matrix34]

Originally Posted by Pixel_Donkey

Hi Matrix34, what make is that greenhouse and where did you get it from?

I looked at the greenhouses from B&Q but they look like they would blow away in the wind and they don't come with the side vent.

I like the idea of a automatic venting system but not a top vent as the wind could take it off

Hi Pixel,
After looking around for ages I found a firm online called Summer Greenhouses:-
Greenhouse 18 - Summer Greenhouses UK
From placing the order it took about 5 weeks to be delivered. The manufactured parts were spot on and I assembled the lot on my own taking it easy over a 2-3 day period. Thorougly enjoying the experience.
The auto vent top window and side vents were optional extras.
I couldn't find the size I wanted and B & Q etc which is why I looked online.
Well worth every penny.

Regarding the top window auto vent. I have not had any issues with strong winds catching hold of it as the winds tend to blow from the other side of the greenhouse and not actually directly at the openner.