On Oct 30, 1:41 pm, "Kate Morgan" wrote:
I have just come in from my greenhouse muttering about the fact that
greenhouses like workshops, are never big enough :-) As we are planning to
move to Scotland my husband suggests that I go for a polytunnel. I am
beginning to warm to the idea but would appreciate some opinions from the
group :-)

kate

We have a suburban backgarden and so space is limited and we have a
12x8 foot greenhouse which I think is better for confined spaces but
is more expensive. If I had a big country patch, I would prefer a
polytunnel and would prefer to have a whopping big one as I think it
would be much cheaper that way (big poly tunnel much cheaper than huge
greenhouse).

In reply to Des Higgins ) who wrote this in
, I, Marvo, say :

On Oct 30, 1:41 pm, "Kate Morgan" wrote:
I have just come in from my greenhouse muttering about the fact that
greenhouses like workshops, are never big enough :-) As we are
planning to move to Scotland my husband suggests that I go for a
polytunnel. I am beginning to warm to the idea but would appreciate
some opinions from the group :-)

kate

We have a suburban backgarden and so space is limited and we have a
12x8 foot greenhouse which I think is better for confined spaces but
is more expensive. If I had a big country patch, I would prefer a
polytunnel and would prefer to have a whopping big one as I think it
would be much cheaper that way (big poly tunnel much cheaper than huge
greenhouse).

I will never get used to polytunnels.

I think if nobody else can see it then it's up to you, but it wrecks a view
IMHO.

On Oct 30, 3:41 pm, Des Higgins wrote:
On Oct 30, 1:41 pm, "Kate Morgan" wrote:

I have just come in from my greenhouse muttering about the fact that
greenhouses like workshops, are never big enough :-) As we are planning to
move to Scotland my husband suggests that I go for a polytunnel. I am
beginning to warm to the idea but would appreciate some opinions from the
group :-)

kate

We have a suburban backgarden and so space is limited and we have a
12x8 foot greenhouse which I think is better for confined spaces but
is more expensive. If I had a big country patch, I would prefer a
polytunnel and would prefer to have a whopping big one as I think it
would be much cheaper that way (big poly tunnel much cheaper than huge
greenhouse).

ok, looks like I am outvoted; alright then, if I had a choice, I would
choose a nice wooden greenhouse with a brick base, as long as it came
with a small bloke to paint it every 2 years.

"Des Higgins" wrote in message
ps.com...
On Oct 30, 3:41 pm, Des Higgins wrote:
On Oct 30, 1:41 pm, "Kate Morgan" wrote:

I have just come in from my greenhouse muttering about the fact that
greenhouses like workshops, are never big enough :-) As we are
planning to
move to Scotland my husband suggests that I go for a polytunnel. I am
beginning to warm to the idea but would appreciate some opinions from
the
group :-)

kate

We have a suburban backgarden and so space is limited and we have a
12x8 foot greenhouse which I think is better for confined spaces but
is more expensive. If I had a big country patch, I would prefer a
polytunnel and would prefer to have a whopping big one as I think it
would be much cheaper that way (big poly tunnel much cheaper than huge
greenhouse).

ok, looks like I am outvoted; alright then, if I had a choice, I would
choose a nice wooden greenhouse with a brick base, as long as it came
with a small bloke to paint it every 2 years.

Howya Father :-)

My missus went and invested in a very nice bespoke pitched roof greenhouse
( with brick base) from Hartleys about 2 years ago. It is made from thick
sections of aluminium and is a cream colour. No painting required and should
long outlive her ( and me as well). It looks like its made from timber.
Glad to see yer settling down at last!

K

On Oct 31, 10:29 am, "Sage" wrote:
"Des Higgins" wrote in message

ps.com...



On Oct 30, 3:41 pm, Des Higgins wrote:
On Oct 30, 1:41 pm, "Kate Morgan" wrote:

I have just come in from my greenhouse muttering about the fact that
greenhouses like workshops, are never big enough :-) As we are
planning to
move to Scotland my husband suggests that I go for a polytunnel. I am
beginning to warm to the idea but would appreciate some opinions from
the
group :-)

kate

We have a suburban backgarden and so space is limited and we have a
12x8 foot greenhouse which I think is better for confined spaces but
is more expensive. If I had a big country patch, I would prefer a
polytunnel and would prefer to have a whopping big one as I think it
would be much cheaper that way (big poly tunnel much cheaper than huge
greenhouse).

ok, looks like I am outvoted; alright then, if I had a choice, I would
choose a nice wooden greenhouse with a brick base, as long as it came
with a small bloke to paint it every 2 years.

Howya Father :-)

My missus went and invested in a very nice bespoke pitched roof greenhouse
( with brick base) from Hartleys about 2 years ago. It is made from thick
sections of aluminium and is a cream colour. No painting required and should
long outlive her ( and me as well). It looks like its made from timber.
Glad to see yer settling down at last!

K



Blessings Kevin my son; I am a changed man. I have finally made peace
with all trolls and now wish nothing but calm intercourse on matters
of a horticultural nature. I have invested in a heavy duty
waterproof cassock for all work in my mixed borders.

Des

"Des Higgins" wrote in message
ps.com...
On Oct 31, 10:29 am, "Sage" wrote:
"Des Higgins" wrote in message

ps.com...



On Oct 30, 3:41 pm, Des Higgins wrote:
On Oct 30, 1:41 pm, "Kate Morgan" wrote:

I have just come in from my greenhouse muttering about the fact that
greenhouses like workshops, are never big enough :-) As we are
planning to
move to Scotland my husband suggests that I go for a polytunnel. I
am
beginning to warm to the idea but would appreciate some opinions
from
the
group :-)

kate

We have a suburban backgarden and so space is limited and we have a
12x8 foot greenhouse which I think is better for confined spaces but
is more expensive. If I had a big country patch, I would prefer a
polytunnel and would prefer to have a whopping big one as I think it
would be much cheaper that way (big poly tunnel much cheaper than huge
greenhouse).

ok, looks like I am outvoted; alright then, if I had a choice, I would
choose a nice wooden greenhouse with a brick base, as long as it came
with a small bloke to paint it every 2 years.

Howya Father :-)

My missus went and invested in a very nice bespoke pitched roof
greenhouse
( with brick base) from Hartleys about 2 years ago. It is made from thick
sections of aluminium and is a cream colour. No painting required and
should
long outlive her ( and me as well). It looks like its made from timber.
Glad to see yer settling down at last!

K



Blessings Kevin my son; I am a changed man. I have finally made peace
with all trolls and now wish nothing but calm intercourse on matters
of a horticultural nature. I have invested in a heavy duty
waterproof cassock for all work in my mixed borders.

Des

Glad to hear it Father, the road to Damascus experience is a truly uplifting
sight to behold especially when one has lead such a torrid life as yourself.
There is nothing more we want at this stage of our lives other than calm
intercourse on any matters, horticultural or otherwise.

BTW, if you email me proctork at iol dot ie I can arrange for you to see a
very nice greenhouse/glasshouse. Its also a sanctuary at times from the
cares of this world.

K

In message om, Des
Higgins writes
On Oct 30, 3:41 pm, Des Higgins wrote:
On Oct 30, 1:41 pm, "Kate Morgan" wrote:

I have just come in from my greenhouse muttering about the fact that
greenhouses like workshops, are never big enough :-) As we are
planning to
move to Scotland my husband suggests that I go for a polytunnel. I am
beginning to warm to the idea but would appreciate some opinions from the
group :-)

kate

We have a suburban backgarden and so space is limited and we have a
12x8 foot greenhouse which I think is better for confined spaces but
is more expensive. If I had a big country patch, I would prefer a
polytunnel and would prefer to have a whopping big one as I think it
would be much cheaper that way (big poly tunnel much cheaper than huge
greenhouse).

ok, looks like I am outvoted; alright then, if I had a choice, I would
choose a nice wooden greenhouse with a brick base, as long as it came
with a small bloke to paint it every 2 years.


If I was offered a choice between a polytunnel and a greenhouse of the
same footprint, at the same price, I'd go for the greenhouse, but I
don't expect to be offered that choice.
--
Stewart Robert Hinsley

On Oct 31, 10:28 am, Stewart Robert Hinsley
wrote:
In message om, Des
Higgins writes

On Oct 30, 3:41 pm, Des Higgins wrote:
On Oct 30, 1:41 pm, "Kate Morgan" wrote:

I have just come in from my greenhouse muttering about the fact that
greenhouses like workshops, are never big enough :-) As we are
planning to
move to Scotland my husband suggests that I go for a polytunnel. I am
beginning to warm to the idea but would appreciate some opinions from the
group :-)

kate

We have a suburban backgarden and so space is limited and we have a
12x8 foot greenhouse which I think is better for confined spaces but
is more expensive. If I had a big country patch, I would prefer a
polytunnel and would prefer to have a whopping big one as I think it
would be much cheaper that way (big poly tunnel much cheaper than huge
greenhouse).

ok, looks like I am outvoted; alright then, if I had a choice, I would
choose a nice wooden greenhouse with a brick base, as long as it came
with a small bloke to paint it every 2 years.

If I was offered a choice between a polytunnel and a greenhouse of the
same footprint, at the same price, I'd go for the greenhouse, but I
don't expect to be offered that choice.
--
Stewart Robert Hinsley

I agree with that now; Having read the other posts; I did not realise
how much maintenance was needed for tunnels. For domestic gardening,
greenhouse is the way to go alright. If I ever went into serious veg
growing, a tunnel might me an option but that is not looking
imminent.

On 1/11/07 10:17, in article
, "Des Higgins"
wrote:

On Oct 31, 10:28 am, Stewart Robert Hinsley
wrote:
In message om, Des
Higgins writes

On Oct 30, 3:41 pm, Des Higgins wrote:
On Oct 30, 1:41 pm, "Kate Morgan" wrote:

I have just come in from my greenhouse muttering about the fact that
greenhouses like workshops, are never big enough :-) As we are
planning to
move to Scotland my husband suggests that I go for a polytunnel. I am
beginning to warm to the idea but would appreciate some opinions from the
group :-)

kate

We have a suburban backgarden and so space is limited and we have a
12x8 foot greenhouse which I think is better for confined spaces but
is more expensive. If I had a big country patch, I would prefer a
polytunnel and would prefer to have a whopping big one as I think it
would be much cheaper that way (big poly tunnel much cheaper than huge
greenhouse).

ok, looks like I am outvoted; alright then, if I had a choice, I would
choose a nice wooden greenhouse with a brick base, as long as it came
with a small bloke to paint it every 2 years.

If I was offered a choice between a polytunnel and a greenhouse of the
same footprint, at the same price, I'd go for the greenhouse, but I
don't expect to be offered that choice.
--
Stewart Robert Hinsley

I agree with that now; Having read the other posts; I did not realise
how much maintenance was needed for tunnels. For domestic gardening,
greenhouse is the way to go alright. If I ever went into serious veg
growing, a tunnel might me an option but that is not looking
imminent.


Apropos the remark above about painting the greenhouse every 2 years, isn't
it possible to buy teak ones that won't need painting? I'm sure they must
cost more but perhaps there's a saving in the long run if all that's needed
is a slosh of oil over the wood?
--
Sacha
http://www.hillhousenursery.co.uk
South Devon
(remove weeds from address)
'We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our
children.'

On Nov 1, 10:27 am, Sacha wrote:
On 1/11/07 10:17, in article
. com, "Des Higgins"



wrote:
On Oct 31, 10:28 am, Stewart Robert Hinsley
wrote:
In message om, Des
Higgins writes

On Oct 30, 3:41 pm, Des Higgins wrote:
On Oct 30, 1:41 pm, "Kate Morgan" wrote:

I have just come in from my greenhouse muttering about the fact that
greenhouses like workshops, are never big enough :-) As we are
planning to
move to Scotland my husband suggests that I go for a polytunnel. I am
beginning to warm to the idea but would appreciate some opinions from the
group :-)

kate

We have a suburban backgarden and so space is limited and we have a
12x8 foot greenhouse which I think is better for confined spaces but
is more expensive. If I had a big country patch, I would prefer a
polytunnel and would prefer to have a whopping big one as I think it
would be much cheaper that way (big poly tunnel much cheaper than huge
greenhouse).

ok, looks like I am outvoted; alright then, if I had a choice, I would
choose a nice wooden greenhouse with a brick base, as long as it came
with a small bloke to paint it every 2 years.

If I was offered a choice between a polytunnel and a greenhouse of the
same footprint, at the same price, I'd go for the greenhouse, but I
don't expect to be offered that choice.
--
Stewart Robert Hinsley

I agree with that now; Having read the other posts; I did not realise
how much maintenance was needed for tunnels. For domestic gardening,
greenhouse is the way to go alright. If I ever went into serious veg
growing, a tunnel might me an option but that is not looking
imminent.

Apropos the remark above about painting the greenhouse every 2 years, isn't
it possible to buy teak ones that won't need painting? I'm sure they must
cost more but perhaps there's a saving in the long run if all that's needed
is a slosh of oil over the wood?
--

Same difference in long run I think. Sloshing oil still requires time
and effort. Usually you do it for a bit and then forget. To paint
oil on takes almost as much effort as a coat of paint. The wooden
ones look gorgeous but short of getting a small bloke in, the
aluminium is dead handy.



Sachahttp://www.hillhousenursery.co.uk
South Devon
(remove weeds from address)
'We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our
children.'

On 1/11/07 11:53, in article
, "Des Higgins"
wrote:

On Nov 1, 10:27 am, Sacha wrote:
snip

Apropos the remark above about painting the greenhouse every 2 years, isn't
it possible to buy teak ones that won't need painting? I'm sure they must
cost more but perhaps there's a saving in the long run if all that's needed
is a slosh of oil over the wood?
--

Same difference in long run I think. Sloshing oil still requires time
and effort. Usually you do it for a bit and then forget. To paint
oil on takes almost as much effort as a coat of paint. The wooden
ones look gorgeous but short of getting a small bloke in, the
aluminium is dead handy.


Nobody would describe me as a handyman but I thought there was an oil
(Danish teak oil?) that can just be brushed on and doesn't require all the
sanding down and preparation that painting does? I'm sure I remember some
yotties using that on weathered teak decks.
I certainly agree the aluminium is the best practical solution but it
depends on whether it's going to be considered an eyesore if totally visible
from the house or the rest of the garden.
--
Sacha
http://www.hillhousenursery.co.uk
South Devon
(remove weeds from address)
'We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our
children.'

In article , Sacha
writes


Apropos the remark above about painting the greenhouse every 2 years, isn't
it possible to buy teak ones that won't need painting? I'm sure they must
cost more but perhaps there's a saving in the long run if all that's needed
is a slosh of oil over the wood?


Ha! Sloshing oil over the wood of an Alton greenhouse takes as much time
and energy s painting the thing Sacha . I did mine very year since 1979
but it now has a sagging roof and all the base pieces are rotten, the
glass slides off if you don't put your own screws on the end to hold
them in and I think the roof panes are now dangerous as they could slide
off if the screw come out of the rotting wood up on top.
For some reason Alton rest the panes on a, (well for non technical
people such as me) plank of wood running along the length of the
greenhouse, with about 2 inches exposed, so.............. the rain comes
off the roof straight on to the wood.


Janet
--
Janet Tweedy
Dalmatian Telegraph
http://www.lancedal.demon.co.uk

On 4/11/07 13:09, in article , "Janet Tweedy"
wrote:

In article , Sacha
writes


Apropos the remark above about painting the greenhouse every 2 years, isn't
it possible to buy teak ones that won't need painting? I'm sure they must
cost more but perhaps there's a saving in the long run if all that's needed
is a slosh of oil over the wood?


Ha! Sloshing oil over the wood of an Alton greenhouse takes as much time
and energy s painting the thing Sacha . I did mine very year since 1979
but it now has a sagging roof and all the base pieces are rotten, the
glass slides off if you don't put your own screws on the end to hold
them in and I think the roof panes are now dangerous as they could slide
off if the screw come out of the rotting wood up on top.
For some reason Alton rest the panes on a, (well for non technical
people such as me) plank of wood running along the length of the
greenhouse, with about 2 inches exposed, so.............. the rain comes
off the roof straight on to the wood.


Janet

I'll take that as a 'no', then? ;-))
--
Sacha
http://www.hillhousenursery.co.uk
South Devon
(remove weeds from address)
'We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our
children.'

Martin wrote:
On Sun, 4 Nov 2007 13:09:31 +0000, Janet Tweedy
wrote:

In article , Sacha
writes

Apropos the remark above about painting the greenhouse every 2 years, isn't
it possible to buy teak ones that won't need painting? I'm sure they must
cost more but perhaps there's a saving in the long run if all that's needed
is a slosh of oil over the wood?

Ha! Sloshing oil over the wood of an Alton greenhouse takes as much time
and energy s painting the thing Sacha . I did mine very year since 1979
but it now has a sagging roof and all the base pieces are rotten, the
glass slides off if you don't put your own screws on the end to hold
them in and I think the roof panes are now dangerous as they could slide
off if the screw come out of the rotting wood up on top.
For some reason Alton rest the panes on a, (well for non technical
people such as me) plank of wood running along the length of the
greenhouse, with about 2 inches exposed, so.............. the rain comes
off the roof straight on to the wood.

For some years now we've been treating the teak on our boat with Burgess Wood
Sealer. Other than that it turns a dark brown after about a year, it has worked
very well.

Real teak is resinous and water resistant to start with. It would be a
mighty expensive way to build a greenhouse

In article .com, Des
Higgins says...
I agree with that now; Having read the other posts; I did not realise
how much maintenance was needed for tunnels. For domestic gardening,
greenhouse is the way to go alright. If I ever went into serious veg
growing, a tunnel might me an option but that is not looking
imminent.



Throwing in my penny's worth. I'm planning to make my own greenhouse
again next year (time permitting) and will use clear corrugated pvc
sheets (again). The structure will be made with pressure treated 3 x 2"
timbers set into a concrete foundation. I made one like this before at a
previous property and it worked very well. Not as pretty as a glass
greenhouse but very functional. The timber construction meant I could
attach anything anywhere - great for hooks for hanging baskets or fixing
shelving. Also good for stapling some bubble wrap to over Winter.

I took quite a fancy to sitting there in the evenings with a book and a
pint of home-brew surrounded by all my favourite plants and watching the
sun go down. Bliss!
--
David in Normandy