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Greenhouses v. Polytunnels
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 |
Greenhouses v. Polytunnels
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). |
Greenhouses v. Polytunnels
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Greenhouses v. Polytunnels
On 30/10/07 13:41, in article , "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 Polytunnels don't look very good and they can get very hot because although they're open at each end, there are no vents for air circulation. Could that cause problems when you have a mix of plants requiring that and your only option is a polytunnel? -- 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.' |
Greenhouses v. Polytunnels
On 30 Oct, 13:41, "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 Given the choice I'd go for a greenhouse every time - more versatile, easier to control temperature and humidity and better in the wind. However depending where you're going in Scotland, either option will need to be strong unless it's a sheltered site. Now if you can manage both and it's veg you're growing then a smallish glasshouse and a big polytunnel would suit nicely. For some years I managed some polytunnels commercially for propagation and early stage growing of hardy shrubs and trees in containers. This was reasonably successful but we did have problems controlling the temperatures and humidity except in the mist units. A lot of early veg and salads would be OK in tunnels but you need to watch diseases and pests and it may get too hot to be useful in mid-summer. If you go for glass, get all the optional additional vents the maker will allow - compare the area of ventilation on home glasshouses with that seen on big commercial houses and you'll see why their plants are more comfortable than ours. You feel the difference when you enter a commercial house. |
Greenhouses v. Polytunnels
HI Charlie
On Tue, 30 Oct 2007 18:34:48 -0000, Charlie Pridham wrote: In article , says... The message from "Kate Morgan" contains these words: 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 :-) Whichever you choose it/they will need to be well anchored in Scotland. I am sure there are people on this group who can give you more expert advice than me. I only know what I found out when I asked on behalf of my stepdaughter who lives on the Isle of Lewis - where it is windy! Come in Compo ...... BTW she was thinking of a polytunnel. E-mail me if you want to. Jennifer If you bury the cover around the edge rather than using the grip rails then they will withstand 120 mile winds no problem, the down side is having to recover them every 5-7 years and the covers need cleaning about twice a year. Alternatively..... g When we put up our tunnel last year they advised us to runs a concrete 'footing' all the way round the legs of the tunnel. This ended up being about 12" wide and tapering from 8" inside to 6" outside. Then we used the grip rail - and (so far!) it's withstood all the the sou-westers can throw at it. We're in a moderately exposed part of south-west Ireland.... and the supplier we used had installed tunnels in this way on the 'off-islands'..... It's a fair bit more work - but replacing the cover's going to be much easier ! Another tip they gave us was to tension the cover as tight as possible when first erected (Springtime) and give the grip rail a good thump with a 4lb hammer on warm days throughout the summer. Cover is now as tight as a drum - apparently it's the flapping about that can really shorten a cover's life... Adrian West Cork, Ireland |
Greenhouses v. Polytunnels
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. |
Greenhouses v. Polytunnels
On 30 Oct, 13:41, "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 Polytunnels are cheaper but they have a much more finite life. The suns rays break down the cover, these will need replacing every 5 years or so. The standard polytunnels come right to the floor making air flow and tempreture control difficult, If you decide to get one of these then removeable ends (or at least big doors) and fans to circulate the air are essential in hot periods. There are some available with vents right along the sides that can be opened and closed.You need to choose the design that fits your needs. try www.northernpolytunnels.co.uk to give you an idea of whats available. Glass always looks better and feels nice when you are inside. I always feel like i'm inside a giant Sainsburys bag when in a poly tunnel. But the plants don't seem to mind. If sustainability is an issue then it has to be glass. As far as i'm aware poly tunnels can't be recycled. I hope this is some help. |
Greenhouses v. Polytunnels
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 |
Greenhouses v. Polytunnels
"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 |
Greenhouses v. Polytunnels
On Tue, 30 Oct 2007 17:41:01 +0000, Sacha
wrote: On 30/10/07 13:41, in article , "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 Polytunnels don't look very good and they can get very hot because although they're open at each end, there are no vents for air circulation. Could that cause problems when you have a mix of plants requiring that and your only option is a polytunnel? Didn't Bob flowerdew have a polytunnel within a polytunnel for the really tropical stuff? -- http://www.orderonlinepickupinstore.co.uk Ah fetch it yourself if you can't wait for delivery http://www.freedeliveryuk.co.uk Or get it delivered for free |
Greenhouses v. Polytunnels
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 |
Greenhouses v. Polytunnels
"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 |
Greenhouses v. Polytunnels
On 30 Oct, 18:34, Charlie Pridham wrote:
In article , If you bury the cover around the edge rather than using the grip rails then they will withstand 120 mile winds no problem, the down side is having to recover them every 5-7 years and the covers need cleaning about twice a year. -- Yes I think that's still better than any of the fancy tensioning measures - do it on a warm still day and have equal numbers of folk either side of the tunnel pulling the sheet down and backfilling the trench - a bit of a knack but easy when you get it. I think somebody else said loose covers are the biggest danger - that's true, I've seen structures wrecked by the torn sheet flapping in the wind. |
Greenhouses v. Polytunnels
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. |
Greenhouses v. Polytunnels
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.' |
Greenhouses v. Polytunnels
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.' |
Greenhouses v. Polytunnels
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.' |
Greenhouses v. Polytunnels
"Sacha" wrote in message . uk... 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. Depends on the style whether its an eyesore.Plain auluminium is functional but you can get powder coated auluminium glasshouses in any colour you want and turn the duck into a swan. K -- 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.' |
Greenhouses v. Polytunnels
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 |
Greenhouses v. Polytunnels
On 1/11/07 12:28, in article , "Sage"
wrote: "Sacha" wrote in message . uk... 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. Depends on the style whether its an eyesore.Plain auluminium is functional but you can get powder coated auluminium glasshouses in any colour you want and turn the duck into a swan. K Sounds good! -- Sacha (remove weeds from address) 'We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.' |
Greenhouses v. Polytunnels
On Nov 1, 2:10 pm, David in Normandy wrote:
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 You de man!! I wish I had the time/energy/ability to do that. I had toyed with the idea of making one in the past and just reckoned it would take me too long and I would make a mess of it and I chickened out and bought our current one. Clear corrugated PVC?? How about polycarbonate? How do you attach the sheets to the wood? With a router, it is easy to cut out rebates in the wood to take a sheet like in a window but if the sheets are big enough, you just fix them on like a perspex roof with big nails with rubber seals? Whatever you do, it sounds great! Des |
Greenhouses v. Polytunnels
On Nov 1, 11:59 am, Sacha wrote:
On 1/11/07 11:53, in article om, "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. I have used that on wooden worktops and it is easy but after a few years you just forget to do it. It is hard to maintain the enthuasiasm once the initial novelty wears off. -- 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.'- Hide quoted text - - Show quoted text - |
Greenhouses v. Polytunnels
In article .com, Des
Higgins says... On Nov 1, 2:10 pm, David in Normandy wrote: 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 You de man!! I wish I had the time/energy/ability to do that. I had toyed with the idea of making one in the past and just reckoned it would take me too long and I would make a mess of it and I chickened out and bought our current one. Clear corrugated PVC?? How about polycarbonate? How do you attach the sheets to the wood? With a router, it is easy to cut out rebates in the wood to take a sheet like in a window but if the sheets are big enough, you just fix them on like a perspex roof with big nails with rubber seals? Whatever you do, it sounds great! Des As I remember, the last time I made one the price of flat polycarbonate sheets was too expensive, so just used the clear corrugated pvc. Construction was very easy, just overlap the sheets with one (or two) corrugations and at this point you need a vertical timber to fasten to. Just drill a small hole and use proper corrugation sheet fastenings - basically long screws with a clear flexible washer and spacer between the timber and sheet. No fancy woodworking skills needed - just a pile of the cheap metal brackets from Wilko's to join the timbers together. The finished structure is virtually bomb proof - certainly stands up to a gale or two and misdirected footballs from neighbours children. -- David in Normandy |
Greenhouses v. Polytunnels
"Des Higgins" wrote in message oups.com... On Nov 1, 2:10 pm, David in Normandy wrote: 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 You de man!! I wish I had the time/energy/ability to do that. I had toyed with the idea of making one in the past and just reckoned it would take me too long and I would make a mess of it and I chickened out and bought our current one. Clear corrugated PVC?? How about polycarbonate? How do you attach the sheets to the wood? With a router, it is easy to cut out rebates in the wood to take a sheet like in a window but if the sheets are big enough, you just fix them on like a perspex roof with big nails with rubber seals? Whatever you do, it sounds great! Des If your vegetable prep skills could be improved then a few covered window boxes might suffice :-). Powder coated Aluminium with glass(safety) is the best solution, at a price. |
Greenhouses v. Polytunnels
Des Higgins wrote:
On Nov 1, 11:59 am, Sacha wrote: On 1/11/07 11:53, in article om, "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. I have used that on wooden worktops and it is easy but after a few years you just forget to do it. It is hard to maintain the enthuasiasm once the initial novelty wears off. Wax might be a better bet outdoors. Paraffin wax is about as waterproof as it gets. Make your own from a box of candles, or get something like this. http://www.bellbrush.com/selden-selw...tre-p-460.html The downsides are that it gets tacky in hot weather and dirt sticks to it, and the appearance is a bit cloudy compared to oils and varnishes. Still, it only needs doing once and IME it will almost certainly extend the life of the wood by a factor of 3-4. |
Greenhouses v. Polytunnels
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 |
Greenhouses v. Polytunnels
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.' |
Greenhouses v. Polytunnels
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 |
Greenhouses v. Polytunnels
On Nov 4, 4:59 pm, Martin wrote:
On Sun, 04 Nov 2007 16:10:41 GMT, Stuart Noble wrote: 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 The surface of real teak needs looking after. My real teak is 34 years old -- Martin- Hide quoted text - - Show quoted text - I used to have real teak and I oiled it every year - alas I don't have it any longer. Judith |
Greenhouses v. Polytunnels
On 4 Nov, 10:16, "judith.lea" wrote:
On Nov 4, 4:59 pm, Martin wrote: On Sun, 04 Nov 2007 16:10:41 GMT, Stuart Noble wrote: 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 [....] 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 [....] 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 The surface of real teak needs looking after. My real teak is 34 years old -- Martin- Hide quoted text - - Show quoted text - I used to have real teak and I oiled it every year - alas I don't have it any longer. Judith About 20 years ago I "finished" a gazillion board-feet of ordinary pine and some plywood with "Watco Dark Walnut Oil Stain" which was advertised to "oxidize" the outer layers of the wood as it sealed the surface. I can't find it now on 3W, but perhaps it has been renamed Watco Danish Oil, which I do find... Anyhow I can't recommend it highly enough: After 20 years even the pieces that have been constantly exposed to the sun/wind/rain, although now dulled, still display a beautiful depth and emphasis to the underlying grain Last week I had occasion to cut-up one of the boards with a skil-saw to provide extra inside shelves for a cabinet. It went well until I reached the final 3/8 inch of the cut (every cut!) where the edge literally exploded: the wood was so *hardened* by the oxidizing stain that the saw *could*not*cut* that outgoing-edge without it splintering explosively. I always had trouble driving nails into it, usually needing pilot holes, but I'm flabbergasted that it is so hardened that a circular saw couldn't cut it. I give Watco my highest possible recommendation. P.S. It remains completely weatherproof and rot-free. Even the pieces I have sealing the gaps around my window air-conditioner, which is fully exposed to South and West sunlight, and our frequent (Seattle) rainstorms. (I'm sure by choosing the darker color I also get extra protection from ultraviolet rays.) |
Greenhouses v. Polytunnels
Thank you very much to all you kind folk who offered their opinions re.
Greenhouses v. polytunnels, I am sorry that I have been so long answering but I have my 6 month old granddaughter staying with us and every day is a joy with her around us. I have however decided that I will settle for the biggest greenhouse that I can get, the bigger the better :-) We are still moving to Scotland but have not decided exactly where as yet, it needs to be in commuting distance of Edinburgh so I am hoping that the gardening conditions will not be too different from Gloucestershire, famous last words maybe, thanks again kate |
Greenhouses v. Polytunnels
On Thu, 8 Nov 2007 15:44:30 +0000, Kate Morgan wrote
(in article ): Thank you very much to all you kind folk who offered their opinions re. Greenhouses v. polytunnels, I am sorry that I have been so long answering but I have my 6 month old granddaughter staying with us and every day is a joy with her around us. I have however decided that I will settle for the biggest greenhouse that I can get, the bigger the better :-) We are still moving to Scotland but have not decided exactly where as yet, it needs to be in commuting distance of Edinburgh so I am hoping that the gardening conditions will not be too different from Gloucestershire, famous last words maybe, thanks again You could always look here for inspiration :-) http://www.transglobal-emporium.com/products/greenhouse-calendar/index.html -- Sally in Shropshire, UK Burne-Jones/William Morris window in Shropshire church with conservation churchyard: http://www.whitton-stmarys.org.uk |
Greenhouses v. Polytunnels
snip You could always look here for inspiration :-) http://www.transglobal-emporium.com/products/greenhouse-calendar/index.html -- Sally in Shropshire, UK Burne-Jones/William Morris window in Shropshire church with conservation churchyard: http://www.whitton-stmarys.org.uk nice one Sally, thanks for that :-) |
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