Cheap Greenhouses?

[kev_off_the_tee]

Calling all greenfingers

My daughter has asked for a greenhouse after seeing a neighbours full of plants and veg. He has a 10x8 aluminium and glass which looks like it cost a fortune but I don't want to spend much in case she gets bored and its left to me or the wife to sort

Are the cheap walk-in tubular type any good as a starter greenhouse or are they a complete was of time? Given the price and construction are they up to much? I'm only after a 6x4 max size and mainly going to used to start veg in pots and store patio plant pots with bienials etc during the winter

Cheers, kev

 

[DCB]

Got a 6 x 4 glass an aluminium one that does the job just fine. manage three tomato plants and either capsicums or courgettes each year. Great for starting things off early in the year. Wasn't that expensive if I remember right but that was over 10 years ago.

Bigger size would be too much work or would lye dormant through lack of use.

 

[Doon frae Troon]

The little 4 shelf plastic ones are great as you use all the space inside [unlike the standing area required for a greenhouse]
You can buy one for about £20. Tall enough to take toms. etc if you remove the shelves. Place it in a south facing sunny area protected by a wall/fence.
Take the polythene off late autumn and put on in Feb when you want to start off seeds. Take it off again from June to August. Back on Sept to Nov. Be careful and it will last you well. A small cold frame will also help. Both fit well into a small garden.
Start her off with this and if she is still keen buy a decent greenhouse.
Big tip with the corregated plastic ones is to double up on the recommended number of clips, seems excessive but well worth it as clips are pennies and the panels are expensive.
I would not recommend a Polytunnel unless it is an expensive agricultural one.

 

[Foxholer]

The little 4 shelf plastic ones are great as you use all the space inside [unlike the standing area required for a greenhouse]
You can buy one for about £20. Tall enough to take toms. etc if you remove the shelves. Place it in a south facing sunny area protected by a wall/fence.
Take the polythene off late autumn and put on in Feb when you want to start off seeds. Take it off again from June to August. Back on Sept to Nov. Be careful and it will last you well. A small cold frame will also help. Both fit well into a small garden.
Start her off with this and if she is still keen buy a decent greenhouse.
Big tip with the corregated plastic ones is to double up on the recommended number of clips, seems excessive but well worth it as clips are pennies and the panels are expensive.
I would not recommend a Polytunnel unless it is an expensive agricultural one.

Seems excellent advice to me.

I bought a large one (about 10*8 ith door etc) as it's much more efficient - and there was room in the garden. Cost less than the shed, but was arguably more useful.

Lots of (rewarding) time and effort involved when it's in use - about 8 months of the year. Water supply is a major consideration. A smaller starter one will test/satisfy the keen-ness for a year or two if you are slightly dubious.