Garden View – The Greenhouse Guide

Garden View – The Greenhouse Guide

People often ask me, “Is there something in your garden you couldn’t live without?”  My reply is always, “My greenhouse.”

A greenhouse has many benefits, chief of which for me is that it extends the gardening year.
With a greenhouse you can potter in your garden all year round, and grow a range of plants which simply wouldn’t thrive without the extra protection.

Before choosing a greenhouse you will need to check whether your local planning authority imposes any restrictions. While you don’t normally need planning permission, building regulations do have to be adhered to.

Buy the biggest greenhouse you can afford that will fit comfortably on to your plot – you will always fill it!  But even if you can only afford a tiny one – my first one had a base of just 4’ by 5.5’ (1.2m by 1.7m) – it will still be a worthwhile investment.

The aluminium- framed types are very sturdy and relatively cheap. Wooden-framed constructions are more attractive though, and often better in a small garden where everything has to earn its keep. Western red cedar is good because it lasts a long time and weathers really well.

Greenhouses are even more useful if they are heated. I started out with paraffin heaters, but found they produced a lot of condensation and were messy and smelly. Electric heating is best, and very economical if you fit a system thermostat so that it only switches on when necessary.

Apart from heat the most important factor is ventilation. In high summer this is vital to prevent your plants from cooking. Automatic arms which open the vents at a pre-designated temperature are really useful. External blinds are also very good as they prevent sun scorch.

Finally, fit staging along one edge of the greenhouse for your pots, and dig a soil or gravel bed on the other side for things like tomato plants.

Now all you have to do is plant some seeds and invest in a few tender perennials.

Great Greenhouse Tips

Fit your greenhouse to level foundations.
Orientation isn’t important , but make sure it isn’t in the shadow of the house, or overhanging trees.
Ventilate well.
Any electrical work must be carried out or certified by a qualified electrician to comply with part P of the building regulations.
Don’t be tempted to use a household electric heater. It won’t cope with the damp conditions in a greenhouse.
Fit a water butt to the down pipes at either end of the greenhouse to conserve water.

By Rachel Leverton