Greenhouse Growing

Hi Sharon, I`m sure they know already :DYou`ll still have to figure out how many btu/hr (or kw equivilent)that parafin heater puts out Btw, if you plan to add bubblewrap everywhere in the winter, you can make R=2 for your calculations which should help cut costs.

Thanks both! Yes Frogesque, I think that's the flower all right. I had seen the thread, but had forgotten about it - probably onset of senile dementia!! :D I'd like to try the "easy air-layering" technique, but I don't know how well it'll work when it's in someone else's garden, and I can't...

Yes Pete totally confused now!!

So am I, hans. Would have loved a cedar one but couldn't afford even 6x8', and second-hand isn't an option as I can't manage that kind of DIY anymore

Thanks for the advice Dave W.Much appriciated.

That takes us back to another thread - recycling!! :D

re the books, CAzza - I was looking through mine, and I think the best one overall about propagating plants, whethre from seed or some other way, is Plant Propagation A-Z (Growing Plants for Free), ISBN 0715318268. I'm sure you could get it 2nd hand on Amazon used books. Good luck!

Thank- have found it on the internet - fingers crossed that it works - will let you know

strongylodon - here are the spider plants in the greenhouse as promised!

i prefer diy so i know i can fix it if/when it breaks Steve, Sounds like double glazing might be better for your location or perhaps twinwall polycarbonate if you don`t mind that opaque look. Perhaps they`ll give a discount if you buy it without the styrene..unlikely but might be worth a try.

Nik If you blow air into the greenhouse via a filter screen,you can vent by overpressure. This pressurises the internal air and forces it out through the vents and those (unseen) gaps in the greenhouse. It`s a good way to keep spores and small stuff out as it has to go against the airflow to get...

Everything Fran says is spot on. Re putting in electricity - there is a thing called Armadillo - it's a way of putting in electricity yourself - the only one now that's allowed if you're not a pro. Two Wests and Elliot have it. They have pretty much anything you need for a greenhouse - well...

If your referring to those bedding plants bought from garden centres around now, Petunias, etc. then I would say a minimum of 50F, 10C, and as warm as it gets during the day, you dont want a check in growth, also be careful about the watering. Low temps and too wet compost is not good.

tomatoes need artificial heat and constant heat plus lots of light, they could be started on kitchen window in april, but i recommend you also buy some plants in May .....

Yes, it's sold as 'tunnel tape' or 'all weather tape' amonst other things. I think i've seen it in B&Q, it's usually clear with a green tint, expect to pay �£5 to �£10 a 4 inch wide roll. So long as the polythene is dry & dust free then it makes a very strong join.

I have used bubble wrap on two or three occasions before and you do end up with alot of condensation on the inside of the greenhouse.I havent used it this year, i have got a fan heater which has a thermostat set to 3 or 4 degrees just to take the chill off.The bubble wrap is messy to put up and...

You could just lay some sleepers on the ground and screw it to them. But you will have to watch the height. There is nothing to stop you digging down several inches inside the sleepers to give you more head room. Just make sure it is not in a place where it could fill up with water.

If they are old wooden houses then I'd continue with the linseed oil paint as the oil will have permeated the wood and it may react with more modern paints.If replacing rotten wood then I personally use pressure treated preserved timber, paint it with 2 coats of International Bare Wood Primer...

we use gas heaters in our smaller greenhouses, propane gas, not too expensive and carbon monoxide isn't a problem. we also use oil fired space heaters in our vineries, but thats on a completely different scale. only thing i will say is with an electric fan heater why pay all that money heating...

I think the large bubble lets a bit more light through, but thats just a guess.