- Choosing a New Greenhouse
- There are a number of considerations when choosing a new greenhouse; the amount of plants you require, the type of plants you want to grow, the space available the visual appearance of the greenhouse and, of course your budget. There may be planning issues that need consideration in conservation and green belt areas.
- Practical Tips to Follow
- Position and Aspect
Traditionally it was recommended that a greenhouse be positioned with the ridge in an east to west direction, this ensures the longest side of the greenhouse is exposed to the sun from the south. This remains sound advice, particularly for long greenhouses, but is not necessarily important for all greenhouses. However, this is less important and not so critical where the greenhouse is either square or close to it.
If this isn't possible, don't panic ! Greenhouses between 7' and 8' tall, even if only the roof catches direct sunlight, this will be sufficient to warm-up your greenhouse considerably.
- Base Foundations
Stating the obvious, a level, or almost level site will require less work to achieve a good foundation for your greenhouse. Probably the most popular method of making a base is to use paving slabs ensuring the external edge is approximately 150mm (6 inches) larger than the dimensions of the greenhouse.
- The ideal base is compacted sand and paving slab. This allows for easy floor cleaning / sweeping, good drainage and is ideal for grow bags, pots and trays.
- A traditional base is a stripped footing of the greenhouse dimension. It provisions for plants to grow out of the ground. This would consist of a small trench with concrete footing and then a course of bricks typicallywith the final course to extend above the ground level. The outer size would be identical to the size of the greenhouse.
- Wind Protection
Consider the direction of the prevailing wind. Strong wind will affect the temperature and if extreme, the structure. You may wish to provide shelter using either a hedge or fence.
- Tree Damage
Overhanging trees are best avoided if at all possible - this will help prevent potential damage from falling limbs or branches
- Access and Maintenance
How convenient will it be to get good access round it for example, to clean the glass and to possibly apply periodic treatment.
- Services Supply
If budget and circumstance allows, plan to provision for both water and electricity - how will these be routed across the garden to the greenhouse location ? A surprising number of useful gadgets for the greenhouse require electricity, for example, heaters, general lighting, growing lamps, propagators and automatic watering systems.
- Position and Aspect
- I have decided where to locate my greenhouse - what next ?
- OK, so you have chosen your preferred location. When deciding on the right size don't forget to allow for a maintenance zone of approximately 1.0m all around. This will ease maintenance and indeed provide space for a water butt, if required.
- Which Greenhouse Style should I choose ?
- We are currently offering the Swallow GB range of wooden greenhouses. Their traditional designs include Traditional Freestanding Apex, Lean-To and T-Shaped.
- Traditional Freestanding Apex
Available in three widths, the Kingfisher (6'8), the Raven (8'9) and the Falcon (13'1). All of these greenhouses are available in various lengths so there should be an appropriate model and size to suit most gardens.
- Lean To Greenhouses
Lean-To greenhouses are fixed to an existing wall and were traditionally used for growing vines. Ideally they should be fixed to a south facing wall. The main benefit of this type of greenhouse is that the wall acts like a storage heater by slowly releasing the stored warmth from the sun throughout the evening, ensuring plants have an effective growing environment. Swallow (GB) have three gable widths available; the Finch (4'6), the Dove (6'8) and the Heron (8'9). All of these models are available in a multitude of lengths to suit the customer.
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