Plastic walk in greenhouses - any good ?

[Anonymouse]

I nearly bought a plastic walk in greenhouse today then I thought it would be best to check with you to find out what you think of them. It is £50 and measures about 6ft X 4 ft. It has guy ropes to hold it down. Does anyone have one ? Would it last very long ? Many thanks Happymouse in disguise !

[Jenny Green]

I had a smaller, similar thing that was a set of shelves with a plastic cover you could tie on. The cover didn't last long. It got ripped as it was blown about in high winds. I would say they're useful if you don't have a greenhouse, but they need to be sited somewhere sheltered. I still use the shelves part of mine for extra space in the greenhouse.

[Beccy]

Wasn't there an article about these in KG? Or at least a paragragh or two. If I remember rightly the gist was - they need stronger guying than they come with
- they are great for when you need extra undercover space
- they are great for starting off and finishing things that need a long season
- once the cover is dead the frame can be used with netting as a fruit cage

That is extraordinary, when I started that lot I had a vague memory of a picture with two of the things, one a little the worse for wear, hence the authors recommendation about extra guying. The rest came back as I typed. At least I assume it came back - could be the fevered rantings of someone who has finally lost it. Or who is distracted by the prospect of haggis and swede for dinner tonight.

cheers

[Tigger]

They're just what they claim to be - an additional shelter - plus an additional climatic shelter within a greenhouse or tunnel tent.

If you pay Aldi/Lidl prices - they are a bargain. Otherwise - you have to do your sums.

[wibble]

I wouldn't give them house room - I have known two people who have had them and both were flattened by the wind within weeks, one was admittedly in a fairly exposed spot, but the other was in a very sheltered back garden. I would save up for a proper polytunnel.

[secret guest]

Put a wanted ad in the local coop for an aluminium greenhouse. I got a choice of six from 6x8 to 12x20...The best bit..all free to the taker away

[Chris]

Hi

My daughter bought one 2 years ago to enable her to grow tomatoes and raise plants in her first garden - a B&Q bargin at half price (about £25). It was worth it - nothing better than the first tomatoes you have grown youself!

There was a problem with the zip and the front soon became detached from the rest of the covering. But in year 2 it was still usable - and by this time she had installed a 6x8 greenhouse.

The cheap polythene house is still standing (minus the front) and will be very useful for hardening off tender plants as well as an additional garden shelter. I reckon that for someone with a devloping enthusiasm for gardening and a limited budget it is better to go for one of these this year than to save up for the next year.

Chris

[sandersj89]

I have two and they are now in their 5th season though for last year I had to replace the covers.

The frames are still fine.

The type I have are from Guardman and replacement covers are £25. They have recently changed the design of the covers so it is now a sandwich of plastic and woven polypropylene mesh so are much stronger.

I agree with the guying needing to be supplemented and I also lay bricks around the base of the cover on top of the ground flap.

Oh an remove the cover at the end of the season and store in the shed.

I get very good crops of tomatoes, aubergine, cucumbers and peppers in mine and grow other crops such as coriander and cut and come again salad around the base of the plants.

Very pleased with them for the price.

Jerry