Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat

Chatting => Design and Construction => Topic started by: Becci W on February 26, 2011, 18:09

Title: Greenhouse!!! but too big!
Post by: Becci W on February 26, 2011, 18:09
Hi all,

A friend at work has moved house and has asked if I wanted the greenhouse she has aquired. I was really excited (after 2 years of trying to find one). Have been to see it today and it is HUGE. 8ft x 12ft. She doesn't want anything for it and I can't bring myself to turn it down.

Can you cut down greenhouses? If you can how difficult is it?
Title: Re: Greenhouse!!! but too big!
Post by: andy135 on February 26, 2011, 18:20
I'd say go get it then get some sheet polythene and partition one end of it. That way you can use as much or as little as you like.
Title: Re: Greenhouse!!! but too big!
Post by: arugula on February 26, 2011, 18:23
There are some useful comments here:

http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=69417.0

about dismantling a greenhouse, but there are other threads on forum too which give advice. :)
Title: Re: Greenhouse!!! but too big!
Post by: 8doubles on February 26, 2011, 18:26
Proper size greenhouse there, you can space the plants out properly and have a permanant potting bench or a table and chairs. You will soon fill it up. :)

You can cut them to size but a swap for an 8x6 might be easier.
Title: Re: Greenhouse!!! but too big!
Post by: Becci W on February 26, 2011, 18:35
Thanks for the tips!

I think I will just have too rearrange the top of my plot! Might just be able fit it on sideways with whats on there already (my shed is quite wide!). I really want it.....already day dreaming about cucumbers and peppers and space for all my little seedlings!!!! Big step up from having only a window sill!!!
Title: Re: Greenhouse!!! but too big!
Post by: Kristen on February 26, 2011, 18:40
Can you cut down greenhouses? If you can how difficult is it?

Mind have single-members from end-to-end for ridge, eves and base, so it would not be easy to shorten them.  If yours is in sections, with some sort of clearly visible break in the lengthwise members, then you could probably just put up one bay - but for a 12' house I doubt that is the case, and if it is then the break will be at 6' which is probably shorter than you want.

No such thing as a greenhouse that is too large of course! so all you have to do it push-and-squeeze it into your plot :)
Title: Re: Greenhouse!!! but too big!
Post by: Becci W on February 26, 2011, 19:31
(http://i792.photobucket.com/albums/yy209/rebeccawatton/greenhouse.jpg?t=1298748626)

Isn't it great!!! Only needs a few panes replacing!!
Title: Re: Greenhouse!!! but too big!
Post by: arugula on February 26, 2011, 19:44
It's a cracker! :D
Title: Re: Greenhouse!!! but too big!
Post by: EddieJ on February 26, 2011, 20:43
Very nice to! >:( It even has a low door threshold that is sadly so lacking on many greenhouses. I'm not even the slightest bit jealous!! >:( >:( ;)

In respect of altering the size. The depth should be easy enough to reduce, but reducing the width could be more hassle than it is worth, and you may end up with just a pile of scrap ally and glass.

I'd jump at the chance of owning something like that. :)
Title: Re: Greenhouse!!! but too big!
Post by: Becci W on February 26, 2011, 21:17
Im determined to get it to fit now! The width isn't a problem just the length. keep your fingers crossed!
Title: Re: Greenhouse!!! but too big!
Post by: EddieJ on February 26, 2011, 21:27
Im determined to get it to fit now! The width isn't a problem just the length.

It is so tempting to say something to that remark!!! :D

If it's only the length, then you don't have a problem. Had you been closer, I would have offered to help you with it.
Title: Re: Greenhouse!!! but too big!
Post by: Becci W on February 26, 2011, 21:32
Ha Ha! :blush:

Thanks for the advice, i'm hoping I might be able to rope in some help from the more experienced plot holders tomorrow!
Title: Re: Greenhouse!!! but too big!
Post by: 8doubles on February 27, 2011, 08:20
If the panes are standard horticultural glass (24") it looks like a 10 footer not a 12 but still very nice !  :)
Title: Re: Greenhouse!!! but too big!
Post by: Nige2Plots on February 27, 2011, 08:35
Go for it and the bigger the greenhouse the better!
Your photo certainly brought back memories, here's a photo of a greenhouse I bought last year to put on one of my plots.

 
Title: Re: Greenhouse!!! but too big!
Post by: Rangerkris on February 27, 2011, 16:02
You could make better use Nige than storing your toys in it i am sure. :tongue2:
Title: Re: Greenhouse!!! but too big!
Post by: Nige2Plots on February 27, 2011, 16:53
You could make better use Nige than storing your toys in it i am sure. :tongue2:
:lol: :lol: :lol:
Title: Re: Greenhouse!!! but too big!
Post by: Becci W on February 27, 2011, 19:18
I am pleased to say I will be the proud owner of the greenhouse in the next few weeks!!! Have measured up today and it fits....just! Committee are going to organise help and a van for me!!!
Title: Re: Greenhouse!!! but too big!
Post by: Nige2Plots on February 27, 2011, 20:18
I am pleased to say I will be the proud owner of the greenhouse in the next few weeks!!! Have measured up today and it fits....just! Committee are going to organise help and a van for me!!!
That is great news 8) 8) Happy growing ;)
Title: Re: Greenhouse!!! but too big!
Post by: Tenhens on March 08, 2011, 20:53
Lucky you!

I had to pay for mine , the same size . If you can get away without reducing the size I am sure you will reap the benefits. It will be well worth the effort. Good also that you appear to have some willing helpers, so fustrating when someone offers after the event.
Title: Re: Greenhouse!!! but too big!
Post by: GrannieAnnie on March 08, 2011, 21:45
That's a lovely greenhouse Becci, you can never have a greenhouse that's too big!!   unless its bigger than your garden! :D :D
Title: Re: Greenhouse!!! but too big!
Post by: Tenhens on March 09, 2011, 21:06
Suggest gloves , WD40 to spray nuts and bolts,and a pot with lid to put them in. marker pen to id all the parts,  and a camera to take pics . I found a socket and ratchet worked ok.

Good luck
Title: Re: Greenhouse!!! but too big!
Post by: Becci W on March 13, 2011, 20:09
Thanks for all the advice, just wanted to update everyone. Took all the glass out today, only lost one pane on the journey home. It was already damaged so I'm really pleased. Hopefully dismantling the frame and bringing the rest of it onto the plot on Friday!!! Have wd40 all of the joints today ready!
Title: Re: Greenhouse!!! but too big!
Post by: Becci W on March 13, 2011, 20:44
Just wondering, have been reading about people sealing their greenhouses. Wheni took the panes out today, they didn't have any seals, they were just flush to the aluminium frame. Should I buy some sealing ? Also can I re use the W clips? Any tips on what I can clean the glass with?
Title: Re: Greenhouse!!! but too big!
Post by: Rangerkris on March 14, 2011, 06:57
I cleaned my glass with fairy up liquid when i got my new to me greenhouse's, I would buy a new pack of w clips and replace any slack ones as you go also a pack of bolts all from wilko cheap as chips.  All mine have had seals with them so not sure weather they do some with out or not.
Title: Re: Greenhouse!!! but too big!
Post by: Fisherman on March 15, 2011, 20:35
There were generally two types of methods used for sealing aluminium greenhouses of this type 1)mastic, 2)rubber seals. If it was the type that used mastic there will be a small grove on the aluminium extrusion where the window is seated. Grey mastic tubes can be used bought from a hardware store like Q&B for this type. If its a type of greenhouse that uses rubber seals it would be worth trying to find the make then Googling as there's loads of information. Worth sealing properly otherwise the windows will rattle in the wind, crack and leak.

Nice greenhouse by the way, you will love it.
Title: Re: Greenhouse!!! but too big!
Post by: ManicMum on March 17, 2011, 23:30
I didn't think there was such a thing as too big a greenhouse!!  People always seem to fill them, even if part of it becomes a potting shed/store!