[RJR_38]

I bought a plastic greenhouse a few weeks ago - mainly because I wanted the shelving as a perfect size for my balcony. However, with this rubbish cold weather I am now thinking I should use it for my leeks - I don't really want them inside too much longer or they will get too used to it and also to start off my brassicas soon as I think outside is just too cold.

My question is - are they any good and do they let enough light in? From looking at th plastic I am worried that the light coming through wont be very good quality and so all my seedlings will go leggy. Has anyone raised seedlings in a wiko plastic greenhouse?

[mumofstig]

Yes, but they don't give much protection from a hard frost, so you may still need fleece for the coldest nights.

[LilacSandy]

Not sure about the Wilco ones, but I have five altogether.  Two are at the allotment holding my onions and leeks till ready to go in, done this for the last three years and no adverse effects.  Of the three at home, one overwinters my fuschia plants, the other two hold my broad bean, sweet pea and brassica plants till they are ready to go up to the lotty.

In the summer I use them for tomato, pepper, cucumbers etc, and in the winter I store my hardy herbs to keep off the worst of the weather.  Would not be without them.

[RJR_38]

Ok, that gives me some confidence. I will probably put the covers on it today and get the leeks out there then. We don't really get any hard frosts on the balcony so it will be fine for that and I have it against the building so minimal chance of it blowing over etc (well fingers crossed anyway)

[grinling]

Put something heavy on the bottom to stop it blowing about.

[Ashurstman]

Put something heavy on the bottom to stop it blowing about.

Does not ensure that it wont fly. Mine on the allotment went walkabout last night despite weighting down the bas as it separated and left the base where it was! - but it was a gale. The ones close to home are "held" by a fence and are very good but do need thermal fleece in winter. Having said that do not buy the clear plastic versions as the cover only lasts 12 months!

[RJR_38]

If is a clear plastic one I have got - it was very cheap and I don't honestly expect the plastic to last past this 'spring' (it is currently snowing here in south Herts) - it is so thin but I bought it for the shelves really.

What other sort of plastic greenhouses are there if not clear ones? Surely if the plastic is anything else then light can't get in?

[DD.]

Translucent.

Let's about 70% of the light in, which is normally adequate. However, with these gloomy days.............

[RJR_38]

Ah, I see!

[sunshineband]

Our site is very windy so guying them to fences etc is essential if they are to stay on your own plot   

Assuming the fence stays put of course 

[grendel]

I  normally wait for the wilkinsons sale, got 4 for £2.50 each the other year, at that price if they last the year I am happy.
Grendel

[Pimento]

I find mine really useful but it's a shame with the roll-up door that the ventilation is 'all or nothing'.  Condensation can be a real problem with seedlings once the sun comes out, and if you're not careful they can fry, too.

I'm not sure why no one seems to have designed one with side window-flaps, or something.

Mind you, having said that, can't see much of a problem if this ''spring" is anything to go by, so far...   

[LilacSandy]

I  normally wait for the wilkinsons sale, got 4 for £2.50 each the other year, at that price if they last the year I am happy.
Grendel

I also got a couple from Wilko's at £2.50 and they are both still going strong on the lotty, however they are lashed down with guy ropes and in a fairly sheltered position but still get hit with some pretty awful weather over winter.  At one point they shook so much all the pots fell off the shelves but at least they stayed where they were.