[Julie Pattisson]

Hello,  allotment colleages....

We have been lucky enough to come by a former commercial greenhouse, approx 20ft by 10ft, which is probably two greenhouses put together. Following shot-blasting and powder-coating it looks magnificent, but we are having trouble putting it up! We think the metal structure is just about square, but are now facing getting the glass in. Is it better to leave the bolts in the structure a little loose to allow some play while the glass is going in, or tighten it all up and hope it doesn't need to move to accomodate the glass? And what order to glaze in, roof or sides first? All advice appreciated....  :roll:

Julie

[richyrich7]

Hi Julie welcome to the forums    

I've just rebuilt a 6 x 12, personally I'd make sure the frame was square first , tighten the bolts then glaze from the roof down, it's a real pain when you have done the sides then try to lean over to get the roof done, and then put your foot through the glass   :oops:

[peterjf]

hello , put the larger panes of glass to the roof first, then the sides , and finally the back and the front ,

any missing rubber buffers can be replaced with bathroom sealant , its cheaper then buy new, 6 spots of sealent is usually enough, put the sealant on the green house frame , not the grass ,  

the next morning you can cut the sealant level with the frame , just to tidy it up,

GOOD LUCK

[peterjf]

the roof glass is lighter then the sides , giving the sides srength and the roof lesser wieght

[Julie Pattisson]

Thank you all for the very sound advice - would have got it done this weekend but for the rising wind (not sensible to half-do it!) so will keep you posted.  In the meantime, any hints for establishing a growing border inside a greenouse??   :roll:

[richyrich7]

Add plenty of compost or manure whatever is easiest for you,possibly add grit to if the soil is heavy and double dig it, make a good path down the centre, mines made from a timber surround with a  hardcore base and gravel to finish, Possibly even think about putting in some trickle hose or similar, thats my next move.  

[Julie Pattisson]

Delighted to report that greenhouse is now fully glazed, floored, and up and running.  Just have to dig the bed and add grit as suggested.  

Has anyone experience of capillary matting watering systems?  Do they work?  Is the micropore plastic over the top (to stop roots growing in) a good idea, and does anyone know a good web-based source of the matting and the micro-pore?

Thanks!