[Howard]

I have nearly finished moving my 8'x6' greenhouse, or rather, I've nearly finished putting it back together again and I'm thinking of replacing either one or two of the lower glass sheets with louvred panels to improve ventilation.

It has one roof vent (window) and it's primary use will be to grow tomatoes in and start off veg to be planted out later.

Can I ask, what's the consensus of opinion? If yes, I should do it, should I go for one or two?

And again, if yes, which side of the greenhouse should I fit it/them, the side I plan to grow my tomatoes or the staging side?

Many thanks in advance for your thoughts.

Howard

[pushrod]

Definitely a good idea IMO. In a greenhouse that size i would have one louvred window and i would go for the sunny side, which would also hopefully be the side with easy access and most visible so that you don't forget you have left it open. ( you can get automatic openers for them although i only use the automatic units on the roof openers). I would have thought that positioning under a shelf might restrict air flow.

Edit  : i notice you have put some work in and lifted the greenhouse with your concrete footings - definitely a good idea and you will be pleased with the extra height it gives 

[Howard]

Definitely a good idea IMO. In a greenhouse that size i would have one louvred window and i would go for the sunny side, which would also hopefully be the side with easy access and most visible so that you don't forget you have left it open. ( you can get automatic openers for them although i only use the automatic units on the roof openers). I would have thought that positioning under a shelf might restrict air flow.

Edit  : i notice you have put some work in and lifted the greenhouse with your concrete footings - definitely a good idea and you will be pleased with the extra height it gives 

Many thanks and duly noted.

I am absolutely chuffed to bits with the plinth. I've gained an extra 8" (I've lowered the floor a little too) and I can now get an 8' cane to the apex (bent to the profile of the greenhouse) which should give me two more trusses at least. 

[mumofstig]

2 or more trusses You get a truss every 8 - 12 inches in most varieties

They'll be great......only wished i'd done that with my g/house

[Howard]

2 or more trusses You get a truss every 8 - 12 inches in most varieties

They'll be great......only wished i'd done that with my g/house

Previously I've grown them straight up(ish) and cut the canes at about 5'8". As I mentioned, with the extra height and by bending it I can now get an 8' cane in which should give me an extra two trusses I hope. 

[Babstreefern]

Definitely have louvre windows.  The best place to put it is on the opposite side to your open window as this will allow a free flow of air to circulate.

[PAULW]

I have put the louvre in my greenhouse in the end opposite the door then you get a through draft also very helpful incase you forget to open the door and the weather turns warmer than you expected

[Howard]

Thanks Babstreefern and PAULW.

Does anyone have any experience of buying them from the www, or can anyone recommend a supplier?

[tallulah]

Just echoing the others - yes have the louvres - on the tomato side not the staging or they'll not open easily.  Tho you need to be mindful of leaves catching.  Again, as mentioned, look also at where your other opening windows are, as strategic positioning useful to promote airflow.  I can highly recommend the automatic louvres - I have these and they're great.  So many companies on the net, you'll be able to find what you want easily I'm sure.

[FRUITFULL]

Definatly have a louver if you have a choice for air flow.I have auto roof and louver openers which i got from elite greenhouses.They paid for themselves last year as we had about 50 cucumbers.
I really recomend the auto openers,i saw they sell them at B&Q 

[suesowsseed]

Hi,

I have just put up a 6X8 greenhouse and put the louvres at the bottom opposite the door.  I agree this creates a good through draft.  I didn't know you can get an automatic opener for them, thats a good idea. 

I've also put a free standing mini greenhouse inside to house my tomatoes and chilli peppers until they are bigger and the weather warms up, this gives a good amount of extra heat and they seem to be thriving.