[FCG]

I just wondered what the forums thoughts where on the mini greenhouses you can get from B&Q, wilkinsons & B'n'M etc. Good/bad? I've currently got one as i have no space for a full sized glass one... these are the plastic ones i'm talking about.

So what do you folks think about them?

[iwantanallotment]

Mine's not a 'mini' one, but I have noticed a big difference between it and the glass greenhouse - despite getting less direct sun, it gets a LOT more humid!
Every morning it's steamed right up - can't see in - and you can feel the heat pour out as the door is unzipped - it's not zipped up until 10pm each night, yet still generates all that heat/humidity overnight.
So I'm keeping mine specifically for plants which like those conditions. The tomatoes love it, and melons will (hopefully...maybe) go in soon.
Things like lettuce/salad leaves haven't fared so well in there, it's too extreme and they wilt, so they stay in glass greenhouse until going out. Marigolds too wilt in there.
You'd think the extra warmth etc would be good for germinating - but again, depends. Toms & peppers, yes....but beans gave a poor germination rate compared to glass greenhouse.
It's just a case of finding which plants like the extra humidity, and which don't.
I'm finding glass vs plastic are 2 very different greenhouses, but there's a purpose for each.
In my very limited experience, anyway  

[PeterR]

Up to now, I had the "zip up" plastic mini greenhouse, which does not last long, first to go is the zip. It cannot be heated because it is a fire hazard. Goes "manky" after a season or so.
So I ghave now opted for a polycarbonate aluminum greenhouse.



£159 + staging from Argos £40 + automatic vent £20

Mine is the 4.5" X 2.2" size which I can use on my balcony.
I do not want to grow crops in there, just to grow the seedlings, as I grow virtually all (veggies, bedding plants) from seed.  

My Veg plot:

March 2008


May 2008



.

[DD.]

Up to now, I had the "zip up" plastic mini greenhouse, which does not last

long, first to go is the zip.
It cannot be heated because it is a fire hazard.
Goes "manky" after a season or so.
So I ghave now opted for a polycarbonate aluminum greenhouse.

That's a 'no' vote then!

[gobs]

Up to now, I had the "zip up" plastic mini greenhouse, which does not last

long, first to go is the zip.
It cannot be heated because it is a fire hazard.
Goes "manky" after a season or so.
So I ghave now opted for a polycarbonate aluminum greenhouse.

That's a 'no' vote then!

     

Also true...and there is a bit of a wind problem and cover weathering, too.

Last as long, as much you paid for them.  

I have a 3 tier one from lidl bought about 3-4 years ago for some £14 it needs a new cover, which is broken, because I've overloaded it :roll: , zip is still good.

[woodburner]

I had a multi tiered one a few years ago but it kept blowing over as there was nothing suitable to fix it to.  :evil:

Now I've got a couple of those low ones from Woolies. Very handy, so light you can just lift them off, I keep forgetting they have zips . . . Can't grow anything really tall in them, but the sweetcorn still just about fits, and the toms to go out and the cucs. I reckon I'll use them over the cucs after I've planted them out too.

[compostqueen]

I have a four tier one from Wilko.  They had these at £12 and now down to £3 if you can get your hands on one. That is with the cover  :shock:  Bargain!

I use mine in my unheated greenhouse and it's been fantastic. The four shelves hold loads of seed trays and pots.  I put the more delicate seedlings in there to give them extra protection.  You don't have to zip it right closed. I leave breather space in the bottom and I put sacking on the floor under it during the winter (the narrow gap between the floor and the first shelf)

They have securing loops but I've kept mine totally indoors. Mind you if you can get a four tier one for £3 it's not a disaster if it does get ripped

[woodburner]

At that price I'd buy another! Two even! A couple of stakes in the ground should make good anchorage. (Couldn't have done that where I had the last one).

[compostqueen]

I checked on Wilko website YESTERDAY and they're £3.  You can ask them to email you when they're back in

You could get a couple in the greenhouse       They put up very easily too.  I did mine in the kitchen and walked it out to the greenhouse without it falling to bits

[Big Jen]

Sorry to disapoint you all but its just the cover for £3.99 not the whole greenhouse. Still a bargain though  

[gobs]

 

True.

[Lee1978]

I agree with gobs, slightest bit of wind and it is gone

[The Hungry Slug]

I put my unopened bags of compost on the botton shelf of mine and that stopped it blowing over - even in the 45mph winds last weekend!

[kezlou]

Hi have i mini plastic greenhouse and i think its great.
My OH fixed mine to my yard wall for me and its worked a treat so far.
The only problem i have is how fast the the plants inside soak up the water be cause of the humidity inside the greenhouse.

[FCG]

Seems like the majority is in favour then!

I had the problem of them blowing over, but i fixed that sharpish with a bit of DIY on the bottom shelf. Mainly loading 6" of gravel in a tray and supporting it with a large wooden block underneath so it wouldn't bend. Plus a few boulders on either side of it.

About the condensation, i keep my toms and chilli's at the top which seems to suit them with everything else lower down. Seems to work ok.