GARDENING:
OUR second greenhouse arrives next week and I’m as excited as a child on Christmas Eve. You may think it greedy to want two — and it is a bit. But when you know how precious that frost-free space can be, I’m sure you’ll understand. A greenhouse lets you thumb your nose at winter by making a cosy ark for delicate plants. It creates spring conditions in February and becomes a production line for summer planting schemes.
From May to October, greenhouses go tropical. That enables tomatoes, peppers and other crops to maximise yield and flavour. And, if your structure is roomy, you can even accommodate tender shrubs. A swanky oleander or exotic hibiscus on your summer patio? With a greenhouse, that’s a piece of cake.
If you start right away, there’s still time for seed sowing and you can plant tomatoes or cucumbers until late June.
ALWAYS THINK BIG
IT MAKES sense to choose the roomiest structure your garden can accommodate — or the largest your budget will run to.
Prices vary, as does quality, but the dearest may not be the best and the cheapest shouldn’t be rejected. Functional structures cost less than fancy affairs — no surprise there — but durability is crucial, especially if your garden is exposed.
Whichever brand you choose, make sure it’s well ventilated with large roof lights. Side vents are beneficial, too.
You need a greenhouse which is gale- proof and l ong- l asting. Toughened glass is much stronger than standard 3mm glazing and, to me, essential. But if there are children sharing the garden, polycarbonate is an even safer (though more costly) choice.
A lightweight aluminium 8ft by 10ft greenhouse could cost as little as £600 in kit form. But similar dimensions i n classy timber can be ten times that.
It pays to shop around at this time of year. Online suppliers may still have a few bargains, but spring is close and demand will soon become brisk.
My new greenhouse, t he Wisley 8, is 8ft x 10ft in heavyduty coated aluminium with toughened glass and made by Hartley Botanic — hartleybotanic.co.uk. It’s 30 per cent smaller than my old Hartley greenhouse, which is still sound as a bell. Prices vary according to dimensions but these models are top quality with prices to match.
High- class timber structures from such suppliers as Gabriel Ash ( gabrielash.com) are also pricey. But they’re well-made, durable and beautiful.
SOLID FOUNDATIONS
YOUR greenhouse will need a plumb-level site. Small structures can be fixed to a base frame laid on firmed soil. The frame should be secured at each corner with a metal peg set in concrete.
For my greenhouse, foundation specifications are supplied by Hartley Botanic. We’re laying a 25cm-deep concrete foundation, topped with a course of bricks to which the base will be bolted.
If you have mains water nearby, it’s worth piping an outlet to your greenhouse. Seedlings need tap water, but rainwater is good for mature plants, so include guttering and water butts.
WHEN choosing the position, a sheltered spot facing southwest is ideal. And with a free-standing structure, have the longest sides facing east and west with the door at the south end. A lean-to greenhouse on a southfacing wall provides the hottest habitat, but needs extra ventilation and summer shading.
And if your only possible site is in partial shade, you can boost winter light levels with cheaply run LED lamps.
That needs electricity, but you’ll probably want to connect it for heating anyway.
And with power you can run a propagator or low-wattage soil warming. That reduces overall heating costs and enables you to raise all your young plants from seed or cuttings.
A greenhouse is the gardener’s refuge. I have my best thoughts in mine and love being in it when I’m especially happy — or sad.