Gardening Products » Constructions and Greenhouses

Greenhouse Clearance Sales and Cleaning

hortoris — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 08:12:43 +0000

New Greenhouse Clearance Sales.

October is a slow time for greenhouse sales as you would imagine. That is why there are numerous sales offers around at this time of year.

You can save 20% or more on the price of a new greenhouse if you buy at this time of year.
The Greenhouse People have just sent me a mailshot offering £3000 Alton or Robinsons 8′ X 10′ greenhouses for £1999 in a major clearance event.
Local retailers need the space for Christmas products and may be offering special quick sale deals.

Old Greenhouse Clearance

I am content with my current greenhouse subject to winter damage!
Clearance for me means taking out the old plants and soil used for growing tomatoes.
I will fumigate an empty greenhouse to clear out any lingering pests.
Selected plants will be returned into a new plunge bed I have developed for alpine plants.
Windows will be cleaned and algae removed to improve the amount of light during the short winter days.

Gazebo and Garden Tent Types

hortoris — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 13:07:27 +0000

Spring showers, Autumn rain and Summer storms can all spoil our enjoyment of the garden.
For those planning a garden party or just informal drinks a Gazebo may be the answer.

Low Cost – Good Value Gazebos

Surprisingly you can get a self assembly, steel framed gazebo from B&Q for £17. It measures 10 foot by 7 foot and is powder coated steel in white.
The Arran gazebo is a big play tent 10′ by 10′ costing £30 from Homebase or a striped model is £80 from Tesco
Pop up Gazebos from Tesco, Webbs and Greenfingers are from £70-£90. Guy ropes and pegs are included.
Side walls may be appropriate but remember this will increase wind resistance so watch the weather.

Upmarket Gazebos

Skye garden party gazebo from B&Q costs £99 and measures an impressive 30′ by 10′. It is enclosable on all 4 sides.
Totally open sides with a pyramid shaped roof looks elegant in the Sumba model from B&Q.

Gazebos

available from Amazon are shown here

What is a Gazebo

Gazebos are an ornamental garden feature with international connections.
Used to provide shelter from strong sunshine, breezes, insects and light rain they are constructed in numerous styles and from a variety of materials.
Tent-style structures of poles covered by tensioned fabric are detailed above along with example suppliers.
Gazebos can have a range of alternative names including; pagodas, pavilions, kiosks, belvederes, follies, alhambras, pergolas, and rotundas.

Thanks to poluz, on Flickr for the first picture and increasing our international connections. Visitors from 34 different countries have read our blog in the last week.

Also to nicpic, on Flickr for the Bespoke gazebo that is the top tip for those with big gardens and aspirations.

Shop Around for Greenhouses

hortoris — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 16:58:38 +0000

Greenhouses are available from a widening range of suppliers and we encourage you to shop around.

Buying Factors

Appropriateness for your garden or allotment is key.
Size, safety and ease of installation are the first factors to bear in mind.
The desired longevity of your greenhouse will influence the construction and maintenance.
Aluminium is cheaper than wood and glass is better than polycarbon.
Access for you plus light and ventilation are important. A window and or louvers are needed.
Extra equipment such as benches shelves and staging can be added later.
Flooring or growing direct into the soil needs to be considered.

Cost has not been mentioned in the above list. Try to get what you need and want within or close to your budget. Quality will out and you generally get what you pay for.

Greenhouse Vendors

Specialist companies like Halls, Robinsons and Gabriel Ash
Retail warehouses like Focus and B&Q
Garden centre chains like Wyvale
Retailers like Tesco and Argos
Amazon range is limited

Poly and Net Tunnel Growing

hortoris — Sun, 30 May 2010 08:17:29 +0000

Poly and net tunnels have three main benefits for the serious gardener:

You can grow more difficult and exotic crops in the tunnels micro-climate.
Tunnels can extend the growing season at the start and end of the year.
Tunnels are particularly useful to protect from insect and pest damage.

Thompson Morgan have a special offer at the moment on a Tunnel Collection. You can order one by clicking here from £59.99.

One of each of Easy Net Tunnel, Easy Fleece Tunnel and Easy Poly Tunnel.

Easy Net Tunnel – Top quality, high density polythene netting, 5mm mesh on a concertina-style frame. Protects your plants from birds, insects and rabbits.
Easy Fleece Tunnel - Made from high grade polypropylene fleece on a concertina-style frame. Creates warmth and insulation whilst allowing water and sunlight to filter through.
Easy Poly Tunnel - Tough UV stabilised polythene sheeting on a concertina-style frame. Protects tender crops from frost or harsh weather, as well as giving early planted crops a boost by creating a warmer environment to grow in.

Available in two sizes:
Standard: Dimensions 3m long x 45cm wide x 30cm high
Giant: Dimensions 3m long x 60cm wide x 45cm high

Best Greenhouse Shading

tejvan — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 06:41:09 +0000

What is best way to Shade a Greenhouse from summer sun?

There are a few different options with different costs and ease of use.

1. Shade Paint.

Shading paint can be applied at the start of the summer and removed when the hot spell is over. However, it isn’t very attractive. Also, there is no in between.

2. Rollers.

Rollers are very effective in reducing heat. They can also be adjusted depending on the day. Also, once in place they don’t have to be removed and reapplied each year. The drawback with rollers is that they need more daily maintenance.

3. Netting.

A green netting is more attractive than shade paint. Though it is a little more cumbersome to remove and put in place.

4. Damping Down / Airflow. This is not shading a greenhouse, but it can help prevent the greenhouse overheating in summer. Water helps remove some heat, but, leaves may still be vulnerable to scorching.

Different Types of Greenhouse shading at Amazon

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