saracook31 Posted July 27, 2009 Share Posted July 27, 2009 Just wondered if anyone uses or has used a mini greenhouse like this one... http://www.wilkinsonplus.com/Seed-Trays+Propagators/Wilko-Mini-Greenhouse-4-Tier/invt/0169741 Want to be able to start my own plants, but can't afford to but a proper greenhouse at the mo... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Couperwife Posted July 27, 2009 Share Posted July 27, 2009 we have they are quite good - and inexpensive we found that they dont last long though, you will probably have to get a new one next year - and the year after. we also had to strap it down too, when it got windy it tended to shuffle cathy x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted July 27, 2009 Share Posted July 27, 2009 They are very good, but be sure to secure it to a drainpipe or fence. Nothing quite so disappointing as to find all your seedlings in a heap after a gust of wind. Voice of experience here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saracook31 Posted July 27, 2009 Author Share Posted July 27, 2009 Ok, will definately remember that! I think it will be going against a fence or wall anyway. Seems better than forking out a couple of hundred quid for a proper one right now! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C&T Posted July 27, 2009 Share Posted July 27, 2009 You can also get slightly larger ones, that you can walk into. They cost a bit more, but give you more space, and seem ( ) to be a bit stronger and therefore last longer then these smaller ones. See product number 720/1981 on the Argos website. I've had both, and the bigger one I have had far more use out of, and really noticed the difference, and was well worth the extra money. Being taller, growing things like tomatoes is much easier, and being that bit larger, gives the plants a whole lot more room. I even have courgettes and peppers and squash growing in there as well as 2 tomato plants. Also more air circulation, so fewer issues with plants drying out and diseases etc. (NB - also very easy to chicken proof, by putting some netting across the front, tied to the two shelving stands, about 2/3 feet high, and I just reach in over the top to water etc!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy chickens! Posted July 27, 2009 Share Posted July 27, 2009 I found these quite useful before got the greenhouse - they're no good against really cold weather, but handy for a bit of protection, and they're not a waste of money as the shelves make very good greenhouse shelving once you've saved up! Def tie down well though, Egluntine is so right! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted July 27, 2009 Share Posted July 27, 2009 (edited) A good tip someone gave me was to pierce a hole through the plastic with a hot skewer and tie the guy ropes to the frame through them, the action of the wind pulling on the little tabs that the ropes are normally attached to really affects the strength of the cover and so they rip frequently Edited because of some appalling typing errors Edited July 28, 2009 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted July 27, 2009 Share Posted July 27, 2009 We've had two of these and weighed down the bottom shelf with paving slabs. Once the plastic had disappeared to the next village we use the frames for hardening off seedling. The shelves are spread over the vacant broad bean patch at the moment - keeping the cats off! Worth every penny! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poachedegg Posted July 28, 2009 Share Posted July 28, 2009 We've got 2; one new this year and one from last year - they are down the side of the house and weighed down with flags and they've been absolutely fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted July 28, 2009 Share Posted July 28, 2009 I weighed mine down with flags, but the gale force wind caused the frame to bend and snap. Redwing is right about the tabs not being up to much. Top tip re the red hot skewer. I really would urge anyone using these otherwise fab little greenhouses to secure them to a drainpipe or similar. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clur Posted July 30, 2009 Share Posted July 30, 2009 One tip I've learnt from last year is to take the cover in once it starts to get v.cold and frosty. The plastic cover on ours went brittle over winter and we managed to get a replacement cover for this year. Ours has been fab - grown cucumbers and peppers in ours so far. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted August 1, 2009 Share Posted August 1, 2009 My aunt bought my children one of these and yes put some bricks on it and really secure the ties in any windy spot but they are brilliant. I bought an expensive Alton Greenhouse and just sold it on ebay(to fund my cube ) and I think the little greenhouse is far easier and succsessful and you can move it around. Rmember to open it up in warm weather to allow the air to circulate I still have it and its about 6 years old (the tapes for tying are perished but I have neglected it)My alton greenhouse cost £££ and this product is just as good Great product indie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saracook31 Posted August 1, 2009 Author Share Posted August 1, 2009 Thank you all for replies! I am now a proud owner of a mini greenhouse! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheilaz Posted August 2, 2009 Share Posted August 2, 2009 Thank you all for replies! I am now a proud owner of a mini greenhouse! Thank you for the post & replies everyone. I'll go & find the one I bought 2 years ago, then perhaps I'll unpack it & use it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
