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Greenhouse types.

A greenhouse can be made of wood aluminium or even plastic. The best types are made of cedarwood, but these are the most expensive. Some softwood types are cheap, but expensive to maintain. Aluminium greenhouses are cheaper and need little or no maintenance. Plastic greenhouses are the cheapest, but not very pleasing to look at. They have a short life, but should last three years.

Greenhouse styles.

Many different styles of greenhouse are available, ranging from conventional to the specialist types. Small octagonal greenhouses can be made of wood or aluminium, will fit in small gardens and can be a focal point; they maximise use of space. The downside, Quite expensive for the size.

The traditional span greenhouse is the most practical in terms of space, and cost.

Where space is at a premium, a lean-to may provide the answer, providing you have a suitable outside wall that has a mixture of sun and shade throughout the day. Very similar to a conservatory, they can be used in the same way.

Where visual appearance is not important, a poly tunnel may be suitible.a metal frame is covered with heavy-duty plastic, a reasonably cheap way for growing crops. Ventilation can be a problem,

A traditional greenhouse should be sited North to South for optimum light. Make sure ground is completely level before building a brick base, to the manufacturers specifications. Alternatively concrete sections may be available, that fix together.
A Wooden greenhouse just requires bolting together to erect, and fixing to the base. Most glazing is carried out dry; some types may need putty, but should not present any problems.

Aluminium greenhouses are usually supplied in prefabricated structures; the gables and sides are in sections. The parts are simply bolted together and attached to the special base. The glazing is simply carried out using using glazing strips and clips

The Coldframe.

If you have a greenhouse a coldframe is essential, allowing plants to be hardened off, when transferring from greenhouse ready for planting out. Several types are available, made in wood or aluminium. If you are handy with a saw, make your own out of reclaimed timber, or brickwork with a timber lid. The minimum useful size for a coldframe is 4ft x2ft.

Cloches.

Cloches are used mainly for growing vegetables, but can be used for any plant requiring protection early in the season. Cloches come in a few designs. A tent cloche is simply two pieces of glass clipped together to form a tent. A tunnel cloche is made with steel hoops covered in heavy duty plastic.