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I had a hunt around in the barn and discovered that we appear to have the frames (and some glazing) for not one, but two greenhouses. I dragged all the parts out that I could find and separated them out.

The first is, I think, an 8’x6′ frame which appears in passable condition once all the ivy is cleared off it. I’m thinking it might be a little small for what I want though, and at the back of my head I have a plan for an experiment that might be a better use for it.

The second I’m really not sure about without sorting though all the parts. There appear to be seven rails that are ten feet long, plus a ridge of similar length, perhaps suggesting that it is a 10’x10′ model. It only appears to have a single door however, and most models that size that I’ve seen have two, so it may just be 10’x8′. I think I may need to assemble some of it to get a clearer idea of what is going on. Even if it is the smaller size I think that will be acceptable for what I’m planning. With the larger size I could have three beds 60cm wide with two 60cm paths between them which would be a nice balance of sizes. With the smaller model I’d probably have to go for something like two 90cm beds with a single 60cm path down the middle, though I could perhaps make the beds a little narrower and take another 10cm for the path.

Anyhow, the next stage is definitely to put some of the larger one together and find out exactly what I have.

My current greenhouse is a 12’x8′ aluminium frame on top of a single block high dwarf wall all on a concrete pad. The wall gives it a bit more height, which makes it more comfortable to work in, and the concrete base is helpful because it’s flat and level making a good base for pots, trays and staging.

What it’s not always great for though is growing plants through the season because they have to be in pots or tubs which means watering can be inconsistent and they may not have access to all the nutrients necessary.

Some time back I acquired another greenhouse frame (so long ago I can’t even remember what size it is at the moment) and I think perhaps the time has come to set that up purely for growing plants and keeping the other for propagation and the sort of thing I’m doing now with winter salads. I’m thinking I might stand it on something like railway sleepers (or fake ones) to gain a little more height and then go “full no dig” on the inside, laying sheets of cardboard and covering over the top with compost.

First I need to find all the bits of the frame and make up some of it so I can find out what size it is. Then I can look at prices for the requisite number of sleepers and decide if perhaps I wouldn’t prefer to find something less expensive 🙂