Issue 20Ask The Experts

If you are a Scotland Grows' subscriber but have not yet joined our private Readers' Facebook Group, it is a place where you can safely ask, and answer questions, and you will be made to feel very welcome.
Last month a reader asked, "I would really love a greenhouse, and I finally have space, so before I get looking, what are people's top tips and advice on what I'm going to need?"
And of course, our readers offered advice, from their own experience.
Dividing Rule“If you live in a particularly windy place you will want a strong one…you may need to prepare a base first of concrete or slabs. You will need shelving and possibly opening windows. Choose the biggest you can afford or have room for - you will easily fill it!”
Amanda KeebleDividing Rule“Get the biggest you can afford and fit in - might seem too big but you will soon fill it!”
Jenny MorganDividing Rule“Get the biggest you have the space for and you can afford. Mine is glass and I put in a lot of extra clips so touch wood never had a problem with broken panes.”
Anne WilsonDividing Rule“Automatic opening windows and straight onto useable ground (not full concrete base), I wish I could plant into the ground in my greenhouse. It gets quite steamy at times so wish I had auto windows. Automatic watering system has been a great investment for me too.

“A normal greenhouse might not withstand weather where I am on the coast so I got a local shed builder to build a shed with windows all round but solid felt roof. Think this is year 5 and no issues, it seems to work as well as a 'proper' greenhouse. So, think out the box and look local for ideas.”Helen MclachlanDividing Rule“Biggest, tallest, and most sturdy one you can afford, and have it bolted down.”
Mike RossiDividing Rule“Important to prepare the ground/base properly or the grass won’t sit right. Allow time for this! Make sure you will have drainage whether you go for slabs or soil inside.

“Pay extra for tubing instead of clips. Get the best glass you can afford, it will affect growth.”Chelsea Sub-rosaDividing Rule“I've got an 6x8ft greenhouse and wish I'd bought bigger. Glad I got vents and automatic louvres and a double door (great for carrying stuff in and out).”
Janis StewartDividing Rule“Buy a bigger one than you think you need.”
Annette Sandford
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