Greenhouse and Sun

Discussion in 'Greenhouse Growing' started by Lenticular, Jan 6, 2006.

  1. Lenticular

    Lenticular Apprentice Gardener

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    Hi All
    I�m new so please forgive the daft questions.
    I�ve been allowed a small piece of the garden to use for growing my veg and now I want to put a greenhouse on it.
    The problem is it�s not in the best position. It�s at the back of the garage and has some trees overhanging. It gets the sun in the morning and in the summer has good light throughout but not direct sunlight much after 11am. I managed to grow lot�s of tomatoes this year but not one ripened on the vine!
    My question. Is the expense of the greenhouse worth it if it�s only going to get a small amount of sun? Is sun the main factor? Can heat (artificial) be just as big a factor?
    Sorry my first post is so long
    Thanks
     
  2. Lady Gardener

    Lady Gardener Gardener

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    i think position is the main thing
     
  3. Lady Gardener

    Lady Gardener Gardener

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    you can grow plenty of atttractive veg in among perennials eg rainbow chard, purple sprouting brocoli, autumn king cabbage, asparagus, and i m sure there are more
     
  4. Lenticular

    Lenticular Apprentice Gardener

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    My Wife's not keen on having veg in the borders but I'll mention it again.
    So you only think it's worth it if it's in sunlight all day?
     
  5. Lady Gardener

    Lady Gardener Gardener

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    you may not have got tomatoes to set fruit cos it was nt warm and sunny enuff, realistically the expense is not worth it for veggies, its up to you tho, its a hobby really
    heating a greenhouse from say feb to april is used to promote early growth, but they need light or could be leggy, they will be a lot warmer tho thru the summer and you should get better results, its just not ideal, tho
    rem green tomato chutney is really nice, there are loads of reasons for tomatoes not setting
     
  6. Lenticular

    Lenticular Apprentice Gardener

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    Well, I was using the ploy to grow plants for my wife so as to buy the greenhouse!
    Not sure.... I think I want it more than need it.

    Would I be correct in saying that whatever I have now will improve with a greenhouse? (my input not included)
     
  7. pete

    pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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    Lenticular, I agree with TLG, if the greenhouse doesn't get any sun then its in the wrong place.
    Tell her about all those fantastic bedding plants you'll be able to bring on early if the greenhouse was sited in a different position.
    Plants tend to get more leggy in a greenhouse, if the greenhouse is in shade for a lot of the time the problem gets worse.
     
  8. Marley Farley

    Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

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    [​IMG] Hi Lenticular,
    I agree, you really do need plenty of direct light even if the sunlight is limited. Couldn't you put the greenhouse anywhere else. Or how much of a difference would it make if you cut the overhanging trees back at the rear of the garage?? Would that then let enough light in? :confused: [​IMG]

    [ 07. January 2006, 06:24 PM: Message edited by: Marley Farley ]
     
  9. Lenticular

    Lenticular Apprentice Gardener

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    Just looking at the trees. I think there is some room for cutting back. The garden is south facing so does get sun. I'm just not sure how much.
    I've been looking at getting a Rhino green house but they cost so much I wanted to be sure it would work. What I might do is get a cheep small one from B&Q first to see what happens.
     
  10. Lady Gardener

    Lady Gardener Gardener

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    when i had a greenhouse i filled it easily then found i need cold frame to harden off,plants
     
  11. Marley Farley

    Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

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    [​IMG] Lenticular, if that is the only site then I would definately cut the trees back as far as I dared. Take myself off to B&Q get a little cheapy G/house & give it a try for this year as soon as possible. Then depending on your results you will know whether it would be worth the extra expense of a good quality & sized one that you really wanted... I am sorry but I am the sort of person who has to try it out otherwise I keep thinking, "what if I had"...... Give it a whirl & let us know what you decide... ;) :D
     
  12. pete

    pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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    Trouble is you could end up buying two greenhouses that way [​IMG]
     
  13. Marley Farley

    Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

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    ;) Yes, but what a way to get two....!! I wish I had thought of that ploy..... :D ;)
     
  14. pete

    pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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  15. Lenticular

    Lenticular Apprentice Gardener

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    Thanks for everyone's advice. You have all been very helpful. I'm really glad I came across this board. I don't think I'll be able to post much helpful advice to others but If people don't mind me asking questions I'll keep asking.
    Oh by the way. I'm cutting back the overhanging trees (not too much they do look nice) and getting a Greenhouse tomorrow
    Thanks again. I�ll let you know how it comes along
    [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG]
     
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