Posted: 17/05/2013 at 23:21
...I can't offer too much advice but first of all, I think a 10 x 8 should be fine for most home gardeners. and ideally it should be sited east/west... double sliding doors and 2 windows, with perhaps a louvre window too if possible...
I've only ever had glass so cannot comment on polycarbonate... I just think glass makes it look like a proper greenhouse...
mine is on paving slabs, but the base does need to be very level otherwise it might move in high winds...
I used to have one with a soil border but I grow everything in pots now, and I don't miss the soil really..
good solid staging is a must... you'll be putting lots of heavy things on it..
I have an 'Elite' greenhouse but I wouldn't recommend one, I think there are probably better ones going...
also, have guttering on each of the long sides with plastic connection pipes running to a water butt at one end. It takes longer to fill than down pipes connected to your home but it's nice to have this as an extra... sometimes these connections to the guttering can get a bit loose and I tie waterproof tape around some of the joins as occasionally it can leak the water away instead of going to the butt..
don't know about drainage, I seem to have enough gap under the base so that if I hose it down the water runs away a bit to the outside...
one thing I do recommend is having somewhere to sit down, like a little stool or something, which doesn't take up much room, as when it's chilly outside, if it's sunny, it can reach 21 degrees in there and you will just want to enjoy the warmth with a nice cup of tea...
... grow nice winter salads too...
...have a lovely time...
...did I say I couldn't offer too much advice...? lol ! .. sorry for rambling on but I love my greenhouse and I know you will enjoy yours just as much...
