A gifted second-hand greenhouse can be taken apart in less than a day, if you’re eager. It helps to see how they need to be reassembled. And an 8’x6’, disassembled into its component parts, will just fit in an old X5 for transport. Agree a solid, level, base is a must.
Lovely job done there. Consider upgrading the window openers if possible to auto openers so that when it's hot the windows open automatically and you don't have to worry about the plants overheating
Came to say just this! Even in winter it can get quite warm in the greenhouse and I've seen my auto openers open the windows a little. A greenhouse isn't only useful in spring and summer, I've grown pack choi and other greens over winter for any early spring harvest 🙂.
I feel your pain. I built a greenhouse for my folks in Northern Ireland in 2015. It was a flat pack job from England. My Dad dug out a base and put in 1 & 1/2 tonne of gravel as hardcore, which he shovelled into and out of a plant trailer by himself, (he was 77 at the time), and then I levelled it out, laid flags and built the greenhouse. The instructions were okay, but not brilliant. The job was made all the more fun by my Dad 'helping' me. Where does this bit go? Where does that bit go? Etc. There was a lot more progress when he wasn't helping.
Something about a greenhouse that takes me back to my times with my Grandad, during summer, the fabulous range of fruit and veg he had growing ... really enjoyed watching this video, looking forward to growing 👍
Another great vlog Andy thanks. I found buying an additional two roof lights and automatic openers for the roof lights & louvre vent was a really good investment.
Thank you. Exactly the kind of comprehensive guide to building a greenhouse that I was looking for. That was so useful. You've done a lovely job and left nothing to chance. I hope you post an update later in the year when you've put in benches and plants.
I have a greenhouse that needs building too. Looks like we have the same one. I'm planning on using paveing slabs for the walkway in the middle. However surely using a complete paving slab base means you can't build a secure foundation frame that you're mean to attach the greenhouse to? Those L shape brackets at the base of your greenhouse are meant to attach to the corrosponding foundation frame for that model greenhouse. Without that foundation frame, your greenhouse isn't securely fastened/achored into the ground. So it will lift up and move in a strong wind storm. How have you achored your greenhouse? because those screws and wall plugs aren't likely to take sustained strain and will snap quite easily with the horrid winter storms we've been having . Not saying this to be an AH, I'm just giving you a heads up now because I know how expensive that greenhouse is and with all the time and energy you've invested, I'd hate for it all to be lost in a bad storm. I'd highly recommend finding someway to secure it with rebar rods as the achor points. Perhaps have a think about it before you fill your greenhouse up too much.
I think there's 11 mounting points to the slabs so ain't going anywhere 👍. The instructions just tell you to attach the L-brackets to the 'patio' - no mention of a foundation frame? 🤔
With regard to being careful with the edges of toughened glass ... In the eighties, I sometimes helped out a glazier friend with bigger installs, shop windows and the like. He was subcontracted to help with a much bigger job, replacing a door glass on a city centre building, and brought me along. The door was about 4 metres high and had a concrete canopy projecting above it. As the very heavy (and very expensive custom ordered) single piece of glass was being lifted into place, the edge of it clipped the concrete canopy and the whole sheet broke into thousand of pieces. Wouldn't like to have been the person who had to explain that to the building owners.
Excellent job, However I took a hint from my dad, (who was garden superintendent for 3 hospitals, back when they had to produce all the food!) he said 'son, you've taken a liking to growing, think of your ideal GH, then think a width size up, you'll thank me!' He was so right, I wanted an 8 ft wide, thinking better than 6 no? He told me no go 10ft wide, and less length if you have to, so much more you can do. He's right, I grow 14 tom plants in big pots each year, 4 cucs at the southern end, and taking the staging out, tumbling toms/ dwarf peppers either side. My greenhouse is a 10 x 12, if I could ever advise someone as mad as myself buying a GH at 1k+, it'll be width over length everytime. (said the missus!) I too had to dig out the foundations, do the paving, but only for the base. I left mine as gravel, I grow everything in massive pots, much easier to control, end of the season, dump on beds as a mulch, scrub pots start again.. Too many stories of people getting nasties in the soil they couldn't get rid of. Good luck and super channel, I too frequently leave my brain behind, unfortunately I don't have a camcorder to blame! Keep up the good work!
Very nice. You'll probably want power in it, definitely lighting. We like to grow chillies in ours. Homegrown cucumbers are very tasty but take up a lot of space. Aubergines are fun to do but tricky.
As we have a similar greenhouse which has its rear against the fence I can only point out to anyone else considering doing it - leave some space because pernicious weeds find their way into the smallest spaces and they’re almost impossible to remove. 4ft high dandelions are a pain and ivy even finds its way into the inside by squeezing through the gap between the glass and the rubber gasket. If I did it again I’d leave enough space to walk behind the greenhouse if necessary.
How exciting for you both Andy, I've been waiting for this so was glad to see the video pop up, it looks great ! My heart was in my mouth watching you installing the glazing, so thanks for the nice relaxing background music to calm me down ! Our lawn is the same, it's been such a wet Autumn into Winter and I haven't yet extended the path to my new shed so it's a mess too ! Glad to see the "Burn" isn't looking too high at least, did you see Tim's flood video at DIY farm - OMG ! I scratch built my little Greenhouse/Potting shed, so it took a while, although less stressful in timber and polycarbonate, that was over 20 years ago now, it's about half the size of yours so I'd love to build a bigger one, it's also only half glazed and against a wall so nothing like as light as a proper one ! Have fun, I'll be watching !
One tip is to buy stainless glass clips as on my own all of the glass clips rusted within a couple of months. Found stainless ones and not had to worry about them since.
This reminds me of doing a Lego kit over Christmas which was missing some bits preventing it from being completed. Very annoying as was the 10 business day wait for the missing parts to arrive. You on the other hand managed to solve your problem quite quickly. Impressed with your one man build & a great looking greenhouse.
For what its cost you and all the faff if it was me i would 100% ordered a Polytunnel from the likes of first Polytunnels etc ! Greenhouse looks great though !
No, not really needed. Stainless is softer and sometimes the screws can break. The rust protection of normal screws is so good now you only really need stainless if the screws are constantly wet. 👍
Andy I'm going to build a green house like yours Can I ask ,why did you pave the base ? I was thinking of just putting a concrete slab on top of the MOT
Triffic video Andy, takes me back 30 years when I last built one . By the way what are you feeding that cat, it was only tiny the last time I saw it. Happy new year to you and Mrs Mac. Regards Jim.
Cheers Jim! The cats are constantly munching on wildlife - every day they bring home a mouse / squirrel / pigeon. Just had to vacuum the workshop since there were bloody feathers everywhere. 😂🙄
That waterproof sheeting covering your grass would probably have been useful to cover the greenhouse parts when left outside. Just an observation😂😂😂good job by the way👍
I don't think I would grow tomatoes in a greenhouse because they need fertilization once they set flower to bare fruit. I don't know if you have there what we have in the States ... the dreaded cabbage moth. A cabbage moth will eat an entire plant in a day and his brothers and sisters will finish off an entire field. Also, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels don't require fertilization. This is why I will be growing them in my greenhouse.
@@AndyMac Agreed, but it's worth it for the extra height. We disassembled ours from someone who'd used two concrete blocks (on their sides, one on top of the other) as the foundation base which we thought was OTT, but we've just used the one block all the way around.
My Dad got his greenhouse from the same garden centre, seems to be the best one around for greenhouses, not many local garden centres have any on display to go and look at. If you dont already give TonyCSmith a watch & follow on youtube, he's based in Whitburn so is local and he'll be getting started with his allotment soon so should give you plenty of ideas. He also does a gardenning chat show youtubr channel called, the Potty Mouth Garden Club, maybe drop him a message and he can get you on for an episode!
That it is, one thing we're lucky with in the North East is lots of good garden centres, plants plus isn't far from Azure and is great as well, especially the cafe! @@AndyMac
A gifted second-hand greenhouse can be taken apart in less than a day, if you’re eager. It helps to see how they need to be reassembled. And an 8’x6’, disassembled into its component parts, will just fit in an old X5 for transport. Agree a solid, level, base is a must.
Lovely job done there. Consider upgrading the window openers if possible to auto openers so that when it's hot the windows open automatically and you don't have to worry about the plants overheating
Came to say just this! Even in winter it can get quite warm in the greenhouse and I've seen my auto openers open the windows a little.
A greenhouse isn't only useful in spring and summer, I've grown pack choi and other greens over winter for any early spring harvest 🙂.
Will live with the manual openers for now but that might be a future upgrade! Can get the same for the louvre vent too I think. 👍
That's a very good idea
I feel your pain. I built a greenhouse for my folks in Northern Ireland in 2015. It was a flat pack job from England. My Dad dug out a base and put in 1 & 1/2 tonne of gravel as hardcore, which he shovelled into and out of a plant trailer by himself, (he was 77 at the time), and then I levelled it out, laid flags and built the greenhouse.
The instructions were okay, but not brilliant.
The job was made all the more fun by my Dad 'helping' me.
Where does this bit go? Where does that bit go? Etc.
There was a lot more progress when he wasn't helping.
Ha it's certainly a challenge - wish they had better instructions!! 😂
Something about a greenhouse that takes me back to my times with my Grandad, during summer, the fabulous range of fruit and veg he had growing ... really enjoyed watching this video, looking forward to growing 👍
That sounds fantastic! Can't beat home-grown veg. 👍
The greenhouse looks fabulous. You did such a good job. Looking forward to see plants in it when weather permits.
Another great vlog Andy thanks. I found buying an additional two roof lights and automatic openers for the roof lights & louvre vent was a really good investment.
Good to know! It rarely gets that warm up here but we'll see how it goes. 😁👍
I had a 8x6 greenhouse at my other house, I miss having one here. I could get rid of some of the grass 😅
Such a professional-level job. This gave me the motivation I needed to put mine together! Thanks
Cheers!
Thank you. Exactly the kind of comprehensive guide to building a greenhouse that I was looking for. That was so useful. You've done a lovely job and left nothing to chance. I hope you post an update later in the year when you've put in benches and plants.
I have a greenhouse that needs building too. Looks like we have the same one. I'm planning on using paveing slabs for the walkway in the middle. However surely using a complete paving slab base means you can't build a secure foundation frame that you're mean to attach the greenhouse to? Those L shape brackets at the base of your greenhouse are meant to attach to the corrosponding foundation frame for that model greenhouse. Without that foundation frame, your greenhouse isn't securely fastened/achored into the ground. So it will lift up and move in a strong wind storm. How have you achored your greenhouse? because those screws and wall plugs aren't likely to take sustained strain and will snap quite easily with the horrid winter storms we've been having . Not saying this to be an AH, I'm just giving you a heads up now because I know how expensive that greenhouse is and with all the time and energy you've invested, I'd hate for it all to be lost in a bad storm. I'd highly recommend finding someway to secure it with rebar rods as the achor points. Perhaps have a think about it before you fill your greenhouse up too much.
I think there's 11 mounting points to the slabs so ain't going anywhere 👍. The instructions just tell you to attach the L-brackets to the 'patio' - no mention of a foundation frame? 🤔
With regard to being careful with the edges of toughened glass ... In the eighties, I sometimes helped out a glazier friend with bigger installs, shop windows and the like. He was subcontracted to help with a much bigger job, replacing a door glass on a city centre building, and brought me along. The door was about 4 metres high and had a concrete canopy projecting above it. As the very heavy (and very expensive custom ordered) single piece of glass was being lifted into place, the edge of it clipped the concrete canopy and the whole sheet broke into thousand of pieces. Wouldn't like to have been the person who had to explain that to the building owners.
Oh no!! Nightmare!! 😬😂
Excellent job, However I took a hint from my dad, (who was garden superintendent for 3 hospitals, back when they had to produce all the food!) he said 'son, you've taken a liking to growing, think of your ideal GH, then think a width size up, you'll thank me!' He was so right, I wanted an 8 ft wide, thinking better than 6 no? He told me no go 10ft wide, and less length if you have to, so much more you can do. He's right, I grow 14 tom plants in big pots each year, 4 cucs at the southern end, and taking the staging out, tumbling toms/ dwarf peppers either side. My greenhouse is a 10 x 12, if I could ever advise someone as mad as myself buying a GH at 1k+, it'll be width over length everytime. (said the missus!) I too had to dig out the foundations, do the paving, but only for the base. I left mine as gravel, I grow everything in massive pots, much easier to control, end of the season, dump on beds as a mulch, scrub pots start again.. Too many stories of people getting nasties in the soil they couldn't get rid of. Good luck and super channel, I too frequently leave my brain behind, unfortunately I don't have a camcorder to blame! Keep up the good work!
I’m looking at getting a 16 x 9. Is securing it to patio good enough or will that size need something more
You could grow Jamaican Woodbines in there and recoup some of the extension costs. Neighbours might twig though. 😀
I like your thinking! Sure the neighbours wouldn't mind. 😉
Over here on the other side of the pond we call it tempered. That is I assume it the same way of processing strong glass.
Yeah, tempered here too - toughened / tempered / safety glass. Quite interesting! en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tempered_glass
Excellent job 👏 👍. Very well done, and thank you for sharing .
When securing to base penny washers would be a good ida
Can do! Although this ain't going anywhere. 💪
@@AndyMacI thought the same ,a few washers underneath spreads area of retaining force.
Nice greenhouse. Shame you didn’t show how you secured it to the ground
Andy, useful videos thanks. Not sure if I missed it but what depth did you dig out the foundation area to before building the base? Cheers Andrew
Very nice. You'll probably want power in it, definitely lighting. We like to grow chillies in ours. Homegrown cucumbers are very tasty but take up a lot of space. Aubergines are fun to do but tricky.
Yeah, might add power at a later date. Considering solar / battery too. Good tips on the veg! 👍
As we have a similar greenhouse which has its rear against the fence I can only point out to anyone else considering doing it - leave some space because pernicious weeds find their way into the smallest spaces and they’re almost impossible to remove. 4ft high dandelions are a pain and ivy even finds its way into the inside by squeezing through the gap between the glass and the rubber gasket. If I did it again I’d leave enough space to walk behind the greenhouse if necessary.
Ha defo! Got about 1ft at the back for emergency access. 👍
Great job, mate. Probably a stupid question, but is it just screwed down the slabs with small'ish screws? Is that it?
How exciting for you both Andy, I've been waiting for this so was glad to see the video pop up, it looks great ! My heart was in my mouth watching you installing the glazing, so thanks for the nice relaxing background music to calm me down !
Our lawn is the same, it's been such a wet Autumn into Winter and I haven't yet extended the path to my new shed so it's a mess too ! Glad to see the "Burn" isn't looking too high at least, did you see Tim's flood video at DIY farm - OMG !
I scratch built my little Greenhouse/Potting shed, so it took a while, although less stressful in timber and polycarbonate, that was over 20 years ago now, it's about half the size of yours so I'd love to build a bigger one, it's also only half glazed and against a wall so nothing like as light as a proper one !
Have fun, I'll be watching !
Yeah the glass was a bit scary! Those are big panes! 😬
One tip is to buy stainless glass clips as on my own all of the glass clips rusted within a couple of months. Found stainless ones and not had to worry about them since.
Defo! These are stainless. 👍👍
Keep an eye on them as my original ones were meant to have been@@AndyMac
This reminds me of doing a Lego kit over Christmas which was missing some bits preventing it from being completed. Very annoying as was the 10 business day wait for the missing parts to arrive.
You on the other hand managed to solve your problem quite quickly. Impressed with your one man build & a great looking greenhouse.
Cheers! Yes, was surprised at the missing screws but these things happen. All sorted! 😁
Well done love it 🥹👍🤓
Did you need to anchor it down?
I'm looking at building one with just a path down the middle.
I bet cat was gutted when glass went in….he was admiring his new aluminium climbing frame ❤
It was certainly a shock to them! 😂
Amazing job. I would have lost patience (and a few fingers!).
For what its cost you and all the faff if it was me i would 100% ordered a Polytunnel from the likes of first Polytunnels etc ! Greenhouse looks great though !
Cheers! Did consider a polytunnel but wouldn't really work for the way we want to use the space. 👍
Really like the look of your tripod roller stands (8'45"). Where did they come from? I'm guessing that the 3-leg design makes them quite stable.
They were donated from my father-in-law so no idea where he got them! But yes, they're very handy. 👍👍
nice video and nice greenhouse! I could not see properly, I wonder, did you use stainless steel screws to fix the greenhouse to the garden tiles?
No, not really needed. Stainless is softer and sometimes the screws can break. The rust protection of normal screws is so good now you only really need stainless if the screws are constantly wet. 👍
Andy
I'm going to build a green house like yours
Can I ask ,why did you pave the base ? I was thinking of just putting a concrete slab on top of the MOT
Concrete is certainly an option! You'd need quite a lot for a base of this size though so I think slabs are easier. 👍
Triffic video Andy, takes me back 30 years when I last built one . By the way what are you feeding that cat, it was only tiny the last time I saw it. Happy new year to you and Mrs Mac. Regards Jim.
Cheers Jim! The cats are constantly munching on wildlife - every day they bring home a mouse / squirrel / pigeon. Just had to vacuum the workshop since there were bloody feathers everywhere. 😂🙄
Great video Andy. Where did you get your greenhouse from mate?
GCS at Azure garden centre in Cramlington. 👍
Whatever do you grow, plant them in small batches so they aren't all ready at the same time.
Good plan! 👍
The vent is in the wrong place. Not much air movement at the back, close to the fence.
That waterproof sheeting covering your grass would probably have been useful to cover the greenhouse parts when left outside. Just an observation😂😂😂good job by the way👍
Ha ha, well the cardboard was nice and easy to remove! 🤣
Good job Andy how many “oh billhooks” were said during assembly ? 😂
Lol yes, lots of oh billhooks!! 😂😂
Do you want to come and install mine for me. Only problem is it's 2nd hand and no plans
Ha ha good luck! 👍😁
Andy why you break the tempered glass at 6:08 in the vid ?
That was the removal of an old shower screen. 👍
Are you not painting or treating the fence behind the greenhouse. Gonna be on display and already looking discoloured
That fence is already treated but we're not fans of endlessly painting fences - we've got over 70m of fences here. Prefer natural. 👍😁
and now to decide what type of tomatoes to grow
Crimson Crush?
Defo need a few suggestions! Will check out Crimson Crush. I also have a packet of 'Moneymaker'... whatever that is.
@@AndyMac as far as I understand (and I'm definitely no expert) Moneymaker grow well but are a bit tasteless.
I don't think I would grow tomatoes in a greenhouse because they need fertilization once they set flower to bare fruit. I don't know if you have there what we have in the States ... the dreaded cabbage moth. A cabbage moth will eat an entire plant in a day and his brothers and sisters will finish off an entire field. Also, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels don't require fertilization. This is why I will be growing them in my greenhouse.
Did you consider water and electric ?
We'll have water from a water butt but might add electric at some point. 👍
@@AndyMac good idea rain water is best
Raise the greenhouse up on breezeblock to stop you hitting your head on the glass sides.
You'd then have a step to get in / out. 🤔
@@AndyMac Agreed, but it's worth it for the extra height.
We disassembled ours from someone who'd used two concrete blocks (on their sides, one on top of the other) as the foundation base which we thought was OTT, but we've just used the one block all the way around.
Seal the base inside and out to stop water ingress.
Can do! Will see how it goes. Sometimes it can cause more problems since water gets trapped under the frame.
My Dad got his greenhouse from the same garden centre, seems to be the best one around for greenhouses, not many local garden centres have any on display to go and look at.
If you dont already give TonyCSmith a watch & follow on youtube, he's based in Whitburn so is local and he'll be getting started with his allotment soon so should give you plenty of ideas. He also does a gardenning chat show youtubr channel called, the Potty Mouth Garden Club, maybe drop him a message and he can get you on for an episode!
Interesting - will check that out! Azure is great. 👍😁
That it is, one thing we're lucky with in the North East is lots of good garden centres, plants plus isn't far from Azure and is great as well, especially the cafe! @@AndyMac
Wish you could come and run power to my greenhouse for me!!
👍😁