Date post: | 15-Jan-2016 |
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Protected Cultivation
Growing plants under cover in greenhouses, cold frames, polytunnels , cloches and conservatories
Traditional span greenhouse
An ideal setting within
the vegetable garden for
raising seedlings and
crops such as tomatoes,
peppers aubergines and
chillies
Vertical sides with vents,
even span roof with vents
The painted timber frame
is attractive, but requires
regular maintenance.
The wood base, panelled
up to the staging level,
provides some insulation,
but reduces space
available to grow plants
Traditional metal frame greenhouses
Aluminium is now the most popular material for constructing the frame.
Cheaper and easier to maintain than wood.
Narrower glazing bars allow more light to enter.
Glazing extends to the floor providing plenty of space for growing plants
Traditional span greenhouse
Brick base improves insulation and reduces heating costs, but reduces space available for growing plants
Paved floor means plants cannot be grown directly in the soil
Traditional Span
Traditional span
6 foot x 6 foot metal frame clad with twin walled polycarbonate panels
Dutch Light
Sloping sides allow more light to enter than in a traditional house
Crops are grown directly in the soil (border)
Large panes of glass are expensive to replace
Dutch light lean to greenhouse
Ideal for a south or west
facing wall
Brick absorbs heat during
the day and then releases it
at night, reducing need for
heating
Interconnecting door or
French windows allow
direct access to and from
the house
Ideal for growing mainly
decorative plants
Installing electricity, mains
gas or water is cheaper and
easier when adjacent to
the house
Mansard
Slanting roof and side panels deigned to allow maximum light penetration
Especially suitable for plants that need maximum light during winter e.g. winter flowering pot plants
Polytunnel
Galvanised steel tubular arches covered with polythene film
Low cost form of protection
Much more vulnerable to wind damage than conventional greenhouses.
Polythene film is UV stable, but needs replacing regularly
Mainly used for producing salad crops, strawberries and for protecting container grown stock
Cold frame
Available with metal or wooden frames with glazed or solid sides
Useful for hardening off plants, winter protection of semi ripe or hardwood cuttings
Traditional barn cloche
Wire frame with sheets of glass
Used for establishment of transplants and hardening off
Overwintering of autumn sown crops
Warming soil prior to sowing
Excludes some pests e.g. birds and cats
Lantern cloche
This shows a new version of a classic design
Decorative style useful in ornamental gardens
Protection of individual plants or clumps of plants
Floating cloche
Fleece fabric used a frost protection and protection from predators