98. Planning the BIG project - Living Alone in Wales (July 2024)

Glass does not have to be expensive, I made my greenhouse entirely from glass windows from old doors and doors from cupboards. Second hand stores often have furniture that is no longer suitable for sale due to excessive damage and you can often take it with you for free. It took me a year to get it together. All I had to do was buy some wood and screws and a can of paint. The result is very funny, looks like something out of a fairytale forest.

I would build the greenhouse size according to the size of the building materials. No waste or cutting. If the polycarbonate sheets come in 2.5 m then work off that. A greenhouse will help you get an early start to next season. I don’t mind the slow pace of developing your garden. Until next time.

I remember working for the groundwork Trust in Aberdare, we made alot of eco friendly structures including green houses out of recycled bottles, they held the heat lovely.

I think you should make the greenhouse as big as you can because you will use the space. And it's done if it's not big enough it's a bugger to make it bigger!! 🤷‍♀️

Hi Sean, I may have skipped a video where you discussed this. I want to sing the praises of polytunnels. They are cheaper by a good proportion, than greenhouses and because you plant into the ground and don't replace grow bags etc. Also the plants are more resilient because they aren't dependent on you watering. Don't go for blow aways which are only pegged down. First tunnels and the like are very resilient to wind, doors either end give plenty of ventilation, more than my greenhouse gets. No concrete base and good support for tall plants. Even broad beans and kale inside gives better quality veg. Enjoy😉.

Been sat here pondering ,when i should be really sleeping 😊about this here greenhouse. I personally wouldn't take it right to the fence . I'd take it to the existing foundation bit and have my waterbutts on the side nearest the fence to catch the rain. I like the idea of the wood on the bottom but what i would say is price it all up first as it might be dearer than you think and might be cheaper to buy one. I'd have a seperate door just incase your shed blows up 😂while you're in the greenhouse bit. Whatever you decide I'm sure it will be fine. You might get some ideas for dimensions if you google it. Hubby made mine but it's only 6 by 4 and he got the idea from the old one we had. 😊

I became a fan when you were on the Rusty allotment. I was thrilled when you took your blue gate and fence to the horticultural garden show and set up a little garden. I watched the building of the raised beds, the pond and the growing of the shark fin melons. Even though I seldom write a comment, I always watch your videos. I enjoy your calm voice, your gardening adventures and your commentary on the valley of your childhood. May you always have good health and a “cuppa” tea just right for the drinking. Mary from Texas

A collapsible camping basin would be ideal for your shed Sean. Saves on storage space. I use mine when camping.

Afternoon Sean , I have been with you since the rusty lot. Enjoyed the years of viewing. My husband is in the process of building a new greenhouse out of old windows. My greenhouse I have now will be retired after twenty five years

I think it is better to be able to get all around your greenhouse, leave a space up to the fence. So exciting. We’ve just bought a little wooden greenhouse but haven’t felt well enough to put it up yet….dreaded covid again! 😷😷😷. Stay well Sean look forward to seeing your progress. Xx

I would be scouring the free sites for a greenhouse Sean. I’m sure your find one and you can adapt it for your needs.

I am still here from the days of you and Vivi sharing tea and cakes. :face-red-heart-shape::hand-purple-blue-peace::face-red-heart-shape:

Thank you for getting my morning off to a better start with your down-to-earth videos and talking - you (almost) inspire me to get off my lazy depressed butt and retrieve the day 🍀🌿💚🟩

My husband made me a cattle panel greenhouse using 3 cattle panels and made low wooden walls to set the panels on for height. We used 6mm greenhouse plastic to cover it and 40% shade cloth over that. (It’s very hot and humid in North Carolina in the USA). He made doors at each end covered in the greenhouse plastic and welded wire screen doors inside for ventilation in the Summer. The design is super strong and very economical to make. We chose the one made by “Stivers Homestead” on YouTube. They list the materials used to make it easier for you to build. Their design has a window at one end but we chose to make doors at each end.

I am in NZ so take this with a grain of salt but I would find out the measurements of the polycarbonate sheeting and work your greenhouse size to suit those. Less waste and less work cutting sheets to size. My dear hubby recycled a spaghnum moss drying tunnel house into a tunnel house for me several years ago. I thought it would be far too big at 20 metres long by 3.5 metres wide but I have managed to fill it!😊

Re the garden, will the weeds not choke out your perennials and roses?

Sean have you checked if there are any building recycling yards nearby.A mate of mine saved a lot of money building his green house with (in part) recycled materials. I love the sound of the rain on the roof when I am working in my shed!!

Your description of a healthy ice cream van made me chuckle 😅. Take care and keep on doing what you’re doing Sean.

You were trying to pull the nettles out with your hand when you had a spade next to you. You then dug a hole and left the nettle there which will grow and spread and out compete the plant you planted in amongst its roots. Im baffled

Mum listened to the Archers on a Sunday morning , that hour when us kids kept quiet😅, even Uncle Alf learnt to visit after it had finished😂. He always visited on Sunday until he moved in nextdoor. She started listening when she worked at Sandrock farm in Tickhill around 14 till her death at 91 which was 2 years ago. Archers always reminds me of her and Terry Wogan 😊