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