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Buying a Greenhouse (5)

Where are Hartley Botanic Greenhouses made?

Hartley Greenhouses have been manufactured in the UK for 80 years, creating bespoke aluminium and award-winning Greenhouses for a variety of spaces. 

 

Our Greenhouse business was established back in 1938, and Hartley has been designing and creating spectacular Glasshouses to last a lifetime, ever since.

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What are the benefits of a glass Greenhouse?

There are many benefits of glass Greenhouses, both practically and aesthetically. 

 

These benefits include:

  • Durability 
  • Increased house valuation 
  • High light transmission
  • Well ventilated and insulated 

 

Glasshouses are incredibly durable, in part because of the weight of the glass used. This means they provide many years of garden service and can greatly increase the valuation of your property too. 

 

A glass Greenhouse boasts nearly 100% light transmission, which your plants are sure to love throughout the year. Thicker paned glass also increases the ventilation and insulation, another benefit of glass Greenhouses. 

 

If you’re looking for an iconic planthouse design, a glass Greenhouse comes above all else. They are considered the most spectacular and traditional of Greenhouses, giving the feeling of being outdoors while still being sheltered from the elements.

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How much is the Victorian Grand Manor Greenhouse?

Hartley’s Victorian Grand Manor Glasshouse is one of our most popular Victorian Greenhouse designs, transforming any garden into a botanical paradise. 

 

The imposing structure is large in size, offering plenty of room for plants and allowing for internal separate growing spaces and a variety of plants. Made using stainless steel fixings and no glass to glass or glass to metal contact, the Victorian Grand Manor Glasshouse is one of our finest Greenhouses for sale. 

 

For more information and specific costings, request a brochure and get in touch with our expert team today.

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How much does a Victorian Greenhouse cost to build?

The cost of a Victorian Greenhouse from Hartley Botanic depends on the size and features of your Glasshouse. 

 

Our Victorian style Greenhouses will suit many tastes and budgets, from the very grand and extravagant to the smaller sized.

 

Victorian Glasshouses typically feature narrow glass panes and ample growing height, in keeping with the traditional style. A steep roof pitch also allows for optimum weather-resistant and perfect growing conditions.

 

Hartley Botanic’s Victorian Greenhouses for sale can be customised to fit your garden needs, whatever the size of the space. 

 

Find out what inspired our Victorian Greenhouse designs, and start planning your own growing area by requesting our brochure. 

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How large is a Greenhouse?

A Greenhouse can be as large as you desire, but the common width is 8, 10, or 12 feet.

 

Make the most of your outdoor space with a walk-in Greenhouse, to easily tend to your plants and enjoy the relaxing nature of gardening. 

 

Some gardeners opt for a large Greenhouse with partitioned interiors where a private seated area can be formed, or perhaps a separate space to store your tools. Not only does this create a physical division, but also means certain amounts of light and heat reach particular areas, allowing for increased plant variety.

 

The larger the Greenhouse, the more opportunity you have for unique customisations. Custom structures can also be requested, creating a particularly striking large Greenhouse. 

 

A large Greenhouse can also be used as an orangery when combined with certain masonry elements. Whatever your needs, large Greenhouses promise to be the pride and joy of any garden for years to come.

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Delivery (2)

How long does it take for my order to be made and delivered?

Every greenhouse is made to order, delivery time depends on size of greenhouse and time of year. In order to estimate the delivery time for your desired greenhouse model, please contact the Hartley team.

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Can you deliver abroad?

We deliver and install Glasshouses and Greenhouses all over the world. In fact, we have delivered and installed in over 20 Countries in the past two years. We welcome enquiries, which would usually be dealt with by our UK Sales team. Get in touch with [email protected] for more information.

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Existing Hartley Botanic greenhouses (2)

How can I open a stuck greenhouse lock?

If the lock was last used some time ago the bolt may have become stuck due to moisture, debris, corrosion etc. We would suggest a penetrating / water dis-placing oil applied liberally into the lock mechanism. This should release the lock.

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Greenhouse Maintenance (5)

What can you grow in a lean to Greenhouse?

When designing your lean to Greenhouse, consider the types of plants you wish to grow. 

 

Many gardeners with lean to Greenhouses take advantage of the adjoining external wall, and train plants such as tomatoes, peppers and squash to grow upwards along it. Some also develop beautiful strains of orchids, admired for their length, again utilising the brick wall of the home or property. 

 

Opt for a lean to Greenhouse with a high roof and you’ll be able to grow large plants like oranges and palm trees, creating a wonderful tropical oasis. 

 

A small lean to Greenhouse allows you more control over your Greenhouse growing environment, meaning you can tailor it for specific plants. This generally means you can start planning earlier, harvest later, and increase the yield of your crops. 

 

For those living in colder climates, consider growing hardier vegetables in your lean to Greenhouse, such as leafy greens, cabbage, cauliflower, aubergine, and cucumbers. 

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How much ventilation does a small Greenhouse need?

Ventilation is crucial to controlling the temperature and managing humidity levels inside your small Greenhouse. By having a good amount of Greenhouse ventilation, you provide your plants with the nourishment they require to survive.

 

The easiest way to ventilate small or mini Greenhouses is by having roof or side vents that provide regular cooling air changes throughout. This is known as natural ventilation.

 

Mechanical ventilation involves using fans or other devices to ensure the air is kept circulating throughout your Greenhouse.

 

The standard rule is, for every 50 sq ft of floor area, you should aim to have ten sq ft of ventilation for your small or mini Greenhouse, whatever your method of choice.

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How do you build a greenhouse misting system?

Greenhouse misting systems are a perfect way to care for your plants. Although they can be bought, you always have the option to build one yourself.

 

While you don’t need many materials to create a misting system, you do need to ensure you have a plan before going into the building stages.

 

Here are some top tips on building a greenhouse misting system for a small greenhouse.

 

  • Make sure all your parts fit together and check the measurements. You don’t want to reach the installation stage to find out your parts don’t fit.
  • Focus on your water source. Check that a tube adaptor will fit, that the pressure control is appropriate and how far you’ll place the tap from your greenhouse.
  • Create the misting system based on what plants you are growing and the climate.
  • Having a misting system is not a substitute for having good ventilation. Before you create a misting system, ensure you have strong ventilation.

 

To build a small greenhouse misting system, you first need to place a filter (ideally mesh) onto the tap. Once you’ve screwed the adapter onto the tap, push the “barbed” end into the tube and make sure it fits properly.

 

Then, you need to run tubing from the tap along your greenhouse or shelving. It is best to attach a few zip ties on the way to keep everything in place. When this is done, add your end cap to the end of your water supply tubing.

 

Wherever you’re hoping to insert a nozzle, cut the tubing, insert the compression fittings you have chosen and press in a nozzle at the bottom of each compression fitting.

 

Finally, you’re ready to turn on the water. You must turn the water on slowly to ensure you have the correct water pressure for the nozzles.

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How do you maintain a small greenhouse?

A small greenhouse is an exciting addition to any garden, but maintenance should be done regularly to create the perfect environment for whatever you choose to grow.

 

By cleaning, disinfecting and sweeping your greenhouse, you are sure to keep pests away and have a controlled area. It is also important to deal with any weeds and remove any plants that develop diseases, as they can be transferred around your greenhouse very easily.

 

One of the best ways to maintain your small greenhouse is by undertaking daily observations. This way, you can be on the lookout for any pests or see any areas that need an urgent clean.

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How much ventilation does a small greenhouse need?

Ventilation is crucial to controlling the temperature and managing humidity levels inside your small greenhouse. By having a good amount of greenhouse ventilation, you provide your plants with the nourishment they require to survive.

 

The easiest way to ventilate a greenhouse is by having roof or side vents that provide regular cooling air changes throughout. The standard rule is, for every 50 sq ft of floor area, you should aim to have ten sq ft of ventilation.

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Heating a Greenhouse (5)

Do small Greenhouses work in winter?

A small Greenhouse is a fantastic way to keep your plants protected during winter. Shield from frost and the cold elements and ensure optimum growing conditions are maintained.

 

An unheated small and mini Greenhouses allow you to grow hardy winter vegetables, as well as begin propagating. In winter, small Greenhouses work by trapping as much light as possible from the sun during the day and converting it into thermal energy to keep the inside warm.

 

If you need some extra insulation over winter, consider bubble wrapping your small Greenhouse. This is the most cost-efficient way of heating a Greenhouse, however other artificial methods (such as electric heaters) are also available.

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Will a small Greenhouse keep plants from freezing?

Small Greenhouses are fantastic insulators, meaning they will keep your plants from freezing during winter.

 

The glass panels of a small Greenhouse work by letting in as much light as possible from the sun, trapping its thermal energy. Objects inside the Greenhouse – such as plants and soil – are heated, and remain warm and protected from the elements.

 

The size of the Greenhouse doesn’t matter either. They all work in an identical manner, so even mini Greenhouses will be efficient at keeping your plants from freezing. Proper insulation is key to maintaining healthy plant growth, especially during cold weather.

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Do mini Greenhouses protect from frost?

Mini-Greenhouses are great protectors against frost during winter. Many growers use Greenhouses to protect their plants from the elements over the colder months, including frost and other harsh conditions.

 

Temperatures are typically around five degrees higher inside a mini-Greenhouse, keeping your plants from freezing.

 

You may want to consider further artificial ways of heating your mini-Greenhouse, particularly during an extreme winter or if you have plants that prefer a warmer climate.

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What can you grow in a greenhouse over winter?

It’s simple and easy to use an unheated Greenhouse during winter. By using heating or artificial light, many species of plants can grow in a Greenhouse during the winter months.

 

Most Greenhouses are used to protect plants from the effects of low temperature during winter – the heat-trapping materials ensure that your plants are protected from cold weather and harsh conditions, while also continuing to grow. This, when combined with other sources of artificial heating, means Greenhouses often work well in winter.

 

The specific plants and vegetables that can be grown in a Greenhouse over winter depend on your location, the size, and the level of heating of your Greenhouse.

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Why should you put bubble wrap in a greenhouse?

Gardeners add bubble wrap to their greenhouses primarily to add another layer of insulation. Bubble wrap retains any valuable heat from the day, which can be used to protect against frost at night.

 

It is important to remember, however, that bubble wrap retains heat. So, during the warmer months, it is critical to monitor the conditions inside your greenhouse to avoid any plants wilting.

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Preparing the site for a Hartley Greenhouse (5)

Can I put a Greenhouse on my balcony?

If you’re limited on outdoor space and want to place a Greenhouse on your balcony, the Hartley Botanic Patio Glasshouse is a great option.

 

The patio Glasshouse uses an already existing external wall as one of its sides. The narrow design makes it perfect for balconies, where larger Greenhouses may not fit.

 

Patio Glasshouses work by trapping heat from the sun and turning it into thermal energy, keeping your plants warm and protected from any external elements. During summer, hinged top panes and double sliding doors ensure that the patio Greenhouse is kept well ventilated.

 

The compact design maximizes the available growth area without compromising on quality. Patio Greenhouses can be maneuvered into smaller spaces, ideal for balcony growers.

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Can you put a Greenhouse on bricks?

For large Greenhouses, brick bases are often preferred, as the brick provides a neater edge for the Greenhouse to lip over and a strong base on which it can be secured.

 

You should consult a good local builder when planning your large Greenhouse base. We will provide brick base plans to work to.

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Do you measure and install the greenhouse on two levels?

Yes, we would visit site, measure, and prepare a quotation for you. If you then placed an order our technical office would visit to take accurate measurements to enable us to prepare detailed drawings for the base to be built. We would then install the greenhouse onto your pre-prepared foundations.

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How do I decide where to site my new greenhouse?

When deciding where to place a greenhouse, basic considerations are good light and shelter from strong winds. Ensure the ground drains easily and is level. If water and power services will be required, make sure these are laid on prior to the arrival of the greenhouse, or make schedule to lay them on later.

All too often greenhouses are relegated to neglected corners of the garden, whereas to be used effectively, the distance from the property should be minimized, so you can simply “pop into the greenhouse” easily. Make sure to have the door closest to the house if possible. Running the ridge “east to west” is recommended to allow maximum light into the greenhouse.

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