If you build it, they will come...

So the greenhouse is up!  With the assistance and expert advice of my dad (veteran of half a dozen greenhouse builds) we were able to get the whole thing done in one day.  It wasn't entirely without a hitch as we did install a few parts back to front but thankfully nothing that couldn't be swiftly changed.

The expert hard at work (whilst the pupil hides behind the camera)

The greenhouse is an 8'x6' Simplicity Classic from The Greenhouse People.  Delivery was efficient and on time (and even on the bank holiday Monday).  The instructions, although not perfect, were pretty good although I would recommend reading them to the end several times as often the stage you think is missing is included later.

The triumphant builder poses with the finished article.

The greenhouse was a package that included a louvre and two vents with auto vent openers.  These seem to be working very well with minimum tinkering. Of course there hasn't been a lot of sunshine so far but the end of this week is shaping up to be sunny and warm.

The greenhouse nestled into the garden

I've been planning the layout of the greenhouse to find out how much I could fit in.  For some time now I've had the idea of including a large water tank, not for irrigation but to act as thermal mass.  The idea is that the tank absorbs excess heat during the day, helping to keep the greenhouse from overheating, and then the stored heat is released at night.  In addition, the rectangular tanks I've sourced should provide a suitable shelf/bench for storing plants. Water is very efficient as a thermal mass and has been used to good effect in Earthships and Solar Greenhouses for years and I'm intrigued to see if it could have an effect on a domestic level.

An early plan for the layout of the greenhouse using Greenhouse Sensation Chilligrow and Quadgrow planters.

However, the water tanks are quite pricy so this is a project that may have to wait a little while to be realised. For now I'll use the space for spare chillies and a few hydroponic ideas I've been toying with.