We hope you find the answer to your question listed below, if not please do contact us and we will do our best to answer your query.
The connection for the mist watering system can be fitted either end. The louvre vent, as standard, fits on the left hand end, however there is an optional adaptor kit to fit the vent on the right hand side.
The amount of water used by the watering system will be much less than the amount of rain that would have fallen on the wall if the Mini-greenhouse had not been there.
The watering only takes 5 minutes once or twice a day. The hose is connected on to the unit with a quick connector, allowing the hose to be used for other things between watering. Alternatively we sell a 2 way tap adaptor to give two outlets to your tap.
We sell a Galconette hose end timer that will automate the watering while you are away.
The brass quick connectors we use are compatible with the popular ‘snap-on’ hose fittings found in garden centres.
We only supply toughened safety glass with our units. This is the same type of glass that is supplied in the side windows of cars. It is very strong, but if it does break, then it will shatter into small pieces, rather than large, dangerous shards of glass.
The vent is an ingenious device which will open and close on its own, using just the power of the sun. It does not need to be connected to an electrical supply and there are no running costs.
It is operated by an oil filled cylinder. As the oil expands in the heat, it pushed down on a piston that slowly opens the vent. As the temperature drops, the oil contracts and a pair of powerful springs close the vent. The vent starts opening at around 13 –18 degrees Celsius (55 –65 degrees Fahrenheit).
All of our units need to be assembled, but we do pride ourselves on the clear and comprehensive instruction booklets we supply. These give a step-by-step guide to assembling the units.
If you are uncertain about any aspect of the instructions, then as a small family firm we are only too happy to give advice over the telephone.
People fit them to walls, fences or even make a false back and have the unit free-standing (ensure it will not fall over in the wind!). Our fixing tips section deals with all of the options.
Walls are the best option, as they will absorb heat during the day and give it off in the evening time. This ‘storage heater’ effect reduces the need for heating.
Many people do not have a suitable wall, so a fence can be used. If the wall or fence is uneven, then a sheet of marine plywood can be used to provide a false back to the unit – many DIY stores will even cut the board to the correct size.
Access Mini-greenhouses and cold frames are very stable, even in windy conditions. Lean-to models are designed to be fixed to a wall, and come with stainless steel fixing screws (except value models). With the exception of the Exbury, free standing models do not need fixing down unless they are fitted on top of raised brickwork.
During windy conditions it is important to ensure that all of the glass panels are slid shut to prevent wind entering the unit.
In the longer models the shelves are split into 2 halves to make them more versatile.
All our models (except the Victorian cloches and the pyramids) are made from architectural aluminium which has a very long life. The powder coating is therefore just for visual effect.
There are cheaper coatings on the market, but as the units are outside in the sun, rain and snow, we go for the best quality coating we can find. We also ensure that the coaters put on more than the minimum thickness of coating. The aluminium also has to be carefully cleaned to ensure that the coating does not lift off. All of these things push the price up, but we think that it is worth doing the job properly!
The value range has been introduced to try and provide a good quality frame at a competitive price. The value models do not have the ‘frills’ of the main range. The glass is still toughened safety glass, but is the standard 3mm horticultural thickness rather than the 4mm of the main range. The value range does not have a watering system, corner trims or full length handles. Also there is no option of powder coating, louvre vents or shading.
Mini-greenhouses include delivery to mainland England, Wales and southern Scotland. For other areas we can provide a carriage cost. Cold Frames and Value Frames are delivery extra. For more information on delivery charges, see our delivery charges page.
No! When you order, we need instructions where to leave the goods if you are out – such as ‘round the back’ or ‘with a neighbour’. If there is nowhere the goods can be left, then we can send the goods to arrive on a pre-arranged day for a small additional charge.
If you place an item in the basket, you will see our current delivery estimates. If however you need a frame for a special date then give us a call and we will do our best to oblige.
