This is the place to discuss not just allotments but all general gardening problems and queries which don't fit into the specific categories below.
(formerly allotments and tips, hints and problems)
Argh, I cleaned out the greenhouse today and burnt the ratty old wooden staging, it was definately the best thing for it, but now I am about to pass out at the price of replacing it
Anyone have any suggestions for new staging ? I am thinking about the cheap metal shelving units or maybe building something out of pallets, but would really like to get ready made [got a ton of projects on already] that will last.
How come staging is so expensive ? I dont get it....
I have the expensive staging only no greenhouse to put it in! When we moved I brought the staging but had to leave the greenhouse behind. Well it comes in handy as shelves etc in the potting shed.
OK I realise that doesn't help you and I don't know why stainless steel staging is so expensive either.
I'd look at some sort of metal shelving units but low ones, normally they are pretty high aren't they? They're not very deep either and you'd need to leave enough space between the shelves for light to get in. Or try to get an old table from freecycle. I suppose it all rather depends on the size of your greenhouse.
I think metal shelving is bound to rust however well it's painted.
Have you thought of a formica topped kitchen table, they are often just thrown away for being a bit "naff"
I have one in my polytunnel and it's still going strong after 4 years and it gets liberally doused with water and wet compost on a very regular basis.
Tony
Disclaimer: I almost certainly haven't a clue what I'm talking about.
I used to have one of those kitchen tables where both the sides fold down and the chairs store inside. When it died, I removed the sides and used the narrow middle section as a shelf. Also, before I got my glass greenhouse I had one of the blow-away greenhouses. I replaced it with the glass one because, well, it kept blowing away, but I used the shelves with bit of the frame in my glasshouse. So then I had 3 narrow shelves, but not enough. I ended up buying one of those teenyweeny blowaways that are basically 4 shelves with a cover on. I keep that in my glass-house with its cover on to protect my seedlings when the temperature drops too much, then in summer I stand the whole thing just outside my glasshouse to give me extra space for pots of tomato plants. I'm managing fine, but have to say the shelves are not very sturdy and if they're not on completely flat ground they wobble badly. Also, when you try to move them they fall apart. But it's a cheap option.
I use 'blow-aways' too, had them for about five years before moving to this place with a garden and greenhouse. Had to replace the cover on one as got split in big winds, but otherwise they are holding up ok. Keep the cover on in greenhouse now over winter as it's not frost proof in there, but plants can get a bit 'sweaty'.
THe good thing is they let a lot of light through the shelves as they're very open sort of like chicken wire but the apex (?) pointy roof bit is a bit annoying as it gets in the way. My uncle has a walk-in blow away as tall as our green house and I remember thinking that would prob work well. It's maybe a bit like this: http://www.gardencentreonline.co.uk/Out ... fault.html
Thanks Rosey and Jill, great idea on the mini greenhouse, will pick one up next time I am in BnQ [buying weed and feed no doubt] will be great for winter protection like you said.
Had a stroke of luck while at the dump [again] saw a metal shelving unit being thrown out, so pulled it out ! very flimsy, but will brace it and rebuild. What a score !!!
Well it comes in handy as shelves etc in the potting shed.
(thanks)
