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Post by roofgardener on Jan 1, 2015 9:50:08 GMT
Inspired by Moonlight's example, I've decided to restart my diary for 2015. It seems like a good time to do it. I've got my new Greenhouse ... all of the plantpots and seed trays accumulated over the last 3 years. The tools and implements. Some experience of what does - or doesn't - work. And, for the first time, the help of all you here at Garden Friends, and the inspiration of reading about your amazing gardens and plants, and the effort and ingenuity you put into them. Lights... Camera... Plantpots... Let the Gardening Begin !  |
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Post by Cherry on Jan 1, 2015 10:04:10 GMT
It is easier in a garden Roofie.  |
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Post by roofgardener on Jan 1, 2015 11:19:02 GMT
Oh I dunno Rosie; plantpots have their advantages. You gardeners have to use a spade to turn over your tomato patch. I just pick it up, turn it upside down, and shake it |
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Post by daitheplant on Jan 1, 2015 20:27:35 GMT
I shall repeat myself.  Guess what, Roofy.  |
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Post by roofgardener on Jan 2, 2015 9:28:53 GMT
Ummm... sorry Daitheplant, I don't know ? I'm a bit ... down.. thismorning. We had a storm last night. It peeled back the cover of my Polytunnel (I left the door ajar), and belw it away. Along with most of my seed trays and gawd knows what else. It appears I'm going to have to start again.  |
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Post by Cherry on Jan 2, 2015 9:46:56 GMT
It is good weather, so you will just have to get on with it roofgardener. We all get fed up at times. Wind must be a big problem for you as it would not be constantly in one direction, but would cause eddies. |
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Post by daitheplant on Jan 2, 2015 20:23:30 GMT
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Post by Cherry on Jan 2, 2015 21:33:09 GMT
He's right Roofy. Dai is not doing this to annoy you. It is his way of getting behind you and willing you to go on.
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Post by roofgardener on Jan 3, 2015 8:24:47 GMT
I put it back on. funnily enough, the wind actually helped me. It caught the fabric just as I was dragging it back over the frame, and caused it to balloon out like a spinnaker sail. (with me frantilcy holding on to one end, and the other still tied down). This had the effect of stretching out the cover, pulling out some of the tangled bits, and generally straightening the whole thing out. As the gusts dropped, the whole cover just settled down into almost perfect position !. How neat is THAT ? Then I had to go out. An dwhen I came back it had blown off again. (which was strange, as there was no real wind  ?). OK... its raining now (not too heavily though) so I'm popping out to drag it back into place again. THIS time, I'm using super-glue on the velcro ties ! |
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Post by Cherry on Jan 3, 2015 9:07:12 GMT
Nearly there Roofy. You are discovering the weak points now. This is tricky.
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Post by roofgardener on Jan 4, 2015 8:42:06 GMT
Indeed Cherry.
Well, I've superglued about HALF of the ties. The remaining ones are tricky, as they are soaked with water. I'm going to take a risk and give them a few days to dry out. The glued ones are the ones nearest the entrance, and I think these are the most important to suppress the "peel-back" effect. Also, its only cheap "generic" superglue, not the proper Loctight stuff.
I'm off to my Sisters for a little light weeding thismorning. When I get back, I'm going to do a "test to destruction" on a couple of them, just to see....
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Post by roofgardener on Jan 6, 2015 18:34:56 GMT
POLLYTUNNEL NEWS.
Well, the superglued ties seem WELL solid. I lifted up half the greenhouse with just ONE tie. So here's hoping. So far, so good.
My next major problem is condensation. I went in yesterday evening to do a bit of tidying, only to discover that it was raining inside the greenhouse ! I expect a BIT of condensation, but this was extreme. The walls where absolutely drenched.
I think my problem is down to the Risible Downpipe that services the gutters nearby. Normally a downpipe gathers water from the gutters, and funnells it down to ground level, and into a drain. Except - in the case of the Risible Downpipe - there IS no drain. The water just forms a large puddle, half of which is INSIDE the polytunnel. OK.. no problem.. it is in the "Wet Zone", so I didn't care.
BUT... what I didn't realise is that this puddle is acting as an endless "fuel-source" for the condensation. Not only does this end up with internal rain, but - in accordance with the laws of thermodynamics - it is acting as a heat pump, transferring heat up to the "roof", and cooling the greenhouse down. It is also producing a very high humidity, which means.... COLD AND DAMP.
What to do ? Well, a friend of mine at work has offered to come round with a 9" angle-grinder, and cut a gap in the Risible Downpipe. This will allow me to fit a diverter, so that the downpipe will then drain into my water butt, and not pool on the floor. It even filters the water so my plants have nice clean water to drink. RESULT.
Once that is done, I'll look at using silicon sealant to try and waterproof the edges of the Polytunnel. It won't be perfect by any means, but HOPEFULLY it will cut down the condensation. This will have to wait untill mid-January however. Soooo.. here's hoping for a dry couple of weeks !
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Post by Cherry on Jan 6, 2015 20:11:11 GMT
The condensation sounds worse than you should normally expect. Diverting the gutter water will pay dividends in the summer. This is turning out to be a steep learning curve.
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Post by daitheplant on Jan 6, 2015 20:28:32 GMT
Do you have the side vents uncovered roofy? A good air flow will also help.
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Post by Rosie on Jan 6, 2015 20:34:09 GMT
Does your tunnel just have one door Roofi? My tunnel has an anti drip cover but even with that you still get condensation and drips. Should i send you a Sou'wester and galoshes? |
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Guess what, Roofy. 
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