Protected Cultivation Growing plants under cover in greenhouses, cold frames, polytunnels, cloches and conservatories

Traditional span greenhouse An ideal setting within the vegetable garden for raising seedlings and crops such as tomatoes, peppers aubergines and chillies Vertical sides with vents, even span roof with vents The painted timber frame is attractive, but requires regular maintenance. The wood base, panelled up to the staging level, provides some insulation, but reduces space available to grow plants

Traditional metal frame greenhouses Aluminium is now the most popular material for constructing the frame. Cheaper and easier to maintain than wood. Narrower glazing bars allow more light to enter. Glazing extends to the floor providing plenty of space for growing plants

Traditional span greenhouse Brick base improves insulation and reduces heating costs, but reduces space available for growing plants Paved floor means plants cannot be grown directly in the soil

Traditional Span Traditional span 6 foot x 6 foot metal frame clad with twin walled polycarbonate panels

Dutch Light Sloping sides allow more light to enter than in a traditional house Crops are grown directly in the soil (border) Large panes of glass are expensive to replace

Dutch light lean to greenhouse Ideal for a south or west facing wall Brick absorbs heat during the day and then releases it at night, reducing need for heating Interconnecting door or French windows allow direct access to and from the house Ideal for growing mainly decorative plants Installing electricity, mains gas or water is cheaper and easier when adjacent to the house

Mansard Slanting roof and side panels deigned to allow maximum light penetration Especially suitable for plants that need maximum light during winter e.g. winter flowering pot plants

Polytunnel Galvanised steel tubular arches covered with polythene film Low cost form of protection Much more vulnerable to wind damage than conventional greenhouses. Polythene film is UV stable, but needs replacing regularly Mainly used for producing salad crops, strawberries and for protecting container grown stock

Cold frame Available with metal or wooden frames with glazed or solid sides Useful for hardening off plants, winter protection of semi ripe or hardwood cuttings

Traditional barn cloche Wire frame with sheets of glass Used for establishment of transplants and hardening off Overwintering of autumn sown crops Warming soil prior to sowing Excludes some pests e.g. birds and cats

Lantern cloche This shows a new version of a classic design Decorative style useful in ornamental gardens Protection of individual plants or clumps of plants

Floating cloche Fleece fabric used a frost protection and protection from predators