What are the advantages of having a greenhouse

A. For the keen gardener, greenhouses allow the business of gardening to carry on all year round. When the weather is wet and cold outside you can be just as productive inside.

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There are all sorts of greenhouses and all sorts of uses. In a heated greenhouse tender and exotic plants can grow on happily through the winter months and fruit and veg can be produced all year round.

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An unheated greenhouse can be used as a shelter for tender perennials and a place to start propagating next year's plants from seed far earlier than you'd be able to do outside. Late cuttings will grow on happily as temperatures dip outside.

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There are hundreds of different shapes and sizes available out there and, if you can afford to spend a little it can double up as a mini-conservatory and become a feature of the house.

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A.� That depends on your garden and the space available. The classic greenhouse has vertical sides with a sloping roof but there are lean-to models available to go against the wall in small gardens, hexagonal and octagonal houses for awkward spaces or where it is to become a feature. Others are domed or curved to make them more wind resistant. It is worth having a good look at manufacturer's catalogues to get an idea of the variety on offer.

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A.� Some people make the mistake of putting their greenhouses in the sunniest spot available. Although this can keep temperatures right up in the winter it can make them like furnaces in the summer, so some shade during the day is advisable.

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Ideally place the longer sides of a convential greenhouse facing east to west which allows more light in during the morning and evening, with the door facing away from cold or persistent winds. Lean-tos are best against a west-facing wall as the additional heat from a south facing wall make things too hot.

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