Lean-to Greenhouse OK?

[Timw]

We are considering a small (3' 4") lean-to greenhouse to be placed against a wall of our house. There will be a 'mist' irrigation system. The brickwork is new but is of reclaimed bricks.

Any reasons (eg moisture-related ones) not to do that?

 

[Penners]

I'm afraid the answer to that can only be "it depends".

It depends on how wet the bricks become and remain. It depends how porous the bricks are, and how well pointed. It depends on how well ventilated the greenhouse will be. It depends whether you have a cavity wall or a solid one.

Worst case: you could end up with a damp wall. Best case: you won't.

That was absolutely no help at all, wasn't it?

 

[Timw]

Well actually more helpful than you think, Penners.

If I had received a dozen replies along the lines "Never, EVER put a greenhouse against a house", that would also have been helpful. As it is, your comments reassure me that I should go ahead with this little project, but remain vigilant. Thanks!

 

[Penners]

On the plus side, Tim, a correctly-orientated greenhouse against a brick wall has a significant advantage over a freestanding greenhouse. The wall acts as a heat-sink, keeping the interior of the greenhouse warmer for longer.

 

[Timw]

Of course! A good point. Thanks again.
Tim

 

[worms]

On the plus side, Tim, a correctly-orientated greenhouse against a brick wall has a significant advantage over a freestanding greenhouse. The wall acts as a heat-sink, keeping the interior of the greenhouse warmer for longer.

And the house wall will remain warmer and drier in the winter, so I would imagine that even if the bricks get damp and humid through the summer, they might dry out again over winter.

 

[JoceAndChris]

Out of interest, why the misting system? Is it for tropical plants?
If not, why not a good old fashioned watering can - no risk to the walls at all.

 

[Penners]

why not a good old fashioned watering can

You're such a Luddite! Where's the technological fun in that?!

 

[Timw]

It's for the Minister of the Interior to grow her tomatoes.

 

[JoceAndChris]

:lol:

why not a good old fashioned watering can

You're such a Luddite! Where's the technological fun in that?!

I will never understand the oxymoronic phrase "technological fun".

It's for the Minister of the Interior to grow her tomatoes.

Hmm, well, you tell the Minister of the interior that poor Joce from off the forum, with no mains connection and the worst drought ever and a dried-up well most of the summer, has been forced to urinate on her tomatoes to keep them alive. The poor things have had the stinginess with water that you'd only expect in a developing country! And this is the very pleasing result - hundreds of Sweet Millions ripening away. :

 

[Penners]

I will never understand the oxymoronic phrase "technological fun".

Oi! Who are you calling a moron?!

poor Joce from off the forum... has been forced to urinate on her tomatoes

Memo to self: next party at Joce's, avoid the tomatoes.

 

[Feltwell]

poor Joce from off the forum, with no mains connection and the worst drought ever and a dried-up well most of the summer, has been forced to urinate on her tomatoes to keep them alive.

They look lovely, but remind me to pass on the tomato salad if you host another get-together :wink:

Actually, it reminds me of a sewage treatment works visit as a student (Civil Engineering students get all the best perks) - the sludge beds have the most enormous, healthy looking tomato plants growing out of them that you will ever see in your life, as tomato seeds survive the, erm, "human transit" intact. The tomatoes can't be eaten though as there are apparently too many heavy metals in the sludge. Even if their "gowing medium" hadn't put you off to begin with.