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Since OH built a huge cat run directly on the house, our small one further down the garden is going to be converted to a greenhouse.

If we can get hold of glass OH will rebuild the frame around the glass but what I'd really like to know is: can we use something else (more affordable) for the 'windows'? Like clear or opaque plastic sheeting?

I've asked on freecycle for unwanted panes but the only offer I had fell through when the offerer's husband broke the glass!
If we can use plastic sheeting it'll save a lot of time as there's already panels and a door for it to be stapled on to...

You're so right, why didn't I think of that

Yes, easiest option is to just cover the frame with polythene.
If you want a more permanent solution you could cover the roof with corrugated clear plastic sheets and the sides with flat plastic panels.
All better than glass, but don't forget to allow for an opening apart from the door for through ventilation.

How big is the structure? It might be worth the small out lay for polytunnel polythene. I bought a piece to cover a 15' by20' structure for £45 a couple of years ago from First Tunnels. It is brilliant & guarenteed for ten years. That's £4.50 a year!

The reason I suggest this is it will be UV stablised. If you just use the kind of poly that comes on a mattress as we did to start with, it becomes brittle & disintegrates into a millon pieces after a couple of years, leaving you with a heck of a mess.

However with small people around I would DEFINATELY go down the poly route. You could try contacting a conservatory supplier for off cuts of polycarb sheeting too.

MW

Hi
We have just purchased heavy duty UVI polythene ( used for polytunnels). It is 7.5 m wide and we bought 5 m of it for £29.00 from LBS Horticulture in Colne. They do lots of different sizes and qualities. The website is www.lbs-group.co.uk
Bluebell

Tunnel poly is the easiest option. Pick a warmish day to fit it and stretch it prtty tight otherwise it may flap. Aside from looking like a saggy sock when it warms up, it won`t last nearly as long