Greenhouse growing accessories

Internal reservoir

Internal greenhouse reservoirs which collect rain water run-off from the roof, have many advantages. These include keeping the water warmer, which reduces the risk of thermal shock. Rain water is also soft and chemical free. Furthermore, locating the reservoir under the bench protects the collected water from exposure to sunlight, thus helping to reduce algae build up. A lid is also fitted for safety.

Of robust construction, the 80 gallon capacity reservoir can be discreetly sunk into the ground beneath the bench. It is supplied with a simple manual pump, which enables easy retraction of water, and an overflow pipe leading outside the glasshouse. The reservoir is positioned half-in and half-out of the ground. It is important to note that all apertures within the plinth wall for overflows and downpipes should be made at the time of the building works. You should also ensure that your builder properly seals the apertures to ensure your glasshouse is airtight.

Fruit supports and vine wires

Bespoke greenhouse fruit supports and vine wires offer structure and support to peaches, vines, melons, tomatoes and cucumbers to name a few.

We will work out your growing needs and the areas where you want to train fruit and combine rigid supports with tensioned wires to train plants up to the roof space and, in a lean-to greenhouse, up and across the rear wall.

We aim to keep a space of approx 10 inches between the wires and the glazing to prevent the plants from making direct contact with the glass.

Heathlands greenhouse cold frames

Heathlands greenhouse cold frames are designed to enhance the effectiveness of your glasshouse by providing an additional cold-protected environment and creating ideal conditions for hardening-off foliage propagated in the glasshouse. They can also be used for starting early salad crops and over-wintering delicate shrubs.

Constructed in robust aluminium sections the frames are powder coated for a long and trouble-free life. Ventilation is made easy by using two different length stainless steel props.

Typically the cold frames are a maximum of 0.9m wide but can be built to any length, although multiples of 1.2m lengths are recommended where there is no existing base. A ground plan showing all required dimensions and tolerances will be prepared by Alitex; this should be passed to your nominated builder for the preparation of the brickwork.

Professional propagator

Our professional propagator is designed to provide the warm, moist, closed environment required by germinating seedlings and newly planted cuttings. The carefully designed frame is made of strong aluminium sections and powder coated in Juniper Green (BS12 C40) for a long and maintenance-free life. The heart of the unit is a thermostatically controlled foil element, operating within the range of 0°C to 40°C and the ventilated ends allow free movement of air throughout the frame, encouraging healthy growth. The large capacity propagator incorporates a transparent hinged cover for easy access. It is capable of holding 4 seed trays 368mm x 241mm (14.5" x 9.5"), making the propagator particularly suitable for the more dedicated gardener.

Hewitt potting shoe

A favourite of the professional gardener, this stoutly constructed potting shoe sits perfectly on the Alitex Traditional bench. It is designed to enable the fast and efficient filling of pots, allowing the compost to be kept in a manageable area. The size is 800mm wide by 700mm deep with a rear support 300mm high.

The Madison fruit cage

The Madison Fruit Cage is the perfect structure to protect your valuable tender fruits and vegetables from unwanted visitors.

A common problem with fruit cages is sagging mesh. The Madison uses semi-rigid, UV-stable, polypropylene netting with 20mm x 15mm apertures, which are small enough to exclude the hungriest bird. The mesh is used on the both the sides and the roof, and stretched over a support framework of 2.0m square aluminium frames, which allows the structure to be left up year in year out – another first for Alitex.

The framework is made from rigid aluminium box sections with a polyester powder coated finish. As with all aluminium components, Alitex offers a lifetime guarantee on its frames (sadly not the mesh, which may need replacing eventually) which is more than any other fruit frame manufacturer.

The frames fit on a solid base of wood, concrete or blocks, which means that digging rodents or the fastest moving rabbits are always kept outside and can merely dream about nibbling your tender fruits and vegetables. This type of construction also ensures that the frame sits squarely to the ground. Alitex are happy to quote for the construction of the base prior to putting up the cage itself.

The frame is made up of a series of interlocking panels 2.0m x 2.0m, held together by stainless steel nuts and bolts. The headroom of 2.0m gives a generous working height. The door operates on zinc-plated clamp hinges and is kept securely shut by a magnetic catch. At 1.0m wide the door offers easy access for fruit picking.

Alitex will only sell erected frames. This ensures a trouble free-installation and means we can support our lifetime guarantee. And we always try to undertake a site visit so that we can provide you with the most appropriate solution to your growing needs.

Freeze proof taps

With ever colder winters, you may still be watering in your greenhouse and want your taps and irrigation to be reliable all year round. With a proven track record in severe winters in the US, this company specialises in frost and freeze proof taps. Visit www.harrierhydrantsandtaps.co.uk.