Small greenhouse on decking?

[MissShapesMissStakes]

I really want a little greenhouse. Around 6x4. The best place for me to put it in our garden is on our large decking. I've read mixed comments on whether that works.

Does anyone have one on their decking? Do you think I'll need to put it on concrete slabs?

Also any recomendations for greenhouses?
I don't have much for one (about £350) and I'm new to this so if I get into it properly then one day I'll maybe get a better one.

I've seen the Halls Popular but not sure as I can't afford the base or anything more than the basic glass price.

I've seen similar with polycarbonate panels but not sure how secure it would be?

https://gardenworldonline.co.uk/products/palram-canopia-harmony-6-ft-x-4-ft-greenhouse-silver?currency=GBP&variant=43738772963502&utmmedium=cpc&utmmsource=google&utmcampaign=Google%20Shopping&gad=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI66X2zuXUUwIVQWHmCh28nwTFEAQYCyABEgIY3PD_BwE

The problem is that you will want to water the plants in your greenhouse. All that water and the condensation and humidity will make the decking rot like fury.

That's what I was thinking. Wondered if the paving slabs would help with that as they would keep the water off the decking?

The water will just get between and under the slabs and sit there making the whole thing rot. I put a shed on wooden decking once, it was lovely while it lasted but the decking rotted and was ruined really quickly. Then you have all the faff of moving the greenhouse and repairing, replacing the decking. You could do it, but you will be making long term work and expense for yourself.

What are the other options is you think decking is the best one? My polycarbonate one has survived a house move and is about 20 years old. Safer than glass.

And mice. Mice can get through decking.

plus slabs or gravel (gravel is a great greenhouse base (retain and reflect the heat better than decking too.

Love that @Mykittensmittens is concerned about mice 😀

Ha. Ok that's me decided on the no decking! Not having nice get through - or even any slightly larger mouse types!

The problem I have is that we share a garden with my parents. Who are great gardeners. They have a greenhouse in the perfect greenhouse spot. And they have offered to make space for my bits. But I know that it won't feel like my greenhouse. They are gardening pros, but I want to do things my own way and will certainly make many mistakes, but that's how I learn.

I'll have to rethink. The other ideal spot in that it's already level and on slabs (on the garden) is in shade for much more than half the day. Is that viable?

Or maybe i need to just get the smaller greenhouses that just house a few plants and go against a wall. Just not as appealing to me

Given the very hot weather we have these days a greenhouse in semi shade might well be a good choice. I'm a gardener by trade and if I was putting in a new greenhouse now I definitely wouldn't want it in full sun as I'd be forever venting it and putting whiteout on the glass. As a newby I really recommend a smaller lean-to as a good place to learn. That way you can really work out what you need,want and can cope with before a big investment. Most people start with a little plastic Wilkinson type greenhouse that costs about £20.

My greenhouse gets a good deal of shade. I don’t have to worry about shading the glass in summer!

My DF has a polycarbonate one, installed 20 years ago, still going strong.

with any greenhouse the key is to make sure it is on-a firm level surface.

You might be able to get a second hand one - keep an eye out on freecycle and local facebook pages