Vitavia is known for offering quality greenhouses at affordable prices, and the Apollo is a strong example of why this reputation is well-deserved. This new model from the German manufacturer is based on a six-foot width with five different available lengths, and includes several brand-new features including a no-threshold entrance and optional glazing capping. The great functionality and traditional “greenhouse” look remain the same as in earlier models.
Here’s a look at what to expect from the new Apollo glasshouses:
Size and Detailing: As mentioned, all of these structures are six feet long, so the available sizes are 6 x 4 (for the smallest allotments), 6 x 6, 6 x 8, 6 x 10 and 6 x 12 (for larger gardens or allotments). All of the Apollos have a single sliding door, which can be positioned to open either to the left or right, and the fact that it has no threshold makes it simple to wheel in carts or wheelbarrows, or ideal for gardeners who use a walking frame. The three smaller models each have one roof vent which can be opened, while the 6 x 10 and 6 x 12 each have two vents. Guttering is integral to the structure.
Frames and Bases: Vitavia makes two different versions of the anodised aluminum frame used on this greenhouse, one in natural color and one in green. There are some very nice differences from most competitors, though. Perhaps the most important is that there’s additional steel bracing for both the corners and roof, making the structure much more stable and wind-resistant. The built-in base plinth is another great addition; it’s what eliminates the door threshold and also contributes to making this glasshouse nice and rigid. Finally, there are built-in base corner posts, letting you anchor the structure right into soft ground without any expensive optional bases required.
Glazing: All three of the usual glazing options can be chosen for the Apollo: standard 3mm horticultural glass, 3mm toughened safety glazing (which won’t break into hazardous shards if cracked), and 4mm twin wall polycarbonate glazing (unbreakable). Here’s where the capping feature alluded to earlier comes into play; with either toughened glass or polycarbonate glazing (not with horticultural glass, though) you can add glazing capping instead of the wire glazing clips usually used on home greenhouses. The capping is not only easier to use and more attractive, but it holds the glazing much more tightly in windy conditions, ensuring that the glass or plastic won’t vibrate and shift around.
Options: Aside from the glazing capping, there are several “must-have” ventilation options available for serious gardeners. You can add an extra roof vent to your greenhouse, and you can also add automatic vent openers to maintain the proper inside temperature for your plants. An extra side louvre window is available for all Apollo glasshouses, as is an auto-opener for that window. Lots of extra staging, shelving, downpipes and thermometers can also be added as options.
The Vitavia Apollo greenhouse is a good-looking, “standard” structure with a lot of sensible and (to our mind) desirable features built in. It’s a good greenhouse at any price, and a great one at the prices offered.
Here’s a look at what to expect from the new Apollo glasshouses:
Size and Detailing: As mentioned, all of these structures are six feet long, so the available sizes are 6 x 4 (for the smallest allotments), 6 x 6, 6 x 8, 6 x 10 and 6 x 12 (for larger gardens or allotments). All of the Apollos have a single sliding door, which can be positioned to open either to the left or right, and the fact that it has no threshold makes it simple to wheel in carts or wheelbarrows, or ideal for gardeners who use a walking frame. The three smaller models each have one roof vent which can be opened, while the 6 x 10 and 6 x 12 each have two vents. Guttering is integral to the structure.
Frames and Bases: Vitavia makes two different versions of the anodised aluminum frame used on this greenhouse, one in natural color and one in green. There are some very nice differences from most competitors, though. Perhaps the most important is that there’s additional steel bracing for both the corners and roof, making the structure much more stable and wind-resistant. The built-in base plinth is another great addition; it’s what eliminates the door threshold and also contributes to making this glasshouse nice and rigid. Finally, there are built-in base corner posts, letting you anchor the structure right into soft ground without any expensive optional bases required.
Glazing: All three of the usual glazing options can be chosen for the Apollo: standard 3mm horticultural glass, 3mm toughened safety glazing (which won’t break into hazardous shards if cracked), and 4mm twin wall polycarbonate glazing (unbreakable). Here’s where the capping feature alluded to earlier comes into play; with either toughened glass or polycarbonate glazing (not with horticultural glass, though) you can add glazing capping instead of the wire glazing clips usually used on home greenhouses. The capping is not only easier to use and more attractive, but it holds the glazing much more tightly in windy conditions, ensuring that the glass or plastic won’t vibrate and shift around.
Options: Aside from the glazing capping, there are several “must-have” ventilation options available for serious gardeners. You can add an extra roof vent to your greenhouse, and you can also add automatic vent openers to maintain the proper inside temperature for your plants. An extra side louvre window is available for all Apollo glasshouses, as is an auto-opener for that window. Lots of extra staging, shelving, downpipes and thermometers can also be added as options.
The Vitavia Apollo greenhouse is a good-looking, “standard” structure with a lot of sensible and (to our mind) desirable features built in. It’s a good greenhouse at any price, and a great one at the prices offered.