Growing plants under cover

From giving protection over winter to extending the growing season, a greenhouse has many benefits. You may want to store plants, give a flower display or grow delicate species in ideal conditions.

To heat or not to heat?

Even unheated the greenhouse is warmer than outdoors and extends
the growing season so it lasts from early spring to late autumn.Tomatoes and cucumbers crop better and other salads can be grown for longer. Delicate spring bulbs will also remain unspoilt by winter weather and Alpine plants will thrive due to the drier conditions inside.

A heated greenhouse is a good idea if you want to grow exotic, tropical plants. Insulation is vital so you’re not wasting energy. Add greenhouse bubble polythene to the windows to prevent heat loss and check for draughts around doors and windows and cover or fill with insulating foam.

Different temperatures suit different plants

‘Cool’ greenhouses (keep at 7°C) are versatile and will help tender plants – such as geraniums and citrus fruit – survive over winter.

‘Warm’ greenhouses (keep at 13°C) are suitable for house plants, such as weeping fig, gardenia, geraniums, amaryllis and some orchids.

Heated ‘hot’ greenhouses (keep at 18°C) work for tropical plants, but be aware of the heating cost before you buy.

For tiny gardens

The smaller the greenhouse the less likely it is to prevent frost damage. Although mini freestanding greenhouses can protect a small selection of plants, cold frames are a more traditional way to overwinter a few pots. Cover with bubblewrap or an old rug when it’s especially cold. Cloches are also useful for individual plants, while larger covers can protect small groups of plants in the ground or containers. For individual plants try the Large Victorian Bell, £15 from Burford Garden Company, while Burgon and Ball makes a cover to fit its longer growing containers.

 

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