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If you have just installed a new greenhouse, it probably has pride of place in your garden. This is an exciting time, as you are ready to embark on a whole new horticultural journey. Chances are, you already have a long list of projects to be getting on with, but if not we have plenty of suggestions Making it easy At garden4less, we stock a wide range of labour-saving devices for you greenhouse. This means that time which would otherwise be spent watering, covering plants or feeding can be spent on fun projects such as propagating more plants To keep plants moist, even if you go away for the weekend, try a self-watering tray.
The capillary mat allows the roots to draw up only as much water as they need a healthier alternative to soaking them before you go on holiday A little feed can also be added to the water to ensure that potted plants receive vital nutrients. For a more sophisticated system, try one of our automatic watering kits. As well as saving time, this delivers the correct amount of water in the places it is needed most. Wrap up warm Despite the extra warmth they provide, greenhouses can get extremely chilly during the colder months. To protect your delicate plants at this time of year, spend a few hours insulating the glass. Extremes of hot and cold can prove fatal for both new and established plants alike, so you may want to invest in a greenhouse heater. Keep an eye on the temperature and adjust the heater accordingly. Greenhouse heaters allow you to create a warm climate, which will allow you to grow a greater range of plants all year round but remember to open the vents in summer to prevent it becoming too hot. During late spring and summer, it will be necessary to provide some shading try a shading paint which can be removed at the end of the season. Watering Keeping seedlings well watered is very important for some plants, and there is not always time to give this your full attention on a daily basis. Garden4Less solve this problem with a range of hozelock watering systems that will allow you to either water all of your plants with the turn of a tap, or use a timer and an automatic watering system from hozelock to keep your plants watering under control even if you are not around.
Stand tall As you will be spending lots of time in your new greenhouse, it is advisable to erect some proper staging or racks. Bending over a bench which is too low will stress your back, whilst a cramped, poorly laid out environment could have you falling over pots and losing vital equipment. Ensure that your set-up allows you space to perform essential maintenance, and to stand comfortably. Keep it clean In the warm environment of the greenhouse, it is easy for pests and diseases to spread. To stop them gaining a foothold, avoid cramming too many plants into the space and regularly check the corners and other hiding places for eggs and larvae. Good hygiene is essential in early autumn be sure to give the glass and interior a really good clean.
Seed trays should be washed with a mild disinfectant to eradicate fungal spores which lead to damping off'. If your plants begin to develop powdery mildew or grey mould there is probably poor air circulation and damp in your greenhouse. Clear any over-stocked areas and open the vents regularly. Conversely, conditions can become very dry during the summer months. This provides optimum conditions for pesky spider mites. Damping down the floor of the greenhouse will increase humidity and prevent a full-scale infestation. If you wish to avoid insecticides, we stock a range of biological solutions such as nematodes.
Feelin' hot Creating micro-climates will allow you to grow a much wider variety of plants, some of which have different temperature requirements. A heated propagator is a convenient tool for starting off cuttings and seedlings. You can also add a soil-warming cable or a heating mat to aid the propagation of cuttings and seeds on a greenhouse bench. First projects To make the most of your new greenhouse, grow varieties which have previously been out of reach. You can now grow your own melons, aubergines, chillies and bell peppers, as well as propagating bedding plants from late winter onwards.