Matt W · 13th Jul 2016
Although the question of whether pots grow bags or border growing is best in the greenhouse seems simple, the answer isn't clear-cut. It depends on what you are growing and your circumstances.
Matt W · 18th May 2016
Growing your own produce in a greenhouse is an incredibly fulfilling and enjoyable pass time, but as with any hobby that requires a degree of skill and knowledge, the learning curve can be quite steep. Even when growing the hardiest of plant species, there is a large number of variables that can affect growth rates and the success of a yield.
Matt W · 3rd May 2016
How to make your own compost in the UK. Hot bin in 4-6 months or cold heap in 12-18, with the 50/50 greens-to-browns ratio explained for greenhouse and raised-bed growers.
Matt W · 13th Apr 2016
Gardening reduces cortisol levels, lowers dementia risk by 36 percent, and burns 200 to 400 calories per hour. Research from Dutch, Swedish, and Australian studies confirms seven distinct health benefits. A greenhouse extends these benefits year-round by providing a warm, sheltered growing space.
Matt W · 11th Feb 2016
If you like growing flowering plants for decorative use as well as edible crops in your greenhouse, the petunia is an excellent choice to plant at this time of year. Unlike some other plants you can grow from March, petunia plants do not need an additional heat source in early spring, and will grow comfortably in the shelter of your greenhouse.
Matt W · 9th Feb 2016
One of the things that can cause the most weakness in a greenhouse is when it is not properly level. This can leave the panels and glass slightly loose and less protected than they should be ? something that becomes far more of a problem when it is windy or wet. Choose a good greenhouse with the best build quality you can afford, and make sure you erect it so it is straight, level and stable.
Matt W · 22nd Jan 2016
Most garden pests die off over winter because it is cold and they can?t survive in freezing temperatures, but in the relatively comfortable environment of a greenhouse, any remaining pests will thrive. Slugs, aphids, red spider mite and mealy bugs all like to hibernate in hidden places inside a greenhouse. If you don?t eradicate them before spring, your newly sown seedlings will provide a tasty banquet for them to feast on. A deep clean will help you locate any sneaky slugs and other pests before they cause havoc when you start sowing seeds.
Matt W · 19th Jan 2016
We're all tempted to grow the extremes, the biggest or most flavourful and with chilli peppers, the hottest. But do think it through, there's little point in putting a lot of effort into growing a pepper that is so hot you can't actually use it. A milder variety means you can add flavour as well as heat to a dish where even one of the super-hot chillies can be too hot to taste and just makes the dish hot.
Matt W · 16th Dec 2015
Cut greenhouse running costs in half with bubble wrap insulation, rainwater harvesting, peat-free compost, and biological pest controls. UK installer's guide to the five changes with real numbers on savings.
Matt W · 11th Dec 2015
At one time ring culture was a popular greenhouse growing method for tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and melons. The idea was that water was supplied to the plants through a trench filled with aggregate and the plants were fed via the compost held in bottomless pots placed onto the aggregate.
At the end of the season the plants and the small amount of compost would be recycled into the garden and the aggregate removed and cleaned. This was less work than digging out and replacing border soil each year but still fairly time consuming.
Matt W · 30th Nov 2015
It's pretty obvious that the larger the greenhouse, the higher the cost of heating it but it is possible to curtain off a section of the house in the winter with bubble-wrap and reduce the volume that has to be heated.
Matt W · 24th Nov 2015
A UK installer's guide to choosing a garden shed: compare wood, metal and plastic by price, durability and upkeep. Matt's pick is the Power 8x6 Shiplap Apex Wooden Shed at £764 - from 20 years of install data.
Matt W · 11th Nov 2015
There are many complexities of greenhouse gardening that confuse people today. However, many of the rules and regulations that cause the most confusion are ones you can simply forget about. To have a really well cultivated greenhouse you simply need to use some real soil, add plenty of light and air, water when necessary and nourish the plants.
Matt W · 10th Nov 2015
Greenhouse gardening is the best way to undertake winter gardening because it allows you to enjoy your hobby when it's freezing cold outside. Of course, if you want to see success here, there are some things you will need to do. Keep reading to find out more.
Matt W · 10th Sep 2015
Step-by-step greenhouse insulation guide from expert installers. Covers bubble wrap fitting, R-values, draft-proofing, polycarbonate comparison and real heating cost data. Includes month-by-month calendar and product recommendations.
Matt W · 10th Sep 2015
Things will grow very slowly if at all in December and January. Not so much because of the temperature but because the length of the day is at its shortest around the winter solstice (21st December). They will be gathering their energies ready to leap ahead come February when the days noticeably lengthen so long as the greenhouse is at least frost free.
Matt W · 24th Aug 2015
Grey mould, properly called botrytis, is caused by the common fungus Botrytis cinerea, and presents as a furry grey mould. As the season comes to an end and the nights grow cooler, the atmosphere in the greenhouse becomes more humid which encourages fungal growths like botrytis but it can be a problem at any time of the year.
Matt W · 14th Aug 2015
A 20-year installer's guide to getting a UK allotment: how to apply, waiting lists (12-18 months outside London), rent (£25-£125), plot size and the best greenhouse to start with. Matt's pick is the Vitavia Venus 2500 at £395.
Matt W · 14th Aug 2015
Autumn is the time to restore and repair your lawn after a summer as a games field for the children. Start by scarifying ? raking out any moss and dead grass which builds up into a thatch restricting the grass growth.
Spiking the lawn will improve drainage ready for the winter rain. Just insert a fork about 15 cm into the ground, rock it back and forth to open the hole and then repeat about 30 cm ahead. For bowling green standards, use a special hollow tined fork that removes a plug of soil.
Matt W · 11th May 2015
To maximise the growing season, start tomato seedlings off indoors on a south facing window sill in February. Because the day length is still short and the light weak, the seedlings can be drawn and leggy. To help avoid this put a piece of cardboard covered with aluminium foil behind the seed tray to reflect light back onto the seedlings.
Matt W · 7th May 2015
Step-by-step greenhouse cleaning guide from expert installers. Covers glass, polycarbonate, aluminium frames, staging, floors, gutters and pest prevention with cleaning products comparison and annual checklist.
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