My first ever real life greenhouse arrives today ! Am sooo excited -

[fakeblonde]

Well we have a garden a little like a postage stamp, but have room at the back for this fab 6 x 8 lightweight aluminium framed grrenhouse.

For 2 years i have dabbled in growing veg in every available space .
I cant believe i am actually going to have my own greenhouse tonight.
Is 6x8 a reasonable size to grow things.

Might i be able to grow anything in here over the winter ?

Any tips for greenhouse virgins most welcome !!!!!!!!

[fakeblonde]

Ok so am i a saddo for getting so excited-what could i pos grow over winter anyone ?

[PestoMonster]

I have never had a greenhouse, but am very interested to hear what you are going to grow in it. This year was the first I've grown fruit & veg in our garden, previously only done flowers. It was wonderful to eat our first crop of peas and crumble tastes sooooooooooooo much better made from home-grown rhubarb. So I am watching with interest. I expect other greener-fingered MNers will be along shortly.

Enjoy!

[Bibis]

Oooh you lucky thing, I am planning on getting a greenhouse at the end of the year in preparation for next season.

I am using our horrible conservatory at the moment but it is not ideal as it is the main route to the garden so the children leave the door open all the time and the temperature fluctuates too much.

I am so jealous of you.

Good luck with all you grow

[Bibis]

bumping for you (I want to know too)

[fakeblonde]

greenhouse is here.I think it will take the weekend to put the thing together ! Off to search the web now on possible winter veg ??????

[eyesfront]

Most important rule - don't grow stuff you don't like eating.

Are you going to insulate it and heat it this winter?

6x8 is a nice size to start with, but I can guarantee by next august you will be wishing it was twice the size (which is how I ended up with a 16x8 and still wanted a polytunnel).

are you going to have a solid floor or have soil to plant into?

any chance of getting power and water to it? will triple your greenhouse joy if you can.

if soil to plant into, if you are quick you can get some carrots in and if they are too little to eat this year they will be good in teh spring, and NO CARROT ROOT FLY HOORAY. Or you could just sow a green manure so the soil is improved for next spring. Or any of those salady lettucy things. or use it to start off perennial flowers for next year.

[eyesfront]

are you putting it on soil or having a solid floor of some sort?

if soil, then early carrots (that grow fast) because then no carrot root fly hooray. or just a green manure to get the soil up and running for next year. or any of those lettucy salady mix things. or quick herbs - coriander, rocket, or parsley.

i wouldn't bother with winter veg in a greenhouse, they can go outside, but if you have staging you can start them off now

can you get power and light in to it? will triple your greenhouse joy if you can!

[eyesfront]

are you having a solid floor of some sort or just soil?

if soil, then if it's well dug over try carrots (an early quick growing variety). or a green manure to boost it for next year. or herbs, basil coriander, or lettucy things, rocket.

no need to put winter veg in a greenhouse, but you might like to start them off in there.

can you get water and electricity in to it? will triple your greenhouse joy if you can

[fakeblonde]

I have a solid floor.Dont think dh would agree to digging over slabs just yet as the spot its in was meant for his lovely decking !
Yes i can get electic so will be able to heat.
I would love to be able to grow a few veg over the winter ?

[eyesfront]

huge apologies - my posts weren't coming up on my screen hence the irritating repetition (and yes it was irritating for me too!!!)

The trouble with winter is light - however much you heat the greenhouse (and if you are going to heat it then definitely insulate it with big-bubble bubblewrap or it will be ruinously expensive) if there is no light it just won't do. You'll have to get going quickly on stuff that is pretty instant, and use the greenhouse to extend the season.

but what's to lose? Start off with summer stuff, like lettuce etc, maybe see if you can get a courgette to fruit before it gives up the ghost for the year.

[Earthymama]

Eyes that made me smile

I have a greenhouse that wants erecting on the allotment; DP and I unable to do it for various reasons. Do you think we can get anyone to help us? We are willing to pay but can't arrange it with any family members (though admitedly the horrendous weather has spoiled several arranged dates).
I feel as though I'm being a pest if I keep asking, and can't get any local builders interested as it's such a small job.
I could cry as we've lost 8 tomato plants and 4 courgette plants to slugs and the weather.

So I'm , but send blessings to your new greenhouse and hope you grow lots of fab veggies,
If anyone is in South Wales and knows a person who would like to earn some cash, post for my attention,
EM

[Yurtgirl]

fakeblonde - I am interested in how big your postage stamp is?

Mine is 15m by 3m
I am about to start growing veg etc
We are getting some chickens
I am lusting after a small against the wall type of greenhouse - the type that looks like a bookcase

Goodness knows how the children will ever find room to play!!!