A greenhouse pays for itself if you use it all year. Here's how to keep it productive in every season.
Created by jflgardens.co.uk
A greenhouse is only worth having if it's working for you. Used wisely, it extends your growing season dramatically — from early seeds in spring to tender protection through winter — but only if you plan around the seasons.
The greenhouse earns its keep in spring by letting you sow seeds earlier than you could outside — tomatoes, peppers, chillies and hardy annuals all get a head start under cover, where it's warmer and sheltered.
In summer a greenhouse can get baking hot, so ventilate well, shade the glass and keep plants watered. This is the season for tomatoes, cucumbers and other tender crops that love the warmth — just keep the air moving.
Keep tender crops cropping longer in the greenhouse, sow some spring-blooming biennials and use the space to bring in and protect plants that wouldn't survive outside. Also take the chance to clean down the glass and staging.
In winter the greenhouse shelters tender plants, holds hardy seedlings, and is the perfect spot to plan and sow for next spring. It may be quieter, but a well-used greenhouse is never truly idle.
From planting & borders to a full growing-style overhaul, the JFL Gardens team works across Surrey and London.
