Over winter greenhouse use - from the cauli thread (Penellype)

[marchogaeth]

Would a cauli grow in a greenhouse then? I have been struggling to grow anything with more than 2 leaves outside under veggiemesh - its not the pests that are the problem, the damn things just won't grow!

I don't see why not. I don't grow cauli's to "ripen" over the summer in the tunnel but I have all the stages the rest of the time. I fleece up through the cold weather. You can't always predict when they will be ready and I tend to grow close and accept that I am harvesting small. Over winter I'll have spring cabbage, PSB (in tubs brought in from outside), mange tout, broad beans, carrots, parsnips (both for harvest as babies), salad stuff etc etc. I've got French beans that should come before Christmas. You just have to accept that it's a bit pot luck but what doesn't work is compost/green manure.

This question comes up a lot. I don't have a green house and although I am on a North facing slope, I also face the sea so my climate is not typical. I know my aunt, who is in the Midlands (of England) gets very low temperatures in her greenhouse over winter but I have persuaded her (I think) to have ago with a few things this winter rather than leave it stand empty. Would any body else like to comment here as to what they manage to grow in their greenhouse that isn't "the usual suspects" - Winter or otherwise?

[marchogaeth]

Just seen this on the planning thread:-
http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...ml#post1275378

[Penellype]

Thanks for that - I will give caulis another chance in the greenhouse this time. My biggest surprise so far with the greenhouse has been parsley. I grew some in a pot and it got too big so I transplanted it along the front of a grow bed containing tomatoes. Its huge! Normally I can't get the stuff to grow at all.

[Deano's "Diggin It"]

Good answer!

Everybody's happy!

[solway cropper]

I've never understood why so many people leave their greenhouses empty between the end of one lot of tomatoes and the start of the next. If you have a resource why not make maximum use of it. I know they usually need a good clean at some point and this is easier when they're empty but if you grow your overwintered crops in large containers they can be moved outside on a sunny spring day and moved back in after cleaning.

[Penellype]

I think my main problem will be finding room for next year's tomatoes as I plan to use the greenhouse for salad crops and attempt to grow winter potatoes in there. The only trouble is that it is an old greenhouse in a very shady area, and with several broken panes of glass, so I may find things don't survive if we get some harsh frosts. Its not my greenhouse so I can't really get it repaired.

[marchogaeth]

The only trouble is that it is an old greenhouse in a very shady area, and with several broken panes of glass, so I may find things don't survive if we get some harsh frosts. Its not my greenhouse so I can't really get it repaired.

Fleece lots of it. My Aunt uses three layers. Would you landlord not be happy for you to repair it at your own cost? I know it depends on how long you expect to be there.

[skeggijon]

This year I'm growing cabbages, beetroot, turnips and potatoes through the winter in my larger (20ft) polytunnel. I'm planning on re-siting the smaller one, so that will probably remain empty til January, but I do hate to leave unused space.

[Penellype]

Fleece lots of it. My Aunt uses three layers. Would you landlord not be happy for you to repair it at your own cost? I know it depends on how long you expect to be there.

Its my friend's greenhouse, in her garden. I'm looking after it as she fell off a horse and broke her leg earlier this year. I don't know how long I will be using it for, but fleece is a good idea, thanks.