Small Greenhouse

[saffstar]

I've just been given one of those little plastic greenhouse thingys and I want to start growing things in it. I appreciate it's probably the wrong time of year to start but I wondered if any of you had any advice on good plants to start with or useful books/websites. I've got next to no experience in growing things (my parents are very proficient but I'd like to wow them with my 'amazing' 'natural' gardening ability!) I'd quite like to grow salad stuff, herbs and maybe some flowers? Any advice gratefully received! :)

[mrsmac]

I grew some sun flowers in a mini greenhouse on a window sill once. They grew too quick and went all stringy and fell over. I reckon herbs are easy to grow and don't mind poor soil etc - start with some herbs I reckon. Good Luck.

[paulz]

Saffstar - a good & cheap starting point is Greenhouse Gardening" by DG Hessayson, should be in most Graden centres. Tomatoes are a good starter [bit late for this year] Melons - like the small cantaloupe ones are also easy to grow in bags [support the ripening fruit], for next year start off your bedding plants to get a good start while the frosts are about. You could even plant some potatoes that have sprouted for new pots @ Xmas! Enjoy

[Robinia]

I agree with paulz, they're great for tomatoes etc & bedding plants.However, I've got one myself & have found that they don't stand up to the winter very well. I mistakenly thought that it would be OK to overwinter things in but it became brittle with the cold & high winds caused it to tear. Luckily I managed to buy a replacement cover this spring but will be removing it for the winter. Have fun, I've just picked my first 2 tomatoes this year!