Greenhouse - getting an early start for tender plants started from seed

Beginning greenhouse growers should consider vegetative plants like lettuce, basil or coleus, which are easy to grow. Bushes and trees should be avoided by beginners because, lovely though they are, such plants use up a lot of space and take a long time to grow.

When it comes to selecting seeds and plants, the biggest deciding factor is your personal choice. But you need to be aware that you must set up your greenhouse interior to accommodate the types of plants that you choose. For example, if you choose to grow plants that climb and require support you will have to install some trellises or string wires. Some examples of plants that grow well with a trellis are watermelon, winter squash, passionflower, bougainvillea, and grape vine – all of which will do much better in a greenhouse than outdoors in the UK.

Some crops are harvested only once and then the plant expires; e.g. onions, carrots and radishes. These need to be planted outside from the start, because they are plants that do not appreciate being transplanted.

Most seeds require temperatures of 65° to 75°F to germinate. Placing seed containers near an existing heater or using a space heater with the proper precautions can raise the ambient temperature as needed in an unheated greenhouse. In addition, a heating pad designed for plant use placed directly under the seed containers will warm the planting mix and encourage germination. When using any additional heat source, be sure to check for moisture often, since the seed containers may dry out more quickly.