Greenhouse Tips & Tricks for Outstanding Performance

To get the best from your Torium greenhouse we recommend following a few simple tips and tricks. And if you are yet to set up and assemble your greenhouse, remember to place it in the sunniest spot in your garden and ideally in a sheltered position away from strong winds.

• Check the temperature in the greenhouse to make sure it is suitable for your plants.
• Monitor the humidity in the greenhouse to prevent mould growth.
• Pay attention to the type and amount of light your plants receive to ensure they grow properly.
• Plan the planting of your greenhouse carefully to ensure that each plant has enough space.
• Use appropriate fertilisers and watering techniques to ensure that your plants thrive.
• Clean the greenhouse regularly to prevent mould growth and pest infestation.
• Pay attention to the air circulation in the greenhouse to ensure your plants receive sufficient oxygen.
• Take the time of year into account when planning the use of your greenhouse to ensure that you grow the right plants at the right times.
• If you start your seeds in a greenhouse, you can start them a good six weeks earlier than usual and transplant them to a cold frame or cloche in the garden.
• Only clean the greenhouse with water and, if necessary, a soft cloth. Use soapy water, never vinegar or acids. Acids could attack the UV coating.

Tips for Sowing into Seed Trays in a Greenhouse:

Follow the packet instructions for sowing your seeds into trays. Note, PrimeHort have a wide range of trays and nursery supplies to set you up, shop here. Once your seeds have germinated they can be planted into larger pots, or planted directly into your garden.

If you are planting directly into the soil in your greenhouse, you’ll need to check and water the soil regularly because it can dry out quickly in a greenhouse environment. Now is an ideal time to start composting to ensure you can dig or fork the matter into the soil to help retain moisture and enrich the soil.

Sowing into seed trays in a greenhouse:

• Fill the seed tray with suitable seed raising mix, up to 1cm from the top.
• Level and firm the seed raising mix, then tap the container gently on the ground to settle the mix.
• Water lightly to ensure mix is moist and settled.
• Sow the seeds as directed on the packet and provide a light cover of seed raising mix.
• Even though it’s going in a greenhouse, you should still cover your tray with clear plastic to help retain moisture and warmth for successful germination. The seeds won't need as much natural light until they have germinated. As soon as the seeds germinate, remove the cover.
• Place in a warm spot in the greenhouse to grow on, remembering to regularly water (lightly) but avoid over watering as the seedlings will rot.
• Once the seedlings have two true leaves and are easy to handle they can be pricked out of the seed tray for growing on into pots filled with quality potting mix before planting out.

A greenhouse is a wonderful environment for getting your seedlings off to a better start. There will always be regional differences affecting performance, and most ‘green thumbs’ tell us of testing a few different factors along the way.

Regardless, a greenhouse is an incredible step towards growing fresher, healthier produce all year round, and the sense of satisfaction is immeasurable!

 Shop the Torium range today, or contact us for advice.