Frost protection

maxijam · February 2023

Hi all
I have a smallish plastic greenhouse. Would these be classed as frost free protection for the plugs and stuff in the centres at the moment that say they need that?
Sorry if that's a daft question.

Thanks

Edit: this may be in tbe wrong section. Sorry if it is.

Fairygirl · February 2023

Don't worry about where to post - we tend to just look at the query. Not a daft question either - it's always better to ask rather than spending money and losing the plants

No - those plastic growhouses aren't warm enough to give protection from frost unfortunately. If you have enough room indoors - even a porch will do, that's fine. You need to factor in the potting on of the plants too, especially if the plugs/plants aren't fully hardy varieties. It's easy to run out of windowsills

maxijam · February 2023

Thanks, that's really helpful. I appreciate that. Thought best to ask. Definitely easy to run out of space which is why I was pondering getting a bigger one of the grow houses.

They'd be ok for growing on chillies and peppers when the frost has passed though, do you think? I've always had good success on patios before but have moved from Sussex to Dorset and the last two years haven't been the best despite it being west facing.

Thanks 😊

Fairygirl · February 2023

I don't grow either of those unfortunately, but chillies generally need more protection than that where I am - ie a proper greenhouse, or indoors. It might be ok where you are though. Alternatively, you could add some extra protection, but it could be a bit of a faff

The problem with the plastic g'houses is that they really only give protection from rain/wind/snow, and not much else. They also get overly hot which can be as big a problem. Maybe you could experiment a bit - some out in the growhouse you have and a couple on windowsills?

maxijam · February 2023

Thanks. Will definitely have a think 😊Thanks for replying.

Fairygirl · February 2023

No probs. It's sometimes difficult to judge with these things though, and the weather in the last couple of years has made things even more tricky for everyone.
I've been able to have a few toms outside in the last two summers, simply because it hasn't been as hit and miss weather wise, but I'm not relying on that being the case long term, so the growhouse will be full as usual!

That might be worth looking at if you want something a bit more robust but don't want the expense of a full blown greenhouse, or don't have room. It's one of the timber/polycarbonate ones I have. Mine is beginning to degrade now, but I've had about 7 or 8 years out of it

This one - they're a bit dearer now than when I bought mine
https://greenfingers.com/p33347/rowlinson_hardwood_mini_greenhouse.aspx

AnniD · February 2023

Aldi also do a cheaper version

https://www.aldi.co.uk/wooden-mini-greenhouse-natural-/p/812717580118600

philippasmith2 · February 2023

Chillies and Pwppers do need a long season and a good summer even in a glass GH. If it's any help, there is a shorter fruited sweet pepper - Frigitelli - which seems to ripen sooner than the palermo types.
Here's hoping for a decent summer - not too wet, not too dry and not scorching temps

Fairygirl · February 2023

Gosh - that's a good price @AnniD, although it's a good bit smaller. The wood would need treatment, but certainly ideal for smaller plants.

maxijam · February 2023

The weather has definitely been a bit odd the last couple of years @Fairygirl! I got tomatoes both years outside though with even more last year as it was a little more stable than 2021. I did get some aubergines and peppers on the patio again too so it definitely wasn't a disaster.
I have looked at those other greenhouses funnily enough and was just looking again when your reply came in.
So those would be ok for plugs or is that still a window sill in the house job? I was really trying not to have a floor full of seedling this year.

maxijam · February 2023

Thanks @annid 😊

Frost protection

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