Yes I have and they just werent interested to be honest, they were only interested in people who already had some knowledge....Aftet the first 3 weeks I gave it up as a bad idea as I spent the whole time on my own and you can only try so much!
Hello Yvonne I am lucky in that I have 3 greenhouses - they are my passion If I can help you in any way I would be glad to
I heat one of my greenhouses over winter - with a thermostatically controlled electric heater. The amount of plants I have in there justifies the cost to me
I usually start my seed sowing in February - aubergines,peppers and chillies. Don't be too eager to start sowing - seeds sown a bit later always seem to catch early ones up
I think sotongeoff's idea a good one. Gardeners do like to talk about it. Peer over fences or at allotments til you see something you like and chat up the owner. a few might not respond but most will.
Also agree with don't rush to start sowing. If you'd got something germinated last week then this week's sub zero temperatures arrived you'd be struggling to keep them alive and it's not an encouraging way to start gardening. When spring comes seeds will germinate whatever you do and you won't need to spend a fortune on electricity.
I know what you mean about gardening clubs, I enjoy all the ones I go to but none of them are about basics. I've learnt more basics on this forum than anywhere else.
I've been gardening for years but there's a lot of things I'm still finding out.
Give it til about mid March and gardening life will start properly. Though I shall be out pruning, hedging and cutting last year's dead growth as soon as the weather looks good. 2 cold days and I've got cabin fever already.
I had the same experience in a garden club Yvonne. I found it very belittling tbh. They were quick to knock me down and not very helpful. A bit snooty because I asked questions. I decided I would learn by myself
I have a cold greenhouse and do have some seeds in at the moment. Aquilegia, larkspur, calenduls, sweet peas, cornflowers and a few more. They need a chilling period so will be fine. I also have some in the house which are doing well. Where abouts are you?
Seems to be a fairly common problem:/ my local gardening club are rather patronizing to newcomers also. I had a lovely elderly couple living next door for years but sadly both have passed away and been replaced with neighbours who lock themselves away and the garden that was once beautiful with flowers, fruit and veg is now like Steptoes yard and I'm sadly not exaggerating the old fella was a mine of wisdom but I can't remember all his tips:/ so it's plod on, learn through mistakes and look on this great site and talk to you lovely helpful fellow gardeners for tips and advice
Hmm, miserable lot (the gardening clubs, not you), but there's other ways to get what you want - Wiltshire Wildlife Trust used to hold Composting training days - if they still do it would be a brilliant way to get to know other gardeners in your area - just a thought
Posts
Yes my lovely elderly neighbour is great but has as much idea as I do when it comes to greenhouses
Have you approached the local gardening club Yvonne?
Yes I have and they just werent interested to be honest, they were only interested in people who already had some knowledge....Aftet the first 3 weeks I gave it up as a bad idea as I spent the whole time on my own and you can only try so much!
That is such a shame-how do they hope to increase membership if they dont nurture people-very frustrating
I usually find gardeners a helpful band -so if there is greenhouse owner near you-be brave and knock on the door
Hello Yvonne
I am lucky in that I have 3 greenhouses - they are my passion
If I can help you in any way I would be glad to 
I heat one of my greenhouses over winter - with a thermostatically controlled electric heater. The amount of plants I have in there justifies the cost to me
I usually start my seed sowing in February - aubergines,peppers and chillies. Don't be too eager to start sowing - seeds sown a bit later always seem to catch early ones up
Pam LL x
I think sotongeoff's idea a good one. Gardeners do like to talk about it. Peer over fences or at allotments til you see something you like and chat up the owner. a few might not respond but most will.
Also agree with don't rush to start sowing. If you'd got something germinated last week then this week's sub zero temperatures arrived you'd be struggling to keep them alive and it's not an encouraging way to start gardening. When spring comes seeds will germinate whatever you do and you won't need to spend a fortune on electricity.
I know what you mean about gardening clubs, I enjoy all the ones I go to but none of them are about basics. I've learnt more basics on this forum than anywhere else.
I've been gardening for years but there's a lot of things I'm still finding out.
Give it til about mid March and gardening life will start properly. Though I shall be out pruning, hedging and cutting last year's dead growth as soon as the weather looks good. 2 cold days and I've got cabin fever already.
In the sticks near Peterborough
I have a cold greenhouse and do have some seeds in at the moment. Aquilegia, larkspur, calenduls, sweet peas, cornflowers and a few more. They need a chilling period so will be fine. I also have some in the house which are doing well. Where abouts are you?
Seems to be a fairly common problem:/ my local gardening club are rather patronizing to newcomers also. I had a lovely elderly couple living next door for years but sadly both have passed away and been replaced with neighbours who lock themselves away and the garden that was once beautiful with flowers, fruit and veg is now like Steptoes yard and I'm sadly not exaggerating
the old fella was a mine of wisdom but I can't remember all his tips:/ so it's plod on, learn through mistakes and look on this great site and talk to you lovely helpful fellow gardeners for tips and advice
Hmm, miserable lot (the gardening clubs, not you), but there's other ways to get what you want - Wiltshire Wildlife Trust used to hold Composting training days - if they still do it would be a brilliant way to get to know other gardeners in your area - just a thought
http://www.salisburyjournal.co.uk/news/ruralfocus/5084048.Composting_courses_available/
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Can anyone help .what night and day temperature s do I need in my greenhouse in jan for sowing flowerseeds