Keeping Your Plants Cosy

Smaller structures are ideal when space is tight

- Ruth Hayes

THE biggest challenge over winter is keeping our tender plants, corms and tubers alive and viable for planting back outside next year when the weather warms up.

A frost-free greenhouse is the ideal venue if you have the space, either unheated and well-insulated or with a greenhouse heater. These are easy to use and electric, gas and paraffin versions are all widely available.

If you don’t have the space for one there are plenty of alternatives. Covered mini-greenhouses are ideal for patios and narrow paths.

Cold Frames are another excellent option if space is limited or your greenhouse is already full. Ours came from Forest (£77.99, forest garden. co.uk, 0333 321 3142), is made of pressure-treated timber and has two independently opening lids with acrylic glazing and individual props for opening.

It was easy to assemble, is spacious and robust enough to withstand whatever winter thrown at it. It is worth scattering a layer of gravel or wool pellets on the base of your cold frame to deter slugs from your plants.