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.
Denne historien er fra October 24, 2020-utgaven av Amateur Gardening.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Denne historien er fra October 24, 2020-utgaven av Amateur Gardening.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
To dig or not to dig?
Should we be carrying out a full dig on plots now? Bob considers the pros and cons of the 'autumn dig' debate
The box ball blues
As if his beleaguered box hadn't already taken a beating, Toby now has to deal with some hungry box caterpillars
Save your own seeds
Masterclass on: seed saving
Strange sightings
Three unusual insects turn up in Val's garden in one day
A bolt from the blue!
Cornflowers are perfect for garden and vase
Winter moth prevention
Ruth shows you how to avoid maggoty tree fruits
Create a winter container
There are as many options as in summer
Lightweight gardening tools
AS well as being good for our mental health, gardening is also great exercise.
Autumn price round-up
AG finds better bargains in lesser-known brands
Rudbeckias
Rudbeckias are ideal for sunny summer patios and borders, with some able to survive our coldest winters
