Autumn greenhouse care

This has been my first year with a greenhouse and I’ve enjoyed raising plants for the garden and growing tomatoes, peppers, and cucumber

- Anne Swithinbank

Q This has been my first year with a greenhouse and I’ve enjoyed raising plants for the garden and growing tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. Should I wash it down now or in the spring, and is there anything I can grow in the winter? It is unheated. Robert Pocock, Cardiff

A A greenhouse quickly becomes the headquarters of a keen gardener and I think of mine as the powerhouse of the whole plot. Sadly, our 17x10ft (5x3m) wooden-framed greenhouse is coming to the end of its days. Second-hand 23 years ago, it has served at least two owners well and I hope to repurpose the old brick base for a new structure next year. Until then, and although unheated and with gaps, it will spend a final winter providing shelter for slightly tender potted plants and those that hate wind or winter wet. Plants are kept on the dry side and some will be shrouded in horticultural fleece during cold spells.