REALLY basic greenhouse questions

[krizzanne]

Hi, I have a greenhouse at my disposal (in the yard where we let - in marlow, buckinghamshire). It has whitewash paint over the majority of the roof glass and on the west/eastern side. WHY?

Also, there is a grape vine growing inside. It is growing up one corner and stretches along the entire length of the ceiling. It was full of dead bunches of grapes in Nov. Do I need to water it?

Also, without a heater, can I plant things in the greenhouse already? It doesn't seem like there is frost inside when there is frost outside, but it seems just as cold.

I am super excited to have this kind of opportunity to get into gardening, I am just not sure how/when to get started.

TIA!

[Hans Mum]

the whitewash (i think) is to lessen glare & heat of the sun in mid summer, not sure about your grape question am sure someone will be along to answer,
you can use a unheeated greenhouse just need to make sure you cover with fleece if theres a really hard frost due
enjoy its great fun

[Cutecumber]

Yes, the whitewash is put on to reduce the temperature inside the greenhouse - it can easily get too hot inside a greenhouse even in an English summer (depending a bit upon its location and orientation).

If you want to use the greenhouse now, however, I would get a damp cloth and remove the whitewash by rubbing the panes - firmly, but carefully. At this time of year you need to get as much light in as possible. Worry about the heat in the summer!

You could start off some plants from seed - things that can take some cold but that enjoy a little protection. If you have space to plant them out, how about starting some lettuce, cabbages or cauliflower? Sow just a few seeds of each in a pot at the end of the month, prick out the seedlings when they have two leaves into larger pots... well, that's just the beginning, so get yourself a book on the basics or do some internet research and you'll be well away. During next month you could start some tomatoes and chillis... the world is your veggie patch

I can't help with the grapevine, i am afraid, but how about asking for advice in the fruit forum? That's where you'll find those grape experts!

[esrikandan]

If the vine is in proper soil in the greenhouse, it shouldn't need watering at this time of year while it's dormant, although I would remove the old (dried?) grapes, and give the vine itself a good pruning.

However, you may want to consider removing the vine if it's taking up a lot of space in the greenhouse?

[shirlthegirl43]

Hi and welcome to the vine krizzane. Is the root of the vine in the greenhouse or outside - it is normal for them to be planted outside then the growth brought through into the greenhouse for warmth and protection. It will need pruning - if you PM me I think I have a good pruning guide I could email you.