Unheated greenhouse

monkeynic · Posted: Sat Feb 20, 2010 5:05 pm Post subject: Unheated greenhouse

I have all my seedlings in unheated propagators in an unheated plastic greenhouse, they were planted 2 weeks ago but still seeing no signs of life from any of the seeds. Should i worry or is this ok?

MacFistycuffs · Hazel Tree Joined: 30 Jul 2009 Posts: 21 Location: Kerry

What seeds have you started?

monkeynic · Posted: Sat Feb 20, 2010 6:19 pm Post subject:

cabbage, cauliflower, sprouts, tomatoes, peppers, courgettes, 2 types of carrots, red and white onions, leeks and parsnips.

MacFistycuffs · Hazel Tree Joined: 30 Jul 2009 Posts: 21 Location: Kerry

Here's a link showing the optimum soil temperatures for seed germination.
http://www.aces.edu/pubs/docs/A/ANR-1061/ANR-1061.pdf

It still a bit too cold outside for most of those seeds to germinate. I would recommend bringing them inside until they germinate and then putting them back out into your greenhouse once they have.

monkeynic · Posted: Sat Feb 20, 2010 7:01 pm Post subject:

Thanks for that, I'll bring them in for a while. Smile

madmaggie · Hazel Tree Joined: 03 Mar 2010 Posts: 2 Location: Ireland

I also have an unheated greenhouse. I bought an electric propogator a few years back, and find the germination rate really improved when using it. When I transfer the seedlings to a seed tray at the pricking out stage, I cover the tray with those transparent plastic tray covers. Also I find filling the seed trays and pots with compost and leaving them in the propogator a couple of days before sowing helps. Likewise when transferring the seedlings, I fill up the trays, cover them and leave them to warm up, rather than use the compost straight from the bag. Seiveing the compost helps with finer seeds. Hope all this helps, I've learned the hard way. Smile

monkeynic · Posted: Mon Mar 08, 2010 10:15 pm Post subject:

I've brought them in and all have germinated now apart from courgettes. They all seem to be doing well. even planted sprouts and cabbages into pots ready for putting out when it gets a bit warmer. When do you recommend i do that? They are still quite spindly at the moment.

madmaggie · Hazel Tree Joined: 03 Mar 2010 Posts: 2 Location: Ireland

It is best to harden off plants grown inside before planting out so they will not too much of a shock or a set-back when planted outside. At the moment I am bringing out lettuce plants in pots during the day, and putting them back in the greenhouse at night, as the nights are so frosty. When I do plant them out in a raised bed they will be under a cloche, which I put there about 2 weeks ago to warm up the soil. I have found with cabbage plants they can get quite spindly if growing conditions are too warm.