HOT TOPIC
Saving plants – and saving money
I feel Monty was harsh on himself when he discussed keeping exotics going through the winter (Have your say, January issue). We all might not have greenhouses or cold frames but gardeners are creative folk and can find alternatives. I keep my dahlias in between the garage and a fence – they not only survive but thrive. We can also use spaces near the house, and cover plants in pots with compost bags – they work a treat.
Shabina Ghafoor, by email
Although I would not consider leaving tender plants out I did decide not to heat the greenhouse this year to attempt to save a few pennies on electricity. Oh dear! What a mistake that turned out to be. The greenhouse is always bubble-wrapped and in previous years even with a heater the temperature drops often to -2°C, but all the plants survive. The lowest temperature recorded in the greenhouse this year was-10°C. The damage done to some of the plants is quite visible in my photograph (inset). I now need to wait for spring to see if the fuchsias (some standards are over 25 years old), bananas and gingers have survived, otherwise the cost of replacing will be far in excess of any money I might have saved not heating the greenhouse.
Eric Wills, Cheshire
WE SAY: Cold caught many off-guard last year. When buying plants, look out for ‘halfhardy’ on labels, meaning a need for winter protection. How did your plants fare over winter? Let us know at the address below.