THE PERFECT PLANTER?

Greenhouse crops may be planted directly into greenhouse borders, into large containers of compost or growbags. When using growbags, invest in good-quality, well-filled bags and plant into bottomless pots or plant halos pushed into the bags to offer more support at the roots. They will also make watering a lot easier, as the moisture can run through the pot and down into the bag rather than running straight off over the surface.

Another option – and a decidedly quirky one – is to plant into straw bales. Bales can be picked up for around £5 and last for up to two seasons. Condition bales before planting to kick-start their decomposition, so roots have composted material to grow into.

To condition a bale, sprinkle a cup of nitrogen fertiliser over the top of it every other day. Bloodmeal makes a good organic option. Thoroughly water the bales every day to wash the fertiliser in and to keep the straw moist. Continue like this for nine days in total then finish on day 10 with a balanced organic fertiliser. Bales should be ready to plant after a further week.