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Produce => Under Glass => Topic started by: posie on February 17, 2008, 10:09:51

Title: Help! Propagator lids all frozen!
Post by: posie on February 17, 2008, 10:09:51
Started off a load of seeds in the greenhouse this week, just went out to wipe out the condensation from the lids and the inside and outside of them are frozen!  How much damage is this likely to have done and should I maybe bring them indoors until this frost is over?  It's a 6' x 4' unheated plastic greenhouse and I really can't risk trying to heat it because of the wind we get and the dogs I have!

All advice appreciated!

Paula
Title: Re: Help! Propagator lids all frozen!
Post by: kenkew on February 17, 2008, 10:21:37
If your seeds have only just been sown, chances are there's no damage done. It's certainly better to start them off in doors if your greenhouse doesn't have heat. Frosty/icy conditions will kill young seedling stone dead, but I doubt they have had chance to make a start in your cold greenhouse.
Title: Re: Help! Propagator lids all frozen!
Post by: posie on February 17, 2008, 17:06:42
Have now moved them indoors, good job I'm single cos my bedroom looks like a blinking garden centre!!!
Title: Re: Help! Propagator lids all frozen!
Post by: davee52uk on February 17, 2008, 20:34:16
I went to the plot on Saturday morning and found that my Broad Beans plants where growing in pots of frozen potting in the (aptly named) cold frame. They didn't seem to bothered so I planted them out; they seem equally happy outside.

Moral of the story is that some plants can take a small amount of frost; others can't.
Title: Re: Help! Propagator lids all frozen!
Post by: posie on February 21, 2008, 12:05:22
Well since moving them indoors, I watered them the night before last and there was nowt there, went to check them today and the sprouts, cauli's, beetroot, brocolli and little gem's have all gone nuts!!!  ;D  I'm so proud!! Only ever managed to grow cress before! lol
Title: Re: Help! Propagator lids all frozen!
Post by: carolinej on February 21, 2008, 12:54:41
Well done ,posie ;D


cj :)
Title: Re: Help! Propagator lids all frozen!
Post by: Barnowl on February 21, 2008, 13:15:48
Perhaps a good chill serves to encourage them!
Title: Re: Help! Propagator lids all frozen!
Post by: kenkew on February 21, 2008, 14:14:15
There's truth in that Barnowl. Many seeds, especially the ones with a shell will do better if placed in the cold for awhile. Sowing them after a chill tells them 'winter' has finished.
Title: Re: Help! Propagator lids all frozen!
Post by: Barnowl on February 21, 2008, 14:19:14
Makes sense. If left to their own devices they're not likely to find a cosy house in which to overwinter.
Title: Re: Help! Propagator lids all frozen!
Post by: posie on February 21, 2008, 15:47:34
And there was me thinking it was my magical touch rofl!  :P