Scarborough & District Fuchsia Society Newsletter           January 2001
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January & February in your Greenhouse

Before the main seed-sowing and cutting-taking season gets into full swing, it will be helpful if you prepare now by checking you have an adequate supply of seeds trays, pots, labels, etc. and if re-using old pots ensure they are thoroughly scrubbed clean. A tedious job at the best of times, but better done now while you still have time on your hands!

It can be rather expensive to heat the entire greenhouse to an ambient temperature for germinating and growing on, so it pays to partition off just a section and only heat that. A sheet or two of bubble plastic can be hung from the roof and attached to the sides with either pins in a wooden structure or special twist clips in aluminium greenhouses.  Most of the seeds for these really early sowings are best germinated in thermostatically controlled heated propagators, to keep an exact check on the temperature. Once the seeds have germinated they need a heated area for the growing on. A temperature of around 10 - 12 ºC is quite sufficient for the great majority of bedding plants and vegetables, no need to waste heat. Don't be tempted to start too early as with the many short, dull days light intensity is still low. Germinating seeds is relatively easy, but growing the emerging seedlings on is tricky. Remember that too much heat coupled with insufficient light leads to weak, leggy growth - far better to grow things hard to develop strong sturdy seedlings. 
The same regime applies for fuchsia cuttings. Bottom heat ideally at first, then when well rooted, wean them off and grow on hard to obtain strong, sturdy and short-jointed growth which will later be able to support the flowers quite naturally.
The key to successful greenhouse growing at this time of the year is adequate light. Many dull days occur but we can maximise what daylight there is by keeping the glass spic and span! You are no doubt aware of how much dirt collects on the outside, but do wipe the panes regularly on the inside too, it is quite amazing how much accumulates there!  As far as your mature fuchsias are concerned the time is now fast approaching to take stock of your rested plants. Plants still fully dormant can be eased into growth again by spraying daily with tepid water to soften the stems to encourage new growth. Once plenty of new shoots are apparent, which will no doubt quite naturally happen with the increased light levels around mid February, trim back the old framework. Don't be afraid to cut back hard. Fuchsias respond well to this and it encourages strong growth, while weak pruning often leads to spindly growth which will ultimately not support the blooms.
If you didn't repot (see next page) your plants in autumn, you can do so now, but take great care not to damage the newly developed white roots. While doing this keep a watchful eye out for vine weevil grubs, if you have previously been troubled by this. Some might now be clearly visible, but minute newly hatched ones might be present too, so take care to discard all the old compost.
If some heat was provided you might already have sufficient growth to supply you with cutting material. These early cuttings take readily in a heated propagator, but for growing on a mean temperature regime (that is if you yourself can stand working in low temperatures!!) will produce much stronger, sturdier plants.
As during the first six weeks or so of the new year plants won't be growing strongly in the greenhouse, till light level naturally improve from mid February onwards, unless it is heated to around 10 - 15ºC, plants are more prone to attack of pests and diseases. This is particularly the case in damp, humid conditions, when grey mould (botrytis) can become a major problem. Aim for a buoyant atmosphere, so whenever weather permits, dry and not too breezy, make sure you ventilate freely. Open the vents as much as possible and even the door to assist airflow. Also clean excess condensation from the inside of the glass to improve matters.
It is imperative to water the plants early in the day and when watering take good care not to splash it around needlessly. Water from below or trickle it onto the compost carefully, making sure to avoid splashing or wetting the leaves or stems. You could water the plants from the bottom, via the saucers or by siting the pots in trays of tepid water. Check trays and saucers after a while and remove surplus water.  Also, check that plants are placed away from drips from the glass or bubble plastic.
You also need to inspect plants regularly for any early signs of pest attack. The little blighters tend to hide on the underside of the foliage, so do inspect your plants thoroughly and regularly and also remove all dead, dying or diseased leaves immediately. Squash ALL intruders and fumigate or CONTINUEDè

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