GARDEN DESIGN
Hartley Botanic ’ s Victorian Terrace representing the 1990s on the RHS Chelsea stand
Matthew Biggs said , “ The 90 ’ s marked the arrival of biological control in home gardening , and it is still something that not everyone knows about – especially if they are just starting out . Instead of dumping lots of chemicals on your plants , use natural predators to manage any pest problems . This technique uses nature ’ s own controls . It isn ’ t particularly complex or involved – now you can buy predators online or from the garden centre and they are simple to manage within the Glasshouse . There are predators for aphids , whitefly , scale insect and a host of other pests . Use environmentally friendly solutions - let ’ s think natural !”
90s growing inspiration : tailor your approach “ Edible peppers have requirements in cultivation similar to tomatoes , although they need slightly higher temperatures and humidity .”
Matthew Biggs said , “ Although most gardeners grow tomatoes and peppers happily together , with a few degrees making little difference , this does demonstrate the need to understand that different crops have different tolerances . You don ’ t have to be that specific , but different plants do have different needs . Peppers , basil , and tomatoes , are happier near the Greenhouse door where it is hot and dry and I grow my cucumbers at the back of the Greenhouse , where the air is still and humid .”
90s growing inspiration : think about temperature “ Sow French beans under glass for early crops . Germination will not take place below 10C ( 50F ) and is slow at 15C ( 60F ) The optimum temperature for germination is 30C ( 85F .)”
Matthew Biggs said , “ You don ’ t need to be following guidelines on sowing temperatures down to the last degree , but it is important to understand that temperature has an important role in producing successful crops . It is vital not to sow some crops too early . If it says on the packet you must sow in February but your Greenhouse feels
very cold , it is best to wait until the weather warms , especially at night . When sowing outdoors , make your decisions according to the weather conditions and the needs of the crop , not by the instructions on the packet . You can , however , to beat the weather , sow hardy vegetables like lettuce and broad beans , earlier in the protection of your Hartley Botanic Greenhouse .”
Hartley Botanic was founded in 1938 by brothers Vincent ( RHS fellow ) and Norman Hartley following their ground-breaking aluminium Greenhouse design , the first time ( to our knowledge ) aluminium had been used in Greenhouse construction and marking a huge improvement on its wood and wrought iron Victorian forerunners . The English manufacturer is an authority on Greenhouse design and use over the decades , having been making its beautiful and elegant handmade , made-to-order horticultural buildings for over 83 years from its original factory at the base of the dramatic Pennines ’ Chew Valley in Greenfield , Lancashire .
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