Greenhouse newbie

[beanhunter]

Hello. First post from someone who knows nothing!
We have a greenhouse that we’ve no clue how to make best use of. Tried tomatoes and peppers last year but they got scorched when we were away for a long weekend.
So....what shall we try, how do we do it, what kit do we need. Can’t plant too much outside greenhouse or dog will help himself. If this is a success then I want to campaign for a proper veg patch. Help a novice out! Am on mat leave so agreed this can be my project!

Well - if you're going to beggar off enjoying yourself and abandon the poor thing

Seriously, I only had one for a short time, but they do epitomise the 'little and often' mantra and need daily attention - opening the door and vents and damping down the floor to maintain an even temperature. It's only a few minutes a day but you need to do it. Seek out gardening neighbours for reciprocal care for when you're away

I'm a great fan of D G Hessayon's Garden Expert books and he has one specifically for greenhouses. I haven't read that one, but all the ones I have have been very good - very comprehensive and readable.

In the summer you can attach green fabric shading that stops plants being scorched. Some people put white shading paint on the glass, but it’s messy to get off.
If you’re very keen you could invest in a self watering system that you attach to an outside tap.
Other than that pp’s advice I’d good.

I've used a white shading on the greenhouse roof; I sprayed it on with a plant sprayer and wiped it off with a cloth at the end of the season - it wasn't messy to do at all.