Potting shed vs greenhouse - seedlings

paddylonglegs

hi folks,

looking for your experiences using a potting shed vs greenhouse for planting out seedlings.

We will be upping our game next year for home grown veg but windowsill space will be at a premium for what we want to grow and will need more space for both veg and annuals.

I do plan to get a greenhouse at the end of this year, but I’d love to know if a greenhouse will offer enough protection from frost for new seedlings, or whether a potting shed(I can convert an old lean-to) is better insulated to protect seedlings?

And advice appreciated

looksee

I don't think seedlings in a potting shed is a great idea, there is not enough light and the seedlings will get drawn and straggly. You can do a bit of potting in a greenhouse, but you can't really grow seeds in a potting shed.

paddylonglegs

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122386276#Comment_122386276

that makes sense that the seedlings need as much light as possible. I do wonder if I would need to protect the seedlings on frosty nights in spring if in a greenhouse?

blackbox

I have a greenhouse but I still start tender seedlings like tomatoes in the kitchen.

Greenhouse protects from cold winds, but not from low temperatures - unless you are thinking of a heated greenhouse.

looksee

It depends on the seeds. Some will be quite happy to survive the cooler environment in the greenhouse, others are going to need a heat mat regardless of where they are situated.