AFTER the kind gifting of a greenhouse, I thought I would give grow bags another go in it – after a gap of some decades.

It was an error that will probably not be repeated.

I now have greenhouses at my Sandlands allotment and at the top of a new garden veg patch that will hopefully be created in time for next year.

The allotment greenhouse is anchored to the ground on breeze blocks, so plants can grow in the soil at the edge of a narrow path while the new house is on a concrete raft — with no soil in sight.

The fag of having to change the Sandlands soil is a powerful minus, but that's the only one.

I tried branded and much cheaper growing bags, but both compared very unfavourably with Sandlands soil.

Yield was bigger and better at Sandlands, maintenance was less because plants did not require twice daily watering, plants flourished until later in the season, growth was much more vigorous and leaves were less affected by yellowing.

The major problem with flat growing bags is the shallow depth of the compost. It means they dry out in heat and, as the root system fills the growing medium, they can become waterlogged in cool weather.

So next year I shall try deep, plastic pots in my second greenhouse and follow some tips from John Way, from Fishbourne.

His Rosella, Shirley and Gardeners' Delight toms did brilliantly. He also promises to try my new fave, Ruby Falls, next year.

He mixes his own filler — bought-in compost, garden compost and some Epsom Salts, which helps leaves stay a verdant green.

He fed this year with a horse manure 'tea' and tomato liquid feed.

Next year, my grow bags will be re-filled and used again – but for shallow-rooted leaf crops.