IT is quite easy to assume the basics of gardening but not realise what uses some aspects of the hobby and the equipment, processes and facilities actually have.

Reporter Aaron Sims spoke to Leister Simpson, landscaping manager at Almondsbury Garden Centre, to find out more.

Take a greenhouse as an example. Seemingly straightforward based on what I picked up from seeing my grandfather’s in action when I was young, basically it heats your plants.

It is however something I know I would fail to use properly if I were to start growing plants of my own, but having the chance to ask someone who knows what they are talking about really made things a lot clearer.

“Greenhouses can come in all shapes and all sizes, dependent on what you are aiming to nurture inside,” says Leister.

“People just starting to get involved in gardening would most likely get an entry level greenhouse. Something big enough to grow in, but not taking up too much space.

“But as you get more experienced, it’s quite easy to consider upgrading, going for something larger or more technical.

“One of the main benefits to using a greenhouse is that you can get a jump start on the growing season and grow some quality produce, but only if you can effectively control the heat.

“Keeping your plants at the right temperature is very important, especially when temperatures are as low as they are at the moment, you need to make sure that the greenhouse is well insulated and that there is constant heat.”

Well there you go, looks like I can grasp one of the basics of gardening!

This February there is 30 per cent off all Elite Greenhouses at Almondsbury.