Tag:

Greenhouses

Protect Your Plants: A Guide to Garden Cloches

by Gregory June 28, 2024

written by Gregory 3 minutes read

Garden Cloches: Protect Your Plants

What are Garden Cloches?

Garden cloches are like little greenhouses that you can put over your plants to protect them from the elements and pests. They are usually made of glass, plastic, or mesh, and come in different shapes and sizes.

Why Use Garden Cloches?

Cloches can help your plants grow better by:

Keeping them warm and cozy in cold weather
Protecting them from pests like insects and birds
Creating a humid environment that helps seedlings sprout

Types of Garden Cloches

There are three main types of garden cloches:

Bell cloches: These are the classic bell-shaped cloches, usually made of glass or plastic. They are good for protecting individual plants.
Tunnel cloches: These are long, rectangular covers that are ideal for covering rows of plants. They can be made of mesh, netting, glass, or plastic.
Pop-up cloches: These are portable cloches that can be easily moved around. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Choosing the Right Cloche

When choosing a garden cloche, consider the following factors:

Size and shape: Make sure the cloche is the right size and shape to cover your plants.
Material: Glass and plastic cloches provide the most insulation, while mesh and open-frame cloches are better for pest protection.

Using Garden Cloches

To use a garden cloche, simply place it over your plants and secure it in place. You may need to peg it down or tie it to the ground, depending on the type of cloche.

Tips for Using Cloches

Ventilate regularly: Cloches can trap heat and moisture, so it’s important to ventilate them regularly to prevent your plants from overheating or rotting.
Water carefully: Cloches can make it difficult to water your plants, so be careful not to overwater.
Be patient: It may take some time for your plants to adjust to being under a cloche. Be patient and keep an eye on them to make sure they are doing well.

Conclusion

Garden cloches are a great way to protect your plants and help them thrive. By choosing the right cloche and using it properly, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest all season long.

Gardening Basics

The Ultimate Guide to Essential Greenhouse Accessories for Budding Gardeners

by Gregory June 3, 2024

written by Gregory 4 minutes read

Essential Greenhouse Accessories for the Budding Gardener

Introduction

Greenhouses are fantastic for gardeners who want to create a controlled environment to grow their favorite plants, regardless of the season. To make the most of your greenhouse, you’ll need to equip it with the right accessories. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the essential greenhouse accessories you need to get started.

Types of Greenhouse Accessories

There are many different types of greenhouse accessories available, each designed to help you create the perfect growing environment for your plants. Some of the most common and useful accessories include:

Staging: Greenhouse staging provides extra growing space and helps organize your plants. Choose staging made from durable materials like aluminum to ensure longevity.
Thermometer: A thermometer is essential for monitoring the temperature and humidity levels in your greenhouse. This information is crucial for tailoring the environment to suit your plants’ needs.
Heater: A heater is necessary for keeping your greenhouse warm during cold weather, allowing you to grow plants year-round. Opt for energy-efficient heaters to save on energy costs.
Watering can: A watering can is indispensable for watering individual plants as needed. Choose a watering can made from durable materials like galvanized steel for longevity and rust resistance.
Shading: Proper shading protects plants from excessive sunlight. Roller blinds are a convenient option that can be easily adjusted to provide shade where needed.
Tidy tray: A tidy tray is a portable work surface that makes potting and planting easier. Choose a lightweight and durable tray with a low lip for easy access to your workspace.
Seed trays: Seed trays are essential for propagating and nurturing new plants. Select seed trays with raised channels to facilitate drainage.
Compost scoop: A compost scoop is a handy tool for potting and planting. Choose a scoop made from rust-proof materials like stainless steel for durability and ease of use.
Drip feed watering system: A drip feed watering system saves time and conserves water by delivering water directly to the roots of your plants. Solar-powered systems are a sustainable option.
Capillary matting: Capillary matting helps keep your plants’ roots moist by absorbing and retaining water. Place it in the base of trays to provide constant moisture.
Propagator: A heated propagator gives your greenhouse plants a head start by providing a controlled and warm environment. Choose a propagator with isolated sections to prevent the spread of diseases.

How to Choose Greenhouse Accessories

When choosing greenhouse accessories, consider the following factors:

Your specific needs: Determine what accessories you need based on the types of plants you’re growing and the climate in your area.
Durability: Choose accessories made from high-quality materials that will withstand the elements and last for many seasons.
Ease of use: Opt for accessories that are easy to install, use, and maintain.
Cost: Set a budget and compare prices from different suppliers to find the best deals.

Where to Buy Greenhouse Accessories

You can purchase greenhouse accessories from a variety of sources, including:

Online retailers: Amazon, Home Depot, and Gardener’s Supply Company offer a wide selection of greenhouse accessories.
Local garden centers: Visit your local garden center to see a variety of accessories in person and get advice from knowledgeable staff.
Specialty greenhouse suppliers: Companies like Greenhouse Megastore and Stuppy Greenhouse Supply specialize in greenhouse accessories and can provide expert guidance.

Conclusion

Equipping your greenhouse with the right accessories will help you create the optimal growing environment for your plants. By following the tips in this guide, you can choose the best accessories for your needs and budget. With the right accessories, you’ll be able to enjoy a thriving greenhouse full of healthy and bountiful plants.

Gardening Techniques

Cold Frames: The Ultimate Guide to Extending Your Growing Season and Protecting Your Plants

by Donna May 14, 2024

written by Donna 3 minutes read

Cold Frames: A Gardener’s Secret Weapon

Introduction

If you’re a gardener who wants to extend your growing season, protect your plants from harsh weather, and start seedlings early, then you need to know about cold frames. These simple structures are like mini greenhouses that can make a big difference in your gardening success.

What is a Cold Frame?

A cold frame is a simple structure that traps solar energy and creates an insulated microclimate. It’s like a greenhouse, but smaller and less expensive. Cold frames are typically made of wood, metal, or plastic, and they’re covered with clear or translucent material, such as glass, Plexiglas, or plastic sheeting.

Uses of Cold Frames

Cold frames have many uses in the garden, including:

Extending the growing season: Cold frames can help you grow plants earlier in the spring and later in the fall.
Hardening off seedlings: Cold frames can help you gradually acclimate seedlings to outdoor conditions before transplanting them into the garden.
Starting seeds: Cold frames can provide the ideal environment for starting seeds indoors.
Overwintering plants: Cold frames can protect tender plants from freezing temperatures during the winter.

How to Build a Cold Frame

Building a cold frame is a relatively simple project that can be completed in a few hours. There are many different ways to build a cold frame, but the most common type is a wooden frame with a glass or plastic cover.

To build a wooden cold frame, you will need:

Four pieces of wood for the frame (2x4s or 2x6s)
Eight pieces of wood for the sides (1x6s or 1x8s)
Clear or translucent material for the cover (glass, Plexiglas, or plastic sheeting)
Nails or screws
Hinges (optional)

Instructions:

Cut the four pieces of wood for the frame to the desired length.
Assemble the frame by nailing or screwing the pieces together.
Cut the eight pieces of wood for the sides to the desired length.
Attach the sides to the frame using nails or screws.
Cover the frame with the clear or translucent material.
If desired, attach hinges to the back of the frame so that you can open and close the cover.

How to Use a Cold Frame

Using a cold frame is easy. Simply place the cold frame over the plants you want to protect or grow. You can place the cold frame directly on the ground, or you can build a raised bed inside the cold frame.

Tips for Using a Cold Frame

Monitor the temperature and moisture levels inside the cold frame.
Ventilate the cold frame regularly to prevent overheating.
Water the plants in the cold frame regularly, but avoid overwatering.
Harden off seedlings gradually before transplanting them into the garden.
Protect tender plants from freezing temperatures by covering the cold frame with a blanket or tarp.

Conclusion

Cold frames are a valuable tool for gardeners of all levels. They can help you extend the growing season, protect your plants from harsh weather, and start seedlings early. With a little care and attention, your cold frame will help you grow a bountiful harvest all year long.

Gardening Techniques

Solar Tunnel Gardening: A Beginner’s Guide to Extending Your Growing Season and Improving Your Harvest

by Donna January 31, 2022

written by Donna 4 minutes read

Solar Tunnel Gardening: A Beginner’s Guide to Extending Your Growing Season

Introduction

Are you ready to take your gardening to the next level? If you’re looking for a way to extend your growing season, protect your plants from pests and diseases, and improve your harvest quality, then solar tunnel gardening is the perfect solution for you.

What is Solar Tunnel Gardening?

Solar tunnel gardening is a type of gardening that uses high tunnels or low tunnels to create a controlled growing environment. These tunnels are made of a frame covered with UV-resistant greenhouse plastic, and they allow you to grow plants year-round, regardless of the weather conditions outside.

Benefits of Solar Tunnel Gardening

There are many benefits to using solar tunnels for gardening, including:

Extend your growing season: Solar tunnels can extend your growing season by several months, allowing you to grow plants that would not normally survive in your climate.
Control temperature: Solar tunnels allow you to control the temperature inside the tunnel, which is essential for growing plants that require specific temperatures.
Manage pests: Solar tunnels can help to reduce the number of pests that can damage your plants.
Improve harvest quality: Solar tunnels can help to improve the quality of your harvest by protecting your plants from extreme weather conditions and pests.
Harvest earlier: Solar tunnels can allow you to harvest your crops earlier than you would be able to if you were growing them outdoors.
Inexpensive: Solar tunnels are a relatively inexpensive way to extend your growing season and improve your harvest quality.

How to Build a Solar Tunnel

Building a solar tunnel is a relatively simple process. You will need:

A frame made of galvanized metal pipe or PVC pipe
UV-resistant greenhouse plastic
Foundation pipes
Aluminum channels or wiggle wire
Drip irrigation tape (optional)
Shade cloth (optional)
Mini-sprinklers or fans (optional)

Once you have gathered your materials, you can follow these steps to build your solar tunnel:

Assemble the frame of the tunnel.
Cover the frame with greenhouse plastic.
Secure the plastic to the frame using aluminum channels or wiggle wire.
Install foundation pipes to secure the tunnel to the ground.
Add drip irrigation tape, shade cloth, or mini-sprinklers or fans as needed.

Tips for Solar Tunnel Gardening

Here are a few tips for getting the most out of your solar tunnel garden:

Choose the right crops to grow. Some crops are better suited to solar tunnel gardening than others.
Water your plants regularly. Solar tunnels can get very hot, so it is important to water your plants regularly to prevent them from drying out.
Ventilate your tunnel. Solar tunnels can also get very humid, so it is important to ventilate them regularly to prevent the buildup of mold and mildew.
Protect your plants from pests. Solar tunnels can help to reduce the number of pests that can damage your plants, but it is still important to take steps to protect your plants from pests.

Conclusion

Solar tunnel gardening is a great way to extend your growing season, improve your harvest quality, and protect your plants from pests and diseases. With a little planning and effort, you can build your own solar tunnel and enjoy the benefits of year-round gardening.

Gardening Projects

Plastic Tote Greenhouses: A Simple and Affordable Way to Start Seeds Early and Protect Seedlings

by Gregory June 15, 2020

written by Gregory 4 minutes read

Plastic Tote Greenhouses: A Simple and Affordable Way to Start Seeds Early

Introduction

Starting seeds early in the season is a great way to get a head start on your garden. But if you’re short on space or money, you may think you can’t afford to buy a greenhouse. That’s where plastic tote greenhouses come in.

Plastic tote greenhouses are a simple and affordable way to start seeds early. They’re easy to make and can be used to protect seedlings from cold temperatures and pests.

How a Plastic Tote Greenhouse Works

A plastic tote greenhouse is essentially a cold frame. It’s a clear container that traps heat and sunlight, creating a warm environment for seedlings to grow. You can use a plastic tote greenhouse to start seeds early or to protect tender seedlings from cold temperatures.

What You’ll Need

To make a plastic tote greenhouse, you’ll need:

A clear plastic storage container with a lid
Seedlings
Potting mix

How to Make a Plastic Tote Greenhouse

There are two ways to make a plastic tote greenhouse, depending on what kind of lid your container has:

1. If your container has a clear lid:

Place your seedlings in the plastic tote.
Put on the lid.
During the day, when temperatures reach 45 degrees F (7 C), crack the lid to ventilate.
Push aside the lid to allow air flow and prevent overheating.
You can also prop open the lid with a short wooden board or stick, but be careful the wind doesn’t blow it away.

2. If your container has an opaque or colored lid:

Flip over the tote and make the lid the base of your plastic container greenhouse.
Place your seedlings on the inverted lid.
Set the tote over top.
During the day, lift the tote and prop it open with a brick or block of wood, anything that will allow air to flow inside the greenhouse and prevent plants from getting too hot.

Tips for Using Plastic Containers as Mini Greenhouses

Here are a few tips for using plastic containers as mini greenhouses:

Provide good air flow. Good air flow is key to growing in any kind of greenhouse environment, from large commercial operations to small DIY plastic tub greenhouses. Mold can set in quickly, so check your plants daily for signs of disease. If you do notice mold, remove the affected plants and open your clear plastic tote greenhouse to increase air flow and reduce excessive moisture. Cut back on watering if seedlings are excessively wet.
Monitor temperatures. Temperature is another important factor in greenhouse gardening. Depending on the sun and outside temperature, your mini greenhouse can get quite warm. Most vegetables don’t like temperatures over 90 F (32 C) and seedlings are more tender than full-grown plants. Place a thermometer inside your plastic tote greenhouse to monitor temperatures. Plants can burn if it gets too hot inside the greenhouse.
Choose the right location. One of the benefits of a plastic container greenhouse is its portability. Ideally, you should place your greenhouse in a sheltered location with southern or southeastern exposure. But not every garden is blessed with that oh-so-coveted southern sun. Thankfully, it’s easy to move your mini greenhouse to follow the sun throughout the day. When temperatures dip below freezing at night, you can move the whole tote indoors to protect plants from cold damage.
Keep your greenhouse protected. If possible, keep your plastic tote greenhouse in a sheltered spot to protect it from wind that could blow away the lid or the whole tote. You can also place a brick or small weight on top of your greenhouse to combat this problem.

Conclusion

Plastic tote greenhouses are a great way to start seeds early and protect seedlings from cold temperatures. They’re easy to make and affordable, making them a great option for gardeners of all levels.