This is the BIG ~ Mini project we had been putting off due to weather and just pure plain busyness. In our exuberance and excitement over 70 degree weather we transplanted some seedlings too early and didn't heed the cool evening/morning temps nor our strict watering regimen. MY BAD!! **blush ~ blush**
I thought it would work out better for me and my two cohorts (hubby and daughter) if we devised a system that could take full advantage of the not so unusual bipolar Minnesota warm then freezing weather without killing all our precious transplants in the process. So since we have ample garden and yard space we took on the task of a greenhouse. I always hear rave revues about this system and truthfully it has been working on a micro level wth the milk jugs so I figured why not? Take a look at the pictures and see for yourself the end result.
DIRECTIONS ON HOW TO BUILD YOUR OWN COMING SOON.
Hopefully you don't get this twice...I had posted a comment but it did not show up.
ReplyDeleteI live in Minnesota as well and was wondering about a few details on this. Is it heated? Since we should still have a few freezes I was wondering if it keeps enough heat in at night. Also since the plastic is white and not clear, does it get enough sun inside or do you need to take the cover off during the day. Thanks, I am an anxious gardener if you cannot tell, I would like to get my plants outside asap!
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHi Green Thumbelina!
ReplyDeleteFirst off love the name. Now to your question yes it does keep enough heat in at night. The plastic right now is actually doubled to hold more heat in during the evening hours so it appears more opaque. This was just a personal preference and depends on how far along your transplants are and your location. I highly recommend this if you have the really thin grade of plastic. It took me a while to find a thicker grade but eventually I located it at Home Depot in the paint section.
Tomatoes and Peppers love heat and I wanted to definitely give them as much heat and protection from full sun but chilly winds at night. I will put a step by step guide up today. But if you want to get a jump start on this you really only need 5 items.
#1. 3x6 feet of Yard Space - or more depending on your needs
#2. 6 (2 foot long) rebar stakes (also found at Home Depot) - These will be spaced 3 feet across from each other unless you change the design and height.
#3. 2 (10 foot long) pvc pipes - these you will cut in half
#4. Painters Plastic may be called "drop cloth" - we grabbed a large roll for $7.00
#5. (1) hack saw to cut pvc and can be used to cut plastic
Let me know how this works out for you. I love pictures :)
Thank you Thank you! I will probably run to home depot tonight even and give it a try. I'll let you know how it works.
ReplyDeleteJust to update you this is working out great. The Zuchinni and spaghetti squash absolutely love it inside the greenhouse. I will probably be eating them by June 1st if they keep growing at this rate. The Tomatoes are doing their thing too just a little slower since we've cooled from the 70's into the 50's and 60's. I don't mind so much because they have a nice warm place to hang out and strengthen up until planting time. The soy beans are outgrowing their container and need to be planted this week I think because they like it a little too much in the greenhouse. All in all this is the way to go for winter/spring growing in Minnesota. It really saves space and an achy back. Keep me updated Green Thumbelina I highly recommend it.
ReplyDelete