MY GARDENING PRO

Greenhouses have been used for hundreds of years. They were invented to produce the fruits that royal families craved during the winter months. In fact, the first greenhouse was in use before glass was invented. It is reported that

the first greehouse was built using mica (translucent) sheets to protect plants. Just a few generations ago greenhouses were still only for the wealthy.

 

More recent modern production has enabled even the humblest land owner to have access to a greenhouse. This has created a great way for the small time gardener, hobby farmer, and even urban container gardener to keep their garden thriving with fresh fruits and vegetables year round. Whether you have a simple small, closet sized greenhouse with just four shelves or a walk in 8'x10' fully enclosed greenhouse the benefits are endless. Below is a short list of some of my favorite reasons to use my greenhouse. 

 

 

​1. FRESH FRUIT AND VEGETABLES YEAR ROUND

 

 

In most of the United States climate zones, you can easily have a garden that provides for your family year round. With the right greenhouse and/or heat source you can grow almost any vegetables, herbs, fruits, and even melons over the cold winter months. In some of the coldest zones you will need to be more selective of the items you grow and stick with the more leafy variety of vegetables, such as lettuce, spinach, and other leafy greens. Which can still save your family a decent amount of money over the winter months.

 

 

 

 

​2. SAVE MONEY BY GROWING OUT OF SEASON PRODUCE

 

This is the biggest money saver. This enables you to 

grow the fruits and veggies your family loves during the

off season. This can save you a bundle since kids

never seem to tire of the sweet tang of strawberries,

even when it is 15 degrees outside. With the delicious

everbearing berries on the market these days you can

manage to keep them in almost constant supply.

Let me tell you, when you visit the local grocery store

you will be happy to not have to buy the one pound

container of strawberries "on sale" for $3.49/lb.

Other great produce to grow inside of the greenhouse is cucumbers, tomatoes, sweet peas, and melons. Really the possibilities are endless, it is all about what produce your family enjoys eating. 

 

 

 

 

3. PROTECT OUTDOOR PLANTS INTENDED FOR WARMER ZONES

 

In addition to enjoying fresh home grown vegetables all winter long, you can also bring your outdoor plants that are intended for warmer climate zones into the greenhouse to protect them over the winter. You can keep both edible and non edible plants in pots throughout the garden, as the cooler weather approaches you can bring the plants into the greenhouse. Most plants may be light enough to carry, but for the heavier plants you will want to use rolling plant caddies to roll them indoors for winter.

 

There are several caddies on the market, but only two of them have made a true impression on me. For heavier plants, I really like the cedar wood caddy, which is able to hold up to 200 pounds. Its sturdy construction uses quality cedar wood to support the plant. They come in several sizes, but I would recommend the 12"x12" size for most of your plants. My favorite plant caddy by far is the round cast iron plant trolley. This high quality cast iron plant trolley is sturdy and will age nicely over the years.

 

 

 

4. JUMP START YOUR SPRING SEEDS

 

Perhaps one of the best perks (and the number one reason I use my greenhouse) is getting your spring seeds started early. This makes more use out of the outdoor growing season. Almost all veggies can be germinated in the greenhouse and transplanted into the garden once the outdoor soil is ready. Some of our favorites include brocolli, cauliflower, tomatoes, and cucumbers. 

 

Using a seedling heat mat to provide better germination for your seeds.  The waterproof mat warms the root area by 10 degrees increasing the likelihood of success with your seedlings. Sometimes l help make a difference between seeds making it and not.