Help me build a little greenhouse in your soul
May 29, 2012 9:09 AM
Please help me make the most out of my tiny new greenhouse. Tips on growing, stretching the seasons, maintenance, record-keeping and other garden matters are welcome.
[Caveats: Yes, I have seen this 2007 previously on greenhouses, but I'd like to hear more about apps/new books/sites, if possible. I have Eliot Coleman books on the way from the library, and a friend is an Extension Service Master Gardener, so I am aware of those resources.]
At last, and very late in the winter, I got my greenhouse up and running, and was able to start some Brussels sprouts, tomatoes, kale and sunflowers. At this point, all seedlings are in the ground (or are about to be) and my greenhouse shelves are bare.
Given that I prefer to grow vegetables and herbs rather than flowers*, and that things are really heating up in Zone 6a, what should I be starting now? Are there great gardening apps (books, websites) out there that help track seed starting? When I do remember to write down what I started, it's usually on a banged-up calendar in the greenhouse. I'm pretty much a noob at starting things from seed, but have had success with my limited experiments. Are there fora out these dedicated to greenhouse use and care? How hot is too hot for starting seedlings in a greenhouse? Should I take the seed starter soil out for any reason?
* Of course, if you have suggestions for flowers that serve a purpose, like insect or animal deterrents, I'd be happy for those suggestions too. Right now my son's Venus flytrap is doing quite well in there, but again, how hot is too hot?
[Caveats: Yes, I have seen this 2007 previously on greenhouses, but I'd like to hear more about apps/new books/sites, if possible. I have Eliot Coleman books on the way from the library, and a friend is an Extension Service Master Gardener, so I am aware of those resources.]
At last, and very late in the winter, I got my greenhouse up and running, and was able to start some Brussels sprouts, tomatoes, kale and sunflowers. At this point, all seedlings are in the ground (or are about to be) and my greenhouse shelves are bare.
Given that I prefer to grow vegetables and herbs rather than flowers*, and that things are really heating up in Zone 6a, what should I be starting now? Are there great gardening apps (books, websites) out there that help track seed starting? When I do remember to write down what I started, it's usually on a banged-up calendar in the greenhouse. I'm pretty much a noob at starting things from seed, but have had success with my limited experiments. Are there fora out these dedicated to greenhouse use and care? How hot is too hot for starting seedlings in a greenhouse? Should I take the seed starter soil out for any reason?
* Of course, if you have suggestions for flowers that serve a purpose, like insect or animal deterrents, I'd be happy for those suggestions too. Right now my son's Venus flytrap is doing quite well in there, but again, how hot is too hot?
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by shoesietart at 11:35 AM on May 29, 2012