The Small Greenhouse Place

Home of the DIY greenhouse, portable greenhouse and more

Archive for June, 2008

It’s often thought that only those who are lucky enough to be the owner of a spacious garden can own a greenhouse however this doesn’t necessarily have to be the case. OK, yes, it does help to have an ample sized garden but if you’re garden is on the smaller size there is still hope for you. This is because greenhouses now come in all different shapes and sizes and there are many available which are portable. However there are obviously a number of things you should consider before buying the first portable greenhouse you see.

First of all you need to realize that portable greenhouses do not come in just one single size; they are available in different sizes and shapes. Before making your purchase, make sure you have decided what size of greenhouse you require as there is no point in buying something larger than need. However you also don’t want to end up buying a portable green-house which is too small either because you’ll only want to go out and replace it. You might think that this is just common sense but there are many people who don’t think things through beforehand. If you see a greenhouse reduced in price make sure you wait until you know what size you need before you buy it on impulse.

Not only are there different sizes of green house but there are also different features that can come with them such as heating and lighting. Make sure you fully understand what features your greenhouse comes with and what it doesn’t as you don’t want to end up disappointed. Think carefully about what you think you would make use of.

One of the things that makes portable greenhouses so attractive from a practical perspective is that you only need to have them erected where and when needed. When you don’t need your greenhouse during the winter months simply store it away in a shed. If you think you will be storing away your greenhouse, make sure you buy one which is easy to dismantle and assemble.

Another reason for storing your portable green-house away during the winter is that this allows you to protect it whilst there is bad weather such as wind and snow. Greenhouses are very susceptible to damage during bad weather conditions so keeping it stored away should extend the life of it. As you can see there are so many reasons why you would want to buy a portable green-house, you will certainly be very pleased with it.


April Kerr often writes articles for Gardening tips blog which also has articles relating to portable greenhouse kits and greenhouse misting systems.

Article Source: Populate.net

Making Your Own Greenhouse

Jun-25-2008 By kevinw1

If you are planning to sell plants grown in your greenhouse, annuals and many of the biennials and perennials can be grown in and sold directly from 2-, 3-, or 4-inch pots, or started in flats and grown on in pots. Grown and sold in pots (and especially in the organic pots) plants suffer little or no setback when transplanted to the garden, terrace, or window box.

The busy gardener appreciates the fact that he doesn’t have to plant potted plants immediately. Unlike flatted plants, which tend to grow into a jungle, individually potted plants can be kept for some time in a sheltered area as under shrubs or on a shady porch.

For the Window Box, Hanging Basket, or Outdoor Planter

The popularity of hanging baskets, outdoor planter boxes, and window boxes makes it necessary that you should know a little about the type of plants your customers will want to purchase for use in these garden “areas.” Almost any of the small vines, or trailers – hoya, wandering Jew, trailing petunias, begonias, and ivy geranium – will do beautifully. The upright geraniums often are depended upon to furnish the bulk of bloom for both types of planters. Most of the small bedding plants also are good. Here are four very popular plants which can be easily grown and sold.
Asparagus Fern (Asparagus plumosus). These can be grown from seed but the seedlings are the victims of so many insect pests that it is better to purchase small plants in February and grow them on in the warm house for spring and early summer sales.

Feathery green trailing growth, plus small white flowers which often produce small red fruits, make this a froth of green for the window box or planter. Here it is seldom bothered with pests unless the season is exceptionally hot and dry, then it may become infested with red spider.

If you have old plants left over, you can divide them with a sharp knife, potting up the pieces of long white tubers and foliage in 4-inch pots of greenhouse soil. They also make wonderful hanging basket plants for the patio or greenhouse.

Begonia

Nearly everyone knows the little wax begonia (B. semper-florens), with its shiny leaves and white, pink, or red flowers. You can purchase a large plant of the wax begonia and propagate most of your own stock through cuttings grown in the warm house, buy small potted plants for retail, or grow these fibrous-rooted begonias from seed. The procedure from seed is like that for most house plants.

Equally good for window boxes are the hanging basket types of tuberous-rooted begonias. The single or double flowers range from white and yellow through pink, salmon, and red.

Heliotrope

The dwarf form of heliotrope, with its heads of blue or white flowers, makes a wonderful plant for window box or planter (and is fine also for bedding or as an accent plant).

Heliotrope is easily grown from cuttings taken in the fall. These are sold in pots the following spring. Grow the cuttings in any medium you prefer, in a warm house. As soon as they are well rooted you can plant them in 3-inch pots of greenhouse soil. When the plants reach the height you want, cut out the top so the plant will branch.

Umbrella Plant (Cyperus alternifolius)

Green umbrella-like growth makes this plant most attractive. For your first year’s sales, obtain small plants and sell them retail. If you have leftovers you may want to grow one or two for specimen greenhouse or house plants. Transplant them to a size larger pot.
You can propagate these by sowing seeds in a propagating case, giving them plenty of moisture and bottom (cable) heat of about 70 degrees, or through root divisions of the older plants, taken in March, and handled just like the seeds.

Now you know the basics, have fun gardening and reaping the profits.


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Article Source: Populate.net

Planning To Build Greenhouse Garden

Jun-25-2008 By kevinw1

A greenhouse is a structure with a glass or plastic roof and frequently glass or plastic walls; it heats up because incoming solar radiation from the sun warms plants, soil, and other things inside the building. The first modern greenhouses were built in Italy in the thirteenth century[4] to house the exotic plants that explorers brought back from the tropics. A modern glasshouse in RHS WisleyThe idea of growing plants in environmentally controlled areas has existed since Roman times.

When a greenhouse is said to be freestanding, this means that it can stand alone. Greenhouse kits are generally easy to put together as the parts are already pre-drilled and pre-cut. Greenhouses thus work by trapping electromagnetic radiation and preventing convection. This greenhouse design can be attached to another greenhouse or can be beautifully constructed in a garden freestanding.

Benefits:

The major advantage when you choose to purchase a greenhouse kit, many details like how to deal with humidity, ventilation and leakage have been already dealt with and considered in the pattern. Greenhouses can be used to effectively farm various plants such as flowers, fruits and even vegetables within its controlled environment wherein humidity, condensation and light are the key factors that contribute to its effectiveness.

Some equipments for greenhouse;
Preparations need to be done to install and heater and a ventilation system which could to counter the threat and make the flowers grow in the greenhouse. These power vented heaters have a blower that pushes air through the pipe and outside the structure. The most common way of supplying phosphorus is through phosphoric acid or super phosphate. Electric heaters can efficiently maintain specified temperature levels.

Tips for management of a greenhouse garden:

1. You greenhouse design should have enough room for tall plants and plants should only use half up to two-thirds of your greenhouse area and the rest is reserved for benches and your work area.
2. You can ask your nearby greenhouse store to check out your needed output range based on the area of your greenhouse and other factors.
3. Before choosing and buying a greenhouse kit, it is important to consider a number of factors in order to be able to select the ideal kit.
4. You can also ask advice from experts in building and maintaining greenhouses for better results.
5. Since it is separated, it is important to take note of the lighting, electrical, water supply to be installed within the greenhouse.

Building greenhouse garden:

The size of greenhouses also varies depending on the purpose of the structure. The first is draw the design then go to a supplier who can do that or go directly to the contractor to make a drawing then have it made. Assembly can be done in under an hour plus no tools are required to put together a portable greenhouse.

Fertilizer:

One of the most important factors in maintaining crops inside a greenhouse is fertilization. Calcium Nitrate in Greenhouse Grade may be used in large scale growing. The frequency of the application of fertilizers can influence the growth of the plants as well. Any pre-mixed or ready mixture of fertilizer for the kind of plants that you grow is acceptable; for most flowering and foliar plants. Plants need calcium, magnesium, sulfur, iron, zinc, copper, manganese, boron, molybdenum and chloride.

Portable Greenhouse:

Portable greenhouses, just like the traditional ones, trap heat coming from the sun during the day through its covering and keep the heat radiated by the soil during the night to keep the surroundings warm enough for the plants. A portable greenhouse is ideal for early planting of seeds, protecting the tender plants from the cold climate, starting perennial seeds in summer, fast rooting because of the need to transplant, and growing different kinds of plants that are not commonly grown in the area. Scientists have discovered that it is only when this is diffused into the water system that the roots of the crops consume it making it grow.


For more information, visit http://www.greenhousemanagement101.com/

Article Source: Populate.net

By Hilary Basile

Year Round Gardening

Having a greenhouse means you never have to quit gardening just because of weather conditions. You can keep on propagating cuttings and seeds and grow several plant varieties whatever the season.

When choosing a greenhouse design, consider weather conditions in your area when selecting a roof. For example, if you experience heavy snows during the winter, most likely you will not select a flat or straight roof design, rather a roof that will allow the snow to slide off easily.

The standard free-standing with curved or peaked roof greenhouse is very popular and can be found in many gardens. The rectangular or square shape permits for utmost growing space for plants, usually designed with benches on the sides and at the back.

Lean-to or home or wall attached greenhouses designs are manufactured and used when there is limited space at the backyard. These designs are very accessible and convenient for connecting much needed water and power supply.

Small solariums of various designs are widely available, medium and large sized greenhouses and even prefabricated kits for easy installation.

Greenhouse Designs

1. Gable greenhouse: This design type usually is attached to a wall or garage or any structure utilizing only half the gable’s actual gable design. Generally, this type has flat roof panels but slightly sloping and vertical sidewalls. At times, the gable types of them are also attached to another use of the end wall rather than sidewall.

2. Barn style greenhouse: This design type is, as the name suggests shaped similar to a barn having wide roof and interior and with shorter walls. This design is usually incorporated in a garden of country setting or theme or a rustic garden appeal. This design can be attached to another greenhouse or can be beautifully constructed in a garden freestanding.

3. Dome greenhouse: This design is identical to a dome, meaning it is half a ball and placed directly on land. This design can not be attached to a structure and can only be constructed as a freestanding type, as this design has no sidewalls. This type of greenhouse is a bit expensive to make due to the many pieces of different glazing that generally are needed to complete this design shape.

4. Gothic style greenhouse: This design type has a very historical gothic appearance. The walls and roof are formed in such a manner as to create a continuous form, allowing snow to fall down easily. This design type can be either attached or freestanding, however it is usually not recommended attached except when your home’s design is very much similar to a gothic design.

5. Hoop greenhouse: This type of design is constructed with a metal pipe or PVC to make the hoop’s shape then enclosed with plastic covering. This type of design is very cost effective on your initial purchase, but the maintenance of continuously replacing the cover (plastic) can add up.

You will find that the majority of them are manufactured from aluminum material that is weatherproof and lightweight. Galvanized steel also is sturdy and lightweight. Wood can be used, but make sure you use a lumber that has been pressure treated such as redwood or cedar since these are weather resistant.

Greenhouse Features

As to whatever greenhouse design should you decide on, be sure to look for a structure with the highest strength and stability. Your greenhouse must:

• Be capable of enduring extreme weather conditions, like very high winds and snowfall build up.

• Have the necessary support for grow lights, sidewall shelving and hanging baskets.

• Have an intricate detail of hinged screened storm doors, as well as large side or individual roof vents. The door may be easily adjusted to be dropped or lowered into the foundation’s opening so to get rid of an elevated step when you feel that it is needed.

There are a wide selection of greenhouse styles and sizes offered. If the costs limit your greenhouse size, keep in mind that the extensions can be added at a later date and as your budget permits. Most owners complain of a limited space when they built their greenhouse on a budget. So whatever design you choose, remember to get the largest that your money can buy.

Hilary Basile is a writer for MyGuidesUSA.com at http://www.myguidesusa.com, you will find valuable tips and resources for handling life’s major events. Whether you’re planning a wedding, buying your first home, anxiously awaiting the birth of a child, contending with a divorce, searching for a new job, or planning for your retirement, you’ll find answers to your questions at MyGuidesUSA.com.

Find lawn and garden tips and resources http://lawnandgarden.myguidesusa.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Hilary_Basile
http://EzineArticles.com/?Greenhouses—Choosing-The-Right-Greenhouse-Design&id=469192