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Garden Gate: Greenhouse info |
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Cissik
True Blue Farmgirl
578 Posts
Sylvia
Kent
WA
USA
578 Posts |
Posted - Jan 16 2018 : 09:39:40 AM
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I have one window in my house that gets afternoon sun. The area isn't big enough to sprout the number of seeds I'd like to do. I've been looking at greenhouses, one small enough to fit on my patio. One I can take down when I'm done with the seedlings. Any ideas or experiences with these portable greenhouses?
Sylvia Kent, WA Farm Girl #5389 Back Door Farm Girls Chapter http://vintagehousegoods.blogspot.com http://etsy.com/shop/Vintagehousegoods |
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gramadinah
True Blue Farmgirl
3557 Posts
Diana
Orofino
ID
USA
3557 Posts |
Posted - Jan 16 2018 : 3:20:57 PM
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I am going to try this $79.99 amazon.com in my basement heat and grow lights.
Diana
Farmgirl Sister #273 |
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janamarieje
True Blue Farmgirl
1022 Posts
Jana
Southern California
USA
1022 Posts |
Posted - Jan 16 2018 : 3:53:19 PM
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Now this is a subject I have been waiting for to see how people in cold locations deal with a short growing period and sprouting seeds. Here in Southern California my strongest plants are the ones that I start from seed straight in the garden, but when we move to Washington (goal is 2020) I know that will change and want to be ready for it.
Jana
http://www.emhardt.com
https://www.etsy.com/shop/cjhandcraftedstudio
Gardening is cheaper than therapy and you get tomatoes. ~Author Unknown All I really need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt! ~Charles Schulz
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katmom
True Blue Farmgirl
17025 Posts
Grace
WACAL Gal
WashCalif.
USA
17025 Posts |
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AnnieinIdaho
True Blue Farmgirl
437 Posts
Annie
ID
USA
437 Posts |
Posted - Jan 24 2018 : 1:53:41 PM
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Hi Sisters, Yes living in the Pacific Northwest is more challenging in gardening. My first failed experiment living here was to start seeds and have them on the window sill. Ha, they sprouted and were too long and leggy because the sunshine is just not at the right place in the sky and they don't get the rays they need to be healthy. 2nd year my experiment was to have a small green house and the poor seeds baked to death. I am just not that good at it. So, I just go with a short growing season and plant seeds as soon as I can (not until after May 15th)as it has been known to snow up to Mother's Day. All the neighbors repeated to me over and over, "Don't be tempted, do not plant outdoors until after May 15th." Now I have a strong garden in late Spring, Summer and spilling over into some of October. This year I may try once again with early seed planting and a grow light. I have found that the cool crops, herbs, and green beans, peas, cabbage, broccoli, green onions, do best here. I will plant potatoes and onions for the first time. The other challenge we are having the last two years is where did all the bees go? Not enough for pollination. My pumpkins have been a loss for the past two years. I only use heritage and open pollinated seeds, non-gmo. No pesticides or artificial fertilizers. This year I am going to start a compost pile. I remember using that compost pile when I was growing up and that soil was wonderful. Time for that intervention now. I sure enjoyed reading "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life" by Barbara Kingsolver. It is inspiring! I would starve by my own efforts however, but I do watch the footprint size in what I eat and try to stay as local as possible and within growing season. Take care now. Have fun! Annie
"The turnings of life seldom show a sign-post; or rather, though the sign is always there, it is usually placed some distance back, like the notices that give warning of a bad hill or a level railway-crossing." Edith Wharton, 1913 from 'The Custom of the Country'. |
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naturemaiden
True Blue Farmgirl
2568 Posts
Connie - Farmgirl #673
Hoosick Falls
NY
USA
2568 Posts |
Posted - Mar 22 2018 : 02:49:23 AM
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I've used that type of greenhouse, it a good temp one, down the line the frame rusts out. Once the sun hits it you'll have to open it everyday to vent it. Also, if you expect strong weather, you might have to find a way to secure it to it will blow over, as it very lightweight. Seedlings will need extra protection at night,such as with row cover. I've also had great success with a simple cold frame on the patio, which i'm using now.
------------------------ Lil' Chefs Cookbook- Delicious Recipes for Toy Ovens - http://www.vintage-toy-ovens.com/
Vintage Sewing Machines, Original Parts & Related Book Titles - http://www.thriftyfarmgirl.com/
Handcrafted Artisan Soap https://www.etsy.com/shop/naturemaiden |
Edited by - naturemaiden on Mar 22 2018 02:50:50 AM |
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gramadinah
True Blue Farmgirl
3557 Posts
Diana
Orofino
ID
USA
3557 Posts |
Posted - Apr 16 2018 : 5:21:41 PM
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All the seeds sprouted and were doing great. Then they just died. I have mold on the dirt and what did survive is so leggy that I will never be able to transplant. I am just sad. I have found out the legginess is because the light was to far away. But why the other things died is a mystery.
Diana
Farmgirl Sister #273 |
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naturemaiden
True Blue Farmgirl
2568 Posts
Connie - Farmgirl #673
Hoosick Falls
NY
USA
2568 Posts |
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gramadinah
True Blue Farmgirl
3557 Posts
Diana
Orofino
ID
USA
3557 Posts |
Posted - Apr 17 2018 : 07:00:26 AM
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The green house was 72-75 degrees during the sprouting time with air circulation at all times. I have looked at all the possibilities. Diana
Farmgirl Sister #273 |
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naturemaiden
True Blue Farmgirl
2568 Posts
Connie - Farmgirl #673
Hoosick Falls
NY
USA
2568 Posts |
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gramadinah
True Blue Farmgirl
3557 Posts
Diana
Orofino
ID
USA
3557 Posts |
Posted - Apr 18 2018 : 06:51:48 AM
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There is a picture posted in this thread this is inside, in my basement. And everything failed.
I just don't get it. Diana
Farmgirl Sister #273 |
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naturemaiden
True Blue Farmgirl
2568 Posts
Connie - Farmgirl #673
Hoosick Falls
NY
USA
2568 Posts |
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gramadinah
True Blue Farmgirl
3557 Posts
Diana
Orofino
ID
USA
3557 Posts |
Posted - Apr 18 2018 : 12:39:53 PM
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I used the OTT lights. The humidity was a factor but I was under the impression that high humidity was good.
I am going to try again but with fewer seeds.
I will add another fan and vent for the humidity.
Thanks Diana
Farmgirl Sister #273 |
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naturemaiden
True Blue Farmgirl
2568 Posts
Connie - Farmgirl #673
Hoosick Falls
NY
USA
2568 Posts |
Posted - Apr 18 2018 : 2:33:08 PM
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Diana i recommend plant lights, as they have the proper spectrum for plant growth, red for flowering, and blue for vegetative growth. you could use florescent fixtures for this. Check this out: https://www.homedepot.com/b/Lighting-Light-Bulbs-Grow-Light-Bulbs/T8/Fluorescent/N-5yc1vZc5sqZ1z0vvriZ1z0vxin?cm_mmc=SEM|THD|google|D27L+Interior+Lighting&mid=s8iopMGtk|dt_mtid_89037lm25188_pcrid_223122122350_pkw__pmt_b_product__slid_&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIkfDjrOLE2gIVAhgMCh0TUgEwEAAYASAAEgLL1_D_BwE
Also, a humidity level no higher than 50% is optimal, or fungal issues will develop. Also, a tiny clip on fan would be perfect for ensuring air flow.
Careful watering is also important. Lastly, if you plan on re-using any plant pots , discard all the soil and wash the pots with hot water and bleach, or you risk reinfecting your new seeds.
A hygrometer is helpful for monitoring humidity levels https://www.amazon.com/hygrometers/b?ie=UTF8&node=13825071
Hope this helps.
------------------------ Lil' Chefs Cookbook- Delicious Recipes for Toy Ovens - http://www.vintage-toy-ovens.com/
Vintage Sewing Machines, Original Parts & Related Book Titles - http://www.thriftyfarmgirl.com/
Handcrafted Artisan Soap https://www.etsy.com/shop/naturemaiden |
Edited by - naturemaiden on Apr 18 2018 2:41:51 PM |
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gramadinah
True Blue Farmgirl
3557 Posts
Diana
Orofino
ID
USA
3557 Posts |
Posted - Apr 18 2018 : 6:00:16 PM
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Just got these lights this afternoon. Thanks for all the info.
Diana
Farmgirl Sister #273 |
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Paula Stone
Farmgirl at Heart
3 Posts
Paula
Deer Park
Washington
USA
3 Posts |
Posted - Feb 18 2019 : 1:48:04 PM
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Retired in 2015 and opened Vintage In Bloom (small plant nursery and Art Project Retreat Center) near Deer Park, WA. Living my dream.
Paula J Stone |
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naturemaiden
True Blue Farmgirl
2568 Posts
Connie - Farmgirl #673
Hoosick Falls
NY
USA
2568 Posts |
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Garden Gate: Greenhouse info |
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