The Winter Greenhouse ? What to Grow
Winter greenhouse gardening is a great way to spend time during the winter season. There are a lot of ways to build a winter greenhouse that will coordinate with the specs efficiently. Not only does winter gardening helps in releasing daily stress, gardening also gives the person a sense of achievement and pride when the plants thrive and grow well. Winter greenhouse gardening is not just done during the winter season; it is actually a continuous tending of plants but with some adjustment specifically for this season.
Choosing the Right Crops
A gardener may have his own preferences on what to grow for his winter greenhouse; there are many ideal crops perfect for this season. Radishes and carrots are ideal for his project because their soil helps insulate them too much cold. Also, these vegetables are hard enough to withstand the weather and be left in the ground without spoiling for an extended period. Spinach and lettuce are also great since they can be left to mature naturally in long pots or planters ? harvesting them only when one needs winter greens for their salads. Other herbs that can grow in the winter chill are basil and rosemary. Winter greenhouse gardening is not just a hobby; it also provides the gardener a steady supply of herbs, spices and vegetables for the entire winter season. Other plants perfect for the winter greenhouse are cauliflower, broccoli and cabbage.
Taking Care for the Plants
Like any other season, plants need to be watered when they are dry to the touch. Though winter greenhouse plants do not require watering daily, it is important to be vigilant about the soil's state. The rule of green thumb is ? plants in smaller pots need watering more than plants in the ground or bigger pots. Also, do not waterlog the plants since this can attract parasites and can cause the roots to rot. To make taking care of the plants easier, consider putting benches around the greenhouse and installing a work area.
Preparing the Greenhouse for Plants
Existing greenhouses can be transformed into a winter greenhouse easily, all one has to do is inspect the structure and condition of it for winter. Check for and repair tears, holes or cracks. From plastics to glass, doors to walls ? everything should be in good shape. Also, seal little holes where air can seep through.
One should have a plan B for your winter greenhouse in case winter gets too cold. One can choose to install a gas heater and insulate the structure at approximately 45'F to 50'F. Also, to avoid freezing the plants, place warm water in large containers ? the cold will freeze the water first thus saving the plants. Cover plants with a large crate or cold frames to protect keep the plants a little warmer ? same logic as to humans using blankets
Ventilation
Plants need a fresh supply of air, specifically carbon dioxide or they become leggy. While it is tempting to seal a winter greenhouse and keep all the heat in, it will likely cause a whole lot of problems to the gardener. Adequate circulation and ventilation will prevent problems caused by humidity and allow the plants to grow at their optimum capacity. Ventilation is measured by how many air changes per hour. In a winter greenhouse, the minimum recommended ventilation per hour is two complete air changes.
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