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Seed starting in Winter greenhouse lighting garden question. =)
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Posted by tn_veggie_gardner 6 (My Page) on Mon, Sep 28, 09 at 17:48
| As you can probably guess, I had a bit of trouble figuring out which forum to post this in...lol. I figured the Winter gardners might be the most knowledgable about what I need help with though. I want to start my seeds really early next season. Like, probably January 1st. The main thing being, I have to keep this somewhat cheap (especially electric bill part). I want to put a small greenhouse of sorts (probably one of those plastic dealies you can buy at HD, Lowe's, etc.) in my storage closet on the porch & start seeds in it. My question is, what would you recommend to keep the seeds/seedlings warm enough through the rest of the cold months that isn't wicked expensive? Any & all help appreciated.
- Steve |
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RE: Seed starting in Winter greenhouse lighting garden question.
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Hi Steve,
For the past three years I've had the plastic greenhouses you're talking about. I start my seeds insidemy house. I would keep my plants inside until March. My kitchen has three long octagon windows. I usually pully my kitchen table out. Once the weather gets a little better I'd put them out on the shelves in the plastic greenhouses. (I have 5)
I drive my husband nuts with the mess and all the plants in the kitchen. We are now in the process of building a greenhouse on the back of my garden shed. Anyway...as for your question...do you have a basement..that you could get your plants started and growing a little under lights? Just until the weather is warm enough to put your plants out in your plastic greenhouse? Watch out for the wind. I've had to tie mine to my deck.
Also...I sometimes put an electric blanket under my seedling pots. It help them germinate faster. But, take it away once they germinate. It will dry them out. Good luck. Diana |
RE: Seed starting in Winter greenhouse lighting garden question.
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| Thanks for the help, Diana. I do have a basement, but it's the normal unfinished, no floor, bunch of dirt yucky one...lol. I plan on keeping my 2 tropical dwarf fruit trees under there during the Winter. I have been researching this quite a bit since I posted the question on this thread. I think i'll get one of those small greenhouses like we're talking about, put it in my storage closet on the deck (my "gardening closet" is more like it) & use the heating cord thing that they sell. Maybe a heating pad. Are the pads & cords made for the small plastic greenhouses though (like it won't melt the greenhouse or catch anything on fire)? Also, exactly how much light would be required for a good 40-50 seedlings in one of them? I can't afford some crazy expensive UV lighting fixture. Are there UV/grow bulbs that will fit into a normal light socket? That way, I could just buy one of those & a timer and i'd be good to go. - Steve |
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