This year we totally outgrew our indoor grow space. After adding light (but not enough) and making more space (again not enough) we did a turn about and decided to get everything out to the greenhouse.
Inside the high tunnel, in front of my mini greenhouse!
So. This trellis was built for 2 reasons. First, to be able to string up tomatoes or hang baskets, and second to add more support to the roof in the winter. Turns out we can use it for a third reason...a mini greenhouse!
It was really easy, we are using plywood as tables for now and plastic sheeting for the walls. A tarp over one end as the "door" and it is pretty much sealed.
Plastic over the top and hung down the sides, with staples at the top to stop the pooling condensation from collapsing the plastic.
I use a broom handle to move the pooled water off the top every morning.
My door
We are using these pool water bags as weights to hold the plastic sides down. I am not sure where I got them but they finally justified me storing them for the last 3 years! When it is all sealed it creates a great, warm environment with plenty of condensation to prevent freezing.
We created 2 "heat sinks" with these old pool sand filters. They are 250L and are dark, so no alge problems. One positioned in front of the heater is doing a great job, but we added a second in the outer area just in case. There is a thermostat in the heater that kicks on when the temp drops to 13° and so far it barely runs.
So far, so good. I am really pleased...it is definitely saving on the hydro bills, the lights are a killer! I added 2 little fans in to create movement until the weather is warm enough to roll the sides of the greenhouse up and get a breeze through here. I am saving up for a fan to have proper ventilation in here...hopefully by mid summer.
Happy plants!
I am out of space though....I will get skids and put them underneath for now, and drag them out to the edges during the day to get sun! Here's hoping spring actually starts soon and I can use the entire greenhouse!
I am beyond happy to have this space to grow in. I love coming out here when it is cold everywhere else, into the warmth and work on my plants with some good tunes. I think my plants are happy out here too.....
Thank you for reading! Take care of you and yours ❤
HEY! Do you have gardens to feed your family or community or do you grow plants? Please feel free to use the #doyougrow tag for any of your gardening and plant loving posts! I would love to see what you grow and where you grow it 🌱
I am always looking for new tips and inspiration. I believe it is so important to learn how to grow food as food security and our health is so important. Plus, gardening is rebellious!! Save money and put the healthy back in your food ❤ I will check the tag often to upvote and comment, so let's grow good food for our families and earn Steem together!