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Sandra asks…

How much would it cost to set up a small greenhouse?

I'm looking to write a grant for my school. I need websites and resources for setting up a greenhouse and elementary schools who have already done so.

landscapeliving answers:

It can cost 'how-much-ever' because it doesn't depend on the size,it depends on the facilities u wanna provide to it.
But, with moderate facilities it may cost upto $100.(my guess)

Charles asks…

Does anyone have suggestions for setting up your own hoop greenhouse?

I already have the hoops set up, the ends framed in, and the flooring done. Now I need tables, greenhouse plastic, ventilation... I would like to keep it heated in the winter but I am wondering how to do this in an inexpensive way. Any suggestions for any of the above would be greatly appreciated!

landscapeliving answers:

Well, after looking at about forty eleven pages on heating greenhouses, contructing and heating hoop greenhouses, the best answer I can come up with for you is the following:

http://www.westsidegardener.com/howto/hoophouse_faq.html

We were planning on making one ourselves this fall, as we are in zone 8b (infrequent and mild freezes-Southeast Texas) so I'm glad you asked the question and prompted me to research!

Happy Gardening!

Thomas asks…

Setting up timer for Greenhouse?

Hi all.

I've almost finished building myself a greenhouse, and I want to know about setting up the timer for it.

I have a solonoid operated timer system, and a section just for the greenhouse, so I can set it to come on at any time for any duration. I've got it set up to a misting jet to water it all.

I want the greenhouse for raising seedlings, mostly tomatoes and a few random things. So does anybody know the idea times for raising seeds? Once a day? Twice a day? Morning, midday, afternoon, night? And for how long usually?

Also, does anybody know where you can buy greenhouse film from in Adelaide. I've tried bunnings, but its costs about $35 per meter for it, which seems a little pricey for plastic.

Thanks in advance.

landscapeliving answers:

I think Newton's carries a heavy 4 mil clear poly:

http://www.newtonsbuilding.com.au/

Once a day early morning. Late in the day can cause mold problems. Depending on soil, I would go about 1/2 cm per day.

Lisa asks…

How can I set up a space to start seeds indoors to transplant when it gets warmer?

How can I set up a space to start seeds indoors to transplant when it gets warmer?
I live in Wisconsin, so our last safe frost date is late april - I'm counting on 7 weeks.

I don't have much natural light upstairs, so I'd like to start them in the (semi-finished) basement with a light and perhaps some plastic for the "greenhouse effect" - I'm concerned though, that they will have trouble because it is cold in the basement. But this is the only space I have to work with. Can someone offer suggestions for me to get started? I've never done this before. I found this article to be very helpful and plan on using this technique:

http://www.simplyforties.com/2009/02/mak…

I'm planning on buying a few lights and a timer. Please leave instructions/suggestions on how I should set up my underground greenhouse :D

- soil mixes?
- how to set it up to retain the best moisture/warmth?
- how long should it take/should I plant different seeds at different times?
- any special care when transplanting?

THANK YOU!!!
we dont have any southern facing windows, everything either has furniture in front of it or is in the kitchen.

that's why I said I couldn't do it.
also, Idk what "commercial blend" means, but I am planting vegetables.

landscapeliving answers:

Soil mixes- I just buy "seed starter" soil in the bags at my garden center. It's loose, and airy, so the roots can grow easily, and breaks apart for easy transplant.
Moisture/warmth is the kicker. If you're looking at direct lighting, you're definitely going to need to keep tabs on the moisture, as it may dry out quicker. For warmth, you can use a propogation mat (heated flat mat), or I've actually been using a large electric heating pad- like you use when you hurt your back. I keep it on the lowest setting, when I am IN THE HOUSE only... (obviously do not keep that kind of setup running while you are away.. Fire hazard!) ... But I was getting sprouts within 4-5 days on many of my seeds.. It was crazy. I've never had seeds sprout that quickly before.
Planting seeds at different times is a MUST and some seeds , and bulbs don't transplant well (carrots, onions) and should go directly into the ground at their proper start time.
Grab a book from the library, or your bookstore and write down all the seeds you want, and their suggested indoor/outdoor plant times. Make a big list... Then rearrange it in date order. I have about 3 plantings

first- indoor seedlings
second - pre "last frost" items (things that are supposed to go "direct to ground" 3 weeks before last frost)
third - transplants and after last frost items (most are going in about 1.5 wks after last frost date
(fourth) second rounds or fall-harvest items to fill up space for things that got done early in the season.

Honestly.. The planning is the hardest part. It takes a long time to figure out the whens and where's of everything.
The book I've been using is

The Organic Gardener's A to Z growing guide- and I really like it. Hope this helps!

Http://www.amazon.com/Gardeners-Guide-Growing-Organic-Food/dp/1580173705/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1269144237&sr=8-1

William asks…

Would like to try to start my veggie plants from seeds. Best way to do this?

We have a little homemade greenhouse set up. We'd like to try to start our vegetable garden from seeds this year rather than buying the plants. But we have a heck of a time getting them going. They seem to grow really fast, skinny and tall. Need some advice on what is the best way to do start from seeds. And then how to make them nice strong healthy plants to be transplanted into the garden.

landscapeliving answers:

It sounds like the plants aren't getting enough sunlight. You could augment it with fluorescents about 1" from the plants, or try to fix the problem with a better location of your greenhouse. Or your starting soil mix could have too much fertiliser, which will have a similar effect, and also will promote damping-off disease. Try using a sterile mix specifically made for starting seeds.(most garden centers and catalogs carry it) hope this helps, good luck.

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