Greenhouse Gardening

A greenhouse is a great way to extend your growing season. You can start seeds earlier in the spring so that you’ll have larger plant starts to put in the ground after freezing weather stops. We have even had success overwintering pepper plants and putting the same plants back in the garden the following year. 

Centered in this picture is a loquat tree that is ready to go in the ground. Generally, winter and early spring are good times to plant trees because they are usually dormant and are at less risk of transplant shock. 

We kept this greenhouse warm during the (Texas) winter with just a single 60 watt lightbulb and three stacked terra cotta pots which help radiate the heat. It stayed so cozy that the geraniums (right) bloomed all winter long.

The strawberries on the bottom left (between the aloe vera and the kids’ pineapple and pumpkin experiments) are heeled in temporarily until I am ready to plant them. They seem to be quite perky, so maybe we’ll get a bumper crop of strawberries this year.

If you don’t have room for a full size greenhouse, simple cold frames could be a more doable alternative to achieve the same effect. Go forth and experiment! And don’t forget to send us pictures. We love to see your gardening projects!