So, I’ve had this simple greenhouse for the last couple months. Over the most brutal days of winter I couldn’t wait to get something in it. Now, ironically, I can’t wait to get everything out of it because I’m a little tired of being attentive to the temperature several times each day. I suppose this is the lesson of seasons. To everything there is a time … and it’s time to get things out of here.
I harvested my first radishes this week! They were planted March 3rd and harvested April 11th. I only pulled the three largest but the other variety that I’m growing doesn’t look so great. Both varieties were planted on the same day, watered the same amount, set in a similar location but somehow the colorful ones need something more. They are small and their tops are yellowish. This is the mystery of gardening for me.
I have a bunch of other plants in the greenhouse now too. Tomatoes, Swiss chard, kale, mints, herbs and flowers. It is very satisfying to tend them each day although since I’m the only one that does it when I’m down for a few days it gets lost in the other household chores. This was the case the last two days when I was down with a stomach bug. In bed for 48 hours straight, I didn’t even think to have anyone water the little guys. I did have someone vent the end because it was warm outside. 70˚ in open air means over 90˚ inside the greenhouse. Some of the plants have suffered from the heat on days I was away for work too. Next year we will figure out how to install a thermostat and automatic vent. At this time of year it’s crucial.
Technically the last frost date is tonight but with the weather this year I just don’t trust it. I won’t start putting anything outside for another week or two. Many of my tomatoes will be sold to friends and family. Those things sure are encouraging to grow. They make you feel like you can grow anything. Then I remember my Nigela flowers that are all brown and crinkly because the greenhouse got too hot and I realize I’m just masquerading as a gardener.
Since this is my first season growing in a greenhouse, here are some of the things I’ve learned.
1) Don’t start heating it too early. Electric heat is very expensive and should only be run when necessary. Next year I will not start until I tap my maple trees.
2) If wind is an issue in your location always have extra plastic ready just in case. We were lucky, not intentionally prepared, to have this when the wind took the plastic off one day while I was at work.
3) You must be home to watch the temperature every single day. This is the reason for an automatic fan and thermostat next year.
4) Don’t allow it to get too moist, mold can be an issue. My rosemary didn’t like all the moisture and has gotten moldy. Yet another reason for the fan.
5) Electric heat is probably the simplest yet least efficient of all heat. I will be looking for alternative heating sources next year.
6) You can never have too many shelves. I would have put more plants out there if I’d had more reachable space!
7) Be careful. It’s completely addictive.