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Scuba_Dave
05-10-2009, 09:19 PM
Well, I thought this site was gardening when I signed up
Didn't realize it was about bananas
I guess I should have read more
But maybe I can do bananas in my "new" greenhouse

I 1st built it in '05 - too big, didn't like the roof
So I never finished it pending a redesign & other house projects
Last fall I took it apart & rebuilt it, much lower
I dug out the inside & put in the winter storms in March
I put the door on one day & it was closed in...and I was sweating
Next day I put a remote thermometer in there & it was reading 107 :woohoonaner:

Ah, that's the temp up near the roof
I moved it down near the ground & put it inside 3" PVC to "protect" it from the sun
Much better....only 101 :03:

So now I need an automatic vent on it
I've had veggies growing since April
This means I'm getting a 6 week head start & will extend my growing season GREATLY

All the jalouise windows were $75 - included winter storms
**EDIT - jalousie windows were $75...I thought I got them for free
---but that was some other jalousie windows
The roof is sliding glass door panels - free
I spent less then $30 on PT wood, quite a bit leftover after redo
There is a 55g drum in the corner to collect rainwater
I'm hoping to pick up a pair of 330g tanks shortly

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y105/Daveywb/Plants/GH09web.jpg

Old design was too big & blocked 2 windows

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y105/Daveywb/Plants/Greenhouse5.jpg

Michael_Andrew
05-11-2009, 06:53 AM
Very resourceful. Looks like the perfect spot to overwinter a few bananas.

Michael

Bob
05-11-2009, 09:24 AM
Good work. Try putting a thermometer on the ceiling and floor. Daytime temps are as much as 30* apart in mine(which is sheet plastic). At night temps can drop quickly. Looks to be a great plant starting / season extending spot.

Scuba_Dave
05-11-2009, 12:09 PM
It went down to maybe 39 or so last night
The greenhouse was 51 when I checked it at 6:45a
I took the West side storms off (7'), South side (10') is mostly off
Only 3' of storms left on facing South. The East wall (7') still has both storms on. It's supposed to stay in the 50's at night after Wed.

This fall I'm going to dig down & insulate the perimeter to a depth of about 3' on the East & South sides. The West side I'm going to have to dig deeper as it borders the stairs to the basement. I have a bunch of insulation that was under the vinyl siding I removed
So I figure 1" should give me about R4-R5, I may be able to go thicker then that

Ideally I'd like a couple temp probes
Ceiling, floor level, 6" in the dirt & then maybe 2' down
I used to work for a company that had chart systems to track/check/certify furnace Temps. I'm sure by now the stuff is computerized. But I'm out of work so that will have to wait
And My HoneyDoList is pretty long
I'm getting ready to finish up the roof on an addition
24x36 garage, same size great room over it, & a walk up 19x24 attic

I'm debating on starting bananas this year, or waiting until next year. I know (think?) they can take a while to grow/bear fruit. So maybe I should start them this year. I'm going to have to spend some time going thru threads & researching

Bob
05-11-2009, 12:27 PM
Re : Research. Smartest thing you can do. I collected most of my plants last Sept through Dec and have had no trouble(kept indoors). I was able to get a nice remote temperature gauge from home despot for about what you paid for your greenhouse. It's actually a lot of fun comparing indoor vs. outdoor vs. greenhouse temps throughout the day/ season etc. There were more and less expensive units but the $30 model works great and seems to be accurate.

LilRaverBoi
05-11-2009, 12:29 PM
Very nice! Excellent work....and on such a low budget, no less! I hope it works out well for you!

Scuba_Dave
05-11-2009, 05:22 PM
Thanks
I'd like to go thru one winter & monitor the greenhouse temps before I attempt to leave anything in there over the winter

Patty in Wisc
05-11-2009, 07:39 PM
Very nice Dave. You are very resourceful! I heard of ppl using old patio & shower doors to make a greenhouse.

Scuba_Dave
05-23-2009, 03:28 PM
I'm almost finished with the main garden support
I took apart someone's pool deck so the support posts were free
The pipes were leftover from some old fencing
I had to spend maybe $5 on some connectors

Finally support for my 8' tomato plants !!
There is another 4x4 support just to my left as I took the picture
I have one more pipe to cut & run across - you see the pipe end sticking put in the middle

I spread out the horse compost today
I still have a lot more seedlings to transplant

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y105/Daveywb/Plants/DSCF5748.jpg

Patty in Wisc
05-23-2009, 11:48 PM
Looking great Dave for supports. Put those 4 little guys in lower left corner inground & take them outof their pots :)

Scuba_Dave
05-24-2009, 07:06 PM
Those were red japanese maples from MIL's house
They were growing where they were not wanted, so I took them
They were OK last year - nuttin this year :(

She has 2 more seedlings that are about 12" tall that she is keeping. If any more pop up I'll transplant them to my greenhouse instead of down in the garden area. It gets too crowded in the summer & I think they were shaded too much

Scuba_Dave
01-10-2010, 10:34 AM
It went down to about 9 last night (11 according to weather site), 11 when I got up
The greenhouse was just about 33 degrees
So it looks good to winter the bananas in there next year

I still have to insulate part of the roof & some more storm windows to install

Scuba_Dave
02-14-2010, 11:57 AM
Its 38 outside & the greenhouse is up to almost 60
I'm going out to dig around the inside foundation & put in some old "rigid" insulation that was under the vinyl siding

This should help keep the greenhouse warmer from the cold concrete
The sun is up over the back trees every day now
So the greenhouse will be warmer & warmer
Time to start the veggie seedlings inside so they will be ready to transplant to the greenhouse in a few weeks

I also need to build bench/shelving unit in the greenhouse to stack potted plants
I have some PT wood that I will use for that
Then finish connecting the 55g rainwater/watering system

Scuba_Dave
02-20-2010, 01:35 PM
Finally found my pickaxe
So the South wall is dug down to ~2'
I also found the sewer pipe...only about 12" down
I was thinking it was deeper

It was 64 at ground level...I was in a T-shirt digging - 45 outside & sunny
Supposed to be sunny tomorrow too
So hopefully I can finish the South & the West sides
The East side has my 55g drum of water...which I will need to drain 1st

I'll also be redoing the roof this year
I'm removing the framing from the sliding glass doors on the roof
Then I'll put PT wood on the sides of the rafters & the glass will sit on the PT

Scuba_Dave
03-02-2010, 01:19 PM
EDIT - some more of my posts were merged, screwing up the timeline again
So now I have no idea when these different things were done
This really screws things up...this sucks

Well I was bummed out for the past 10+ days
Cloudy & snowy - did not stick, but the greenhouse was not even going over 50
So today I went back out to finish up the insulation around the foundation
And discovered that I had buried the Temp sensor under the dirt
So it has been reading ground temp, & close to 50 isn't bad for Feb

I finished 2 walls, dumped the 55g water & waiting for it to drain/seep in
Relocated the Temp sensor where it is supposed to be
And with maybe 1/2 hour of sun its up over 77 in there !!:0517:

Finished insulating 3rd foundation wall
Its up over 81 now in there...bright sunshine
I took a bunch of rocks out, they will go in my dry river bed

I need to drill the 55g drum out & install a spigot
I also need to put in a bunch of mulch from the mulch pile
So maybe later in the week I'll be ready for seeds

Scuba_Dave
03-07-2010, 09:35 PM
I really need to build a heat exchanger for the greenhouse
It was up to 90 out there (57 maybe outside)
I'd love to use that to heat the house !!

I'm planning on building one for this fall

Abnshrek
03-08-2010, 09:44 AM
I really need to build a heat exchanger for the greenhouse. It was up to 90 out there (57 maybe outside) I'd love to use that to heat the house !! I'm planning on building one for this fall

So if it works you thinking about expanding it to cool in the summer? (using the same pump ad a couple valves and dig a cooling line) :^)

Tony O
03-08-2010, 12:54 PM
You've got it against 2 windows. :waving: I had mine like that once. A box fan facing in from one will bring in the warm air during the day.
:woohoonaner:

Dalmatiansoap
03-08-2010, 03:30 PM
Anybody knows any DIY irrigating systems? Any ideas?
:woohoonaner:

sunfish
03-08-2010, 03:40 PM
Anybody knows any DIY irrigating systems? Any ideas?
:woohoonaner:

What do you want to know?

Dalmatiansoap
03-08-2010, 03:48 PM
Mostly about drip irrigations. To be honest I dont know much beside good old hose sys :ha:. This dripping methods looks interesting but I didnt see that in person anywere for now.

sunfish
03-08-2010, 04:02 PM
Orbit Irrigation Products, Inc. :: Conservation Through Innovation (http://www.orbitonline.com/)

LilRaverBoi
03-08-2010, 05:04 PM
Anybody knows any DIY irrigating systems? Any ideas?
:woohoonaner:

LOL...I've got an idea:
http://www.saunalahti.fi/~aleppane/img/Watering%20can/Watering%20can%203.jpg
:ha::ha::ha: Sorry, that wasn't very helpful, huh?

Scuba_Dave
03-08-2010, 05:21 PM
So if it works you thinking about expanding it to cool in the summer? (using the same pump ad a couple valves and dig a cooling line) :^)

Actually I'm going to build another system that will sit on part of the greenhouse. It will heat the water for my hot tub
Once I take off the storm windows & open the jalouisie windows it stays pretty cool in there
It was up to 95 in there today.....I need to get my seedlings going !!

You've got it against 2 windows. I had mine like that once. A box fan facing in from one will bring in the warm air during the day.

Actually I rebuilt it below the windows
It was too high...didn't like it...& figured it would not heat up as much in the winter
I dug it down into the ground so I can stand up
Looks better & more non-intrusive...doesn't stick out like a sore (green) thumb :ha:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y105/Daveywb/Plants/GH09web.jpg

Dalmatiansoap
03-09-2010, 02:42 PM
:woohoonaner:
I did my first steps in drip irrigation today:
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=30044&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=30044&ppuser=4565)
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=30045&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=30045&ppuser=4565)
Thaks for info Tony
:nanadrink:

Scuba_Dave
03-09-2010, 07:23 PM
This Post is a number of posts that were made over a 6 week period
They were merged to one post dating back to March 9th by a Moderator
This unforunately messes up the timeline

That looks better then what I have
I have a soaker hose for the greenhouse
Then the 10x14 garden that borders the greenhouse has drip tubing
But it doesn't seem to work that good...the longer it is

Greenhouse topped 102 yesterday at the top (not sure on date on this now)
I'm going to relocate the sensor down lower
I have to redo the roof a little this year
I'm removing the framing from the sliding doors & mount them between the rafters on PT lumber

I dug out the middle of the greenhouse (not sure on date on this now)
I built a PT frame so now the outside edges are higher
That way I can walk in there without hitting my head
I took a bunch of rocks out, so I need to fill in with more dirt near the door

I planted 2 types of Marigolds, some gaillarda & a few different types of sunflowers (not sure on date on this now - May have been March 21st)

I moved my 1st dozen summer squash plants out to the new garden by the stream today
Also transplanted about 3 dozen+ sunflowers to different places around the house
I have a lot more sunflowers growing, plus I planted more seeds around the house
I have a lot of Marigold seedlings growing in the greenhouse
+ I have (7) almond tree seedlings growing (so far) (not sure on date on this now - I think around April 21st)

I should be moving more out maybe Sat
After that we expect rain off & on for 5 days

Scuba_Dave
04-24-2010, 07:18 PM
Why were my posts merged when they were from different days ?
Now it seems like everything was done on the same day which is not the case
And looking at the thread I no longer have a time line of the things I did
The posts were not all from March 9th
WTF ?

LilRaverBoi
04-24-2010, 11:14 PM
Sorry, I tend to merge all consecutive posts by the same individual to make the forums easier to read for others. That way, they know each 'post' is a new person talking rather than the same person saying something else. Quite a few members tend to post consecutively to add small points of information rather than editing the previous post to amend it (and thus, merging is effective to keep things easy to read through). Merging consecutive posts is just kind of a habit at this point. Sorry if I threw off your time-line...this was not my intention. I'll refrain from merging your posts on this thread in the future.

natej740
04-25-2010, 12:20 AM
Sorry, I tend to merge all consecutive posts by the same individual to make the forums easier to read for others. That way, they know each 'post' is a new person talking rather than the same person saying something else. Quite a few members tend to post consecutively to add small points of information rather than editing the previous post to amend it (and thus, merging is effective to keep things easy to read through). Merging consecutive posts is just kind of a habit at this point. Sorry if I threw off your time-line...this was not my intention. I'll refrain from merging your posts on this thread in the future.

Since were on the subject you did that to some of my posts to...I was trying to keep a log on the progress of my basjoo and you merged my post and it looked like one day but it was really weeks apart. It didnt make sense with the posts merged...

LilRaverBoi
04-25-2010, 01:15 AM
Well damn....I'm sorry guys. I guess the fool-proof way to prevent such things is to date any posts in the post if you want to do the 'progress report' thing. Otherwise, I tend to merge any consecutive posts on the site.

Scuba_Dave
04-25-2010, 10:16 AM
I'm a Mod on another site
Consecutive posts the same day are SOMETIMES merged (minutes apart) & ONLY if it makes sense
DAYS apart are NEVER merged , *edit by ME - removed my not so nice comment *
WEEKS & MONTHS APART - NEVER !@!
Look at the date of the post

It doesn't make things easier when post are WEEKS apart, it screws things up

So on the SAME day I planted the sunflower seeds & then by magic I had 36 grown seedlings to transplant that SAME day ???
The fool-proof way to prevent this is to LOOK at the DATE of the posts

DAY 1

This is an update
My timeline was butchered by a Mod merging posts so now some of the posts do not make sense

Patty in Wisc
04-25-2010, 03:39 PM
I didn't like my latest post merged with my post from last June or July. It only makes things more confusing to read. I was posting an update.

Scuba_Dave
04-25-2010, 04:12 PM
I'm not sure I can reconstruct my timeline now
I was hoping others would see from my progress that a greenhouse in a Northern climate can be a great asset
Even a small one like mine
I do need to build some shelves to take more advantage of the small real estate
7x10 on the outside - less on the inside

And by having your new post merged back to an old post it does not show up when you look for new posts
.
I wish the sig line showed up lower sometimes
Maybe I just need to add some dots

I should also add...I might have somewhere.... that I recalculated the cost of the greenhouse
Windows were not free as I thought, so $75 for windows
And I think by the time I get thru w/roof (small) & odds & ends I'll have spent another maybe $100 including 55g drum for rainwater & drip system
So still under $200 complete

.
.

Scuba_Dave
04-27-2010, 08:27 PM
Plants are looking pretty good
I still have more to move out there, maybe Thurs
Tomato's are getting bigger & the main stem thickening up
Newer seedlings just moved have a green stem
Ones that have been outside for a while have reddish/darker stems

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx319/DIYChatroom/Yard%20and%20Plants/Greenhouse.jpg

I need to build shelves along the back wall
I need to use more area w/small space I have

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx319/DIYChatroom/Yard%20and%20Plants/Greenhouse2.jpg

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx319/DIYChatroom/Yard%20and%20Plants/Greenhouse3.jpg

Scuba_Dave
04-28-2010, 02:12 PM
I moved the rest of the seedlings from the sunroom to the greenhouse
I found out one year if I delay doing this they do not get as much sun in the sunroom
So they do not grow as fast & grow leggy
I transplanted most to small single pots
About a dozen or more Tomato plants I moved to 4-5" pots
I'll have to see how big they get by the end of the month & adjust my seedling starting time next year

I have about 170 Tomato plants - 5 different varieties
About 80 Pepper plants - 2 specific kinds & then one pack was a pepper mixture
I planted Peas out in the reg garden on the 25th
So the only thing left to plant is carrots
I need to dig up an area for those, they didn't get that big last year

I'm planning on moving more seedlings out to the gardens this weekend
Supposed to be nice & in the low 70's
I buried the the pumpkins from last year in the garden by the stream
There are dozens of seedlings coming up

Now I just need Mother Nature to cooperate this year

Scuba_Dave
04-29-2010, 10:44 AM
Its 58 outside & up to 84 in the greenhouse - at ground level
I need another thermometer near the top
Its only supposed to go up to mid 60's today, possibly up to 80 this weekend
So I may be opening the door during the day
Maybe I'll move some of the cukes out to the garden tomorrow

Scuba_Dave
04-30-2010, 09:02 PM
It was over 98 today in the greenhouse at ground level
I meant to go out & open the door to cool it off
But started clearing out along the back fence & forgot

I have to remember tomorrow as it will be even warmer & sunnier
And Sunday is going to be in the 80's
Possibly time to start taking the winter storm windows off
But its still going down to mid 40's at nite

Dean W.
04-30-2010, 09:25 PM
Cool it down Dave.

Scuba_Dave
05-01-2010, 03:57 PM
I opened the door in the morning
Also vented one roof panel about 8" & I took down 1 storm window
It still went up to 85

So I put the solar heater for the hot tub on top of the greenhouse back against the house
I had to go buy some hose & clamps to connect it to the hot tub
By the time I got back from HD & hooked it up it was maybe 2:30
The 1st water coming out of it was steaming hot

By that time 1/3 of the panel was shaded & it was after 3pm
It was still raising the Temp of the water 6 degrees
But I shut it down until tomorrow

I want to see how much the 4' wide solar water heater panel shades the greenhouse

Scuba_Dave
05-02-2010, 04:35 PM
Solar panel is back against the house, very little shading of the greenhouse
I installed supports & a post & installed the 2nd solar panel
1st water coming out was 140 degrees:2169:
After the system ran for a while the output dropped to 94/7
With clouds it dropped now & then down to 82-89

Over a 6 hour period it brought the temp from 56 degrees up to 75.6
That's 450g of water heated 19 degrees
Looks like this will work nicely

Scattered showers expected over the next 2 days
So maybe min heating, then 3 days of sun after that
Hoping to get the Temp up over 80
Then it will make a nice warm pool to cool off & relax in

And as a plus its keeping sun off the roof part of the greenhouse
Which will keep the temps down

Scuba_Dave
05-04-2010, 06:58 PM
2nd day of heating the solar hot tub - up to 96 by 1:30pm
I expect to top 100 tomorrow
:woohoonaner:

And as an added bonus the greenhouse has been staying under 80
I am going to need to make a new custom hot water panel for over the greenhouse
The 4x12 is too big
I think one 30" x 12' will work

The spare 4x12 panel will go out to the hot tub by the pool
OR, I might use it to preheat water to the water heater
I really need to collect some more sliding glass doors & make the solar hot water heater for the house

Maybe I can make one to help heat the greenhouse in the early spring & late fall

Seedlings are doing very well
Tomato plants are getting pretty big
Peppers are still small, very slow to grow
I will have to start them earlier next year
Actually I will need to start everything at least 2 weeks earlier next year

Abnshrek
05-05-2010, 12:36 AM
Hey Dave I think that's awesome. A great mind is a terrible thing to waste, so stay at it :^)

Scuba_Dave
05-05-2010, 12:24 PM
Hot tub hit over 104 just after Noon
Turned on the jets, grabbed a beer & went in for a soak
Very nice

Patty in Wisc
05-05-2010, 01:03 PM
I'm jealous!!! We are s'posed to get frost tonight.
Can you post some pics of your solar thingy?

Scuba_Dave
05-05-2010, 02:21 PM
Its not pretty, bolts are rusted, glazing is fogged
But dang if it doesn't work
Its up to 111 with the hot tub recirc off
Heating cycle at an end
I expect it to drop at least 3 degrees when I turn the pumps on
And at least 5 degrees overnight

But that means it could stillbe 103 in the morning
I really need to get 1/2 of this heating our hot water

Hey guess what ?
The control panel doesn't work over 106 :ha:
It was just flashing "HO"
And my wife didn't even have her top off :drum:

As I said not pretty
But I did not want to invest in any paint or anything else until I tested it
Plan is to paint it, pick up new screws & new glazing
I think with new glazing one panel can heat each tub
Or I may need to make a small 2nd panel for this tub

The 4x12 against the house is really too big & shades the greenhouse too much
Pic was taken at 3:30, hot tub was 111 & solar heat was shut off
Even with the shading you see on the panels they were putting out 118 degree water

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx319/DIYChatroom/Yard%20and%20Plants/DSCF6686.jpg

Scuba_Dave
05-15-2010, 06:59 PM
Shut the solar heater off @1pm as the tub reached 106
Now I need to connect a loop to preheat water for the house
Recd the electric bill today - lowest bill in 4 years !!
35% lower then last month & the same month last year

I've moved a large number of tomato & pepper plants out to the big garden
Late Sunday I may move the rest out
Weather looks good for the next 10 days
We will be over a week past the normal last freeze

Scuba_Dave
05-20-2010, 08:33 PM
Hot tubs working great, hasn't dipped below 96 even after 2 cloudy/rainy days
I just picked up 4 more solar water heaters - 3x6 :woohoonaner:

I'm going to take the 4x12 off the top of the greenhouse & install a 3x6
That will let more light inot the greenhouse
Plus the (2) 4x12's are too much for the hot tub

I'm taking the 4x12 & another 3x6 & installing them on the hot tub out by the pool
That will heat the tub & excess will heat the pool

Then the last (2) 3x6's will be setup to provide hot water for the house

I've moved just about everything out of the greenhouse & into the reg gardens
I may start some other seeds in the GH, not sure yet

Scuba_Dave
05-26-2010, 02:25 PM
I started another thread on the Hot tubs & solar heat

http://www.bananas.org/f9/solar-heated-hot-tub-11634.html

My 1st cucumber is starting to grow, saw it yesterday
This is the earliests ever !!
We have had 2 90 degree days in a row
Its supposed to be cooler tomorrow, so I am going to move the bigger tomato plants out to the reg gardens

Now I'm not sure what to do with the greenhouse for the summer ?
Maybe start some flowers from seed

Scuba_Dave
05-29-2010, 12:05 PM
I have a bunch of small cucumbers growing
Hopefully the plants can keep up & keep them growing
Summer squash I planted outside weeks ago has exploded in growth
Pumpkins are growing everywhere

I'm moving the rest of the plants from the greenhouse out to the main gardens
I'm growing maybe 8-12 tomato plants in the greenhouse

cowboyup4christ
06-03-2010, 05:32 AM
Some more info on DYI Green houses
Backyard Greenhouse (http://www.i4at.org/surv/green.htm)
free pvc greenhouse plans (http://www.snapclamp.com/greenhouse.htm)
The History of the Passive Solar Greenhouse - Why Build? (http://www.irisherbal.com/psg/content/whybuild.html)
How to build a small, cheap, simple and easy greenhouse (http://www.laspilitas.com/garden/howto/greenhouse.html)
Build a PVC Greenhouse (http://web.archive.org/web/20050903094939/http://users2.ev1.net/~sivek/greenhouse/greenhouse.html)
hope it is informative

Scuba_Dave
06-07-2010, 11:54 AM
I just did a quick count of Tomato plants
I have around 173 growing...out of maybe 180+ that I moved
Some are small & may not amount to much
Others are too close together & I need to move them

I just need to find places to move them to !!

Scuba_Dave
06-14-2010, 07:38 PM
Summer squash are starting to grow
Cukes are a few inches long now
Peas are flowering
No tomatoes growing but look like they are about to flower
Peppers a long way off I think

Patty in Wisc
06-16-2010, 11:17 PM
I just did a quick count of Tomato plants
I have around 173 growing...

I just need to find places to move them to !!

Send some here!!! I have no 'maters this year, and the squash & peppers is way behind. The green beans are only thing doing well.
The yearly grapes & raspberrys are doing great too.

Scuba_Dave
06-23-2010, 06:28 PM
I picked some peas today...they never made it to the house
Shelled them & ate them outside
Also picked 2 cukes & they went with supper

No tomatoes yet, they are flowering....do not see any growing
No peppers yet either, not flowering yet
I had to transplant (3) Tomato plants as I'm building a support structure for a screenhouse for the back patio

We have been picking & eating red & black raspberries for a while now

cowboyup4christ
06-23-2010, 07:53 PM
I am gonna try the passive solar route this year and see how they do. putting black plastic drums in the corners and filling them with water to release heat at night, also have a brick floor to absorb heat as well.

Scuba_Dave
06-23-2010, 09:24 PM
The cukes were labeled as 55 days to harvest
I just checked & that's ~100 days since the cucumber seeds were planted inside
And only 68 days since the 1st seedlings were moved to the greenhouse
And only about 36 days since they were planted in the garden

I've sent an E-mail off to Burpee & Ferry Morse asking them how they figure the harvest time

I want to get some growing in the greenhouse early next year

Scuba_Dave
06-24-2010, 10:50 AM
1st Tomato is on the vine - only about the size of a marble

Scuba_Dave
06-24-2010, 06:03 PM
I received a response from Ferry Morse:

According to our horticulturalist, harvest time is from the day the seed is planted.
Have a wonderful day!

So 100 days from the time the seed was planted....instead of the 55 on the package
Next year I guess I will start earlier & move them to the greenhouse sooner

Scuba_Dave
06-25-2010, 10:30 PM
Well...not really a greenhouse....but a green screenhouse
The poles to this broke
So I built a framework & setup the screenhouse over the new patio
There is a garden at each end, have to see how they do now that they will be partially shaded

The Patio

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx319/DIYChatroom/Construction/NewPatio.jpg

Building it

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx319/DIYChatroom/Pool/Screenhousenew6.jpg

Done, need to adjust the material

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx319/DIYChatroom/Pool/DSCF6784.jpg

Inside, I am adding rope light

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx319/DIYChatroom/Pool/Screenhousenew10.jpg

Scuba_Dave
03-08-2011, 12:26 PM
Getting a head start this year
I made storms for the door & the last panel on the West side
Still have one jalousie window on the south side without a storm window
Its a big window....so that will take some doing
I lost one roof panel due to ice this winter
My fault maybe as I was cleaning off the roof
Put one of my spare panels in & good to go
It did take a while for the snow that fell in to melt

Today is the 1st day the GH has topped 70
I already have peas & cuke seedlings growing
Tomatoes & everything else are in the sunroom
I'll be planting more in the GH shortly
Getting a head start this year!!

Scuba_Dave
03-08-2011, 01:00 PM
I also turned over soil & added some peat moss
I'll add some ashes from the fire too
I need to do the same for the garden in front of the greenhouse
Plan is to build some cold frames in that garden w/more sliding glass doors

I put down some pavers as a walkway in the middle
Wife will like that as it will keep my feet clean
She kinda hates me tracking dirt in

Now I just need to build some shelving along the back of the greenhouse
My neighbor took apart his pool deck
So I have plenty of PT wood for a shelf or two

Scuba_Dave
03-18-2011, 08:08 PM
The peas in the greenhouse are growing
The cukes haven't really done much growing

I started building a compost bin today
Its 4'wx56" tall x 10' 6" long
Its up against a fence, so it will only have 2 sides+ fence
The 4th side will be open to the new garden area
So I'll be able to just shovel compost out

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx319/DIYChatroom/Gardens/DSCF7810.jpg

Scuba_Dave
03-18-2011, 08:13 PM
Looks short in the pictures
The far short side will be open to the garden
I have enough wood to build another one
Just need to figure out where to put it
It will hold about 200 cu ft once its full

That little tree is being moved to the near side in the pic
I have another small tree I removed, they will be planted to cover "hide" the bin
They are Rose of sharons, I have more that I will plant along the sides to hide this
Its located behind the pool cabana, so its already out of sight
The chain link fence faces the stream

All the wood was free......

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx319/DIYChatroom/Gardens/DSCF7811.jpg

Dean W.
03-18-2011, 08:59 PM
Looks like it was still really good wood.

Scuba_Dave
03-18-2011, 09:14 PM
Yeah, I put the good side facing out
That side was "under" the deck, facing down
The other side took a beating & they had stained the deck
I cut the ends off where the nails were
So that removed most of the "bad" wood
The wood could have been used for a deck if they were flipped over
But I don't need any more decks......

Scuba_Dave
03-19-2011, 02:19 PM
Almost finished...then came up with another idea
I'm going to put lattice up on the side & grown veggies there too
The 2 Rose of Sharon's were in the area now enclosed by the bin
I'll be adding 2 more pieces ( I think) to this side
They will be removable to allow easy dumping of lawn debris/leaves etc over the top

I also have enough boards to build another one about 5' wide x 10.5' long by 4' tall
It will be located about 6-8' to the left of this one
It will also only have 2 sides, 3rd side will be the chain link fence that encloses the new garden
The 4th side will be open to the sloped ground of the pool cabana
This will allow me to level this area off as the compost bin fills up

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx319/DIYChatroom/Gardens/DSCF7816.jpg

Scuba_Dave
03-19-2011, 02:21 PM
It's less then 1/2 full with about a full years yard waste
Not counting grass clippings as that gets spread as mulch in the veggie gardens
I just have a little more to clear out of the gardens
The new veggie garden area is about 15'x30', not counting the compost bin & lattice growing area

That tall wall will soak up the sun & help heat up the compost pile

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx319/DIYChatroom/Gardens/DSCF7817.jpg

Dean W.
03-19-2011, 02:50 PM
Looks great- that's a big bin!

Scuba_Dave
03-20-2011, 02:35 PM
2nd bin finished, even bigger at 5' 8" wide x 56" tall x 10' 6" long
This one is about 9' to the left of the 1st one
Now I might as well remove that fence & gate
I'm going to move them to the front of the compost bins
Before the gate goes back up I need to move the 2nd 300g water storage out of the new garden area that you see behind the fence on the left

I also have my Jetski in the back corner that I need to move out

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx319/DIYChatroom/Gardens/DSCF7818.jpg

Scuba_Dave
03-20-2011, 02:39 PM
This is inside the new bin
The 1st bin will be for kitchen waste to compost
Since this one is closer to the pool area, & will be able to see into it from the hot tub; it will be for yard debris only

I left the cuts on one side "rough", then added a 2x6 trim on the outside
I still have enough PT wood to build shelves in the greenhouse

The shorter upright 2x's keep the top 2 boards on
Each bin the top 2 boards on the short front side can be removed

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx319/DIYChatroom/Gardens/DSCF7819.jpg
Inside the 1st bin
The 2x's you see on the far wall keep the top 2 boards on
That way I can remove the top 2 boards

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx319/DIYChatroom/Gardens/DSCF7820.jpg

Dean W.
03-20-2011, 04:53 PM
Man Dave, your going to have compost galore!

Makes my little wire compost bins look like nothing.:ha:

Scuba_Dave
03-20-2011, 05:12 PM
Well my old compost boat fell apart
This is located at the back of the new garden area
The new bins are at the front of the new garden area
I filled it up in the spring of 2009 with horse poop - free
I spread a lot out into the garden last year
I'm going to spread the rest out this year then scrap the boat
I need to find someone getting rid of cow manure, usually they charge for that poop

If I see the horse poop advertised again I'll pick some up just to fill part of the bigger bin

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx319/DIYChatroom/Yard%20and%20Plants/Boat-Poopweb.jpg

nannerfunboi
03-20-2011, 11:19 PM
great pics scubadave!!
im big on composting too..
do ya think this says something about our personalities? LOL :)
i have a great source on rabbit manure.. as soon as it
gets a bit drier here..i'll go get a truck load..
i water it down some then add to my compost pile..
the pile is mowed down leaves (last fall i got over 150 bags)
manure, straw.. cooks down nice and is super soil additive..
nanners love it too..
i also make rabbit manure tea.. last yr my nanners responded great to it
they got really big!!! :08:

Scuba_Dave
03-21-2011, 01:20 PM
Thanks, prior to this my garden area was my compost pile
But it was getting too crowded in there
One bonus is that I can back the truck in between the 2 bins
Then shovel manure into either bin from the truck
I haven't seen an ad for manure horse locally yet
Cow manure they want $$ for...$5 50 lb bag

Actually worked cleaning out a house where we took 88 bags of leaves
I didn't have any place to put them, so they went over an embankment at the boss' house

Dean W.
03-21-2011, 03:45 PM
And that store bought cow manure has lots of sand or soil in it too.

Scuba_Dave
03-21-2011, 04:02 PM
Actually this stuff is straight from the farm
There are quite a few places around that sell it direct from the farm

Dean W.
03-21-2011, 04:06 PM
Yeah, your lucky then. The big box stores sell that stuff that has the sand mixed w/ feed lot manure. The fresher stuff is better for your compost piles anyway. It'll provide more heat for the leaves, etc..:bananas_b

Scuba_Dave
03-21-2011, 06:53 PM
The greenhouse hasn't been down close to freezing since March 4th
I'm pretty sure the only reason it was close to freezing then is due to the roof panel that broke around Feb 16th
Its actually has not been below freezing since Fen 24th
At that point there was still ice & snow in the greenhouse
I'm hoping next year it will be sometime in Jan as the last date it dips below freezing

In the greenhouse: Peas are growing, cukes have not done much
The ones I left in the sunroom are doing much better

Expecting to move more out to the greenhouse this weekend
It's been about a week since it dipped below 40

Scuba_Dave
04-09-2011, 06:28 PM
We finally have some warm weather that has moved in
The greenhouse is going up to 75-80 most days
But still dipping down to low 40's at nite
I still need to seal the front door better
And seal the roof panels to the framing with something that will still allow the roof panels to slide open in the summer

Scuba_Dave
11-27-2011, 12:48 PM
Its been a while since I have been on, busy year
I'm starting to check the temp of the greenhouse now that its been colder
So far it has not dipped below 40, still need to seal it better
I built a shelf along the back wall...that's about it
I was still getting some Tomatoes out of the GH in October

I've been working on setting up my Christmas display for about a week now
Finishing most of it up today, then all the lights go on Dec 1st

Scuba_Dave
02-28-2012, 08:33 PM
I've started my seedlings for this year
I'm using a small 52" tall greenhouse in my sunroom to start the seeds
I put a 50w bulb at the bottom for heat on a timer
It's working better then I had hoped, everything is sprouting !
Maybe too good, Reg greenhouse is going up close to 70 already, but still dipping down near freezing
So the 1st batch of seedlings might be a little too early, but I've started slow - just some seeds out of different packs

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx319/DIYChatroom/Gardens/DSCF8236.jpg

nannerfunboi
02-28-2012, 08:50 PM
way to go scuba dave!! :) im anxious too.. still to
early to start tomatoes.. end of march for me..
i did buy 3 new "higher end" fluorescent fixtures.. T8 bulbs..
i have set up done.. its a fun time of yr isnt it.. :)

Scuba_Dave
02-29-2012, 05:38 PM
Yeah I decided to start slow this year, just get some seedlings started
Usually the peppers germinate a lot slower then everything else
Even they are coming up already !
Of course now we have a Winter storm that has moved in
I'm not sure when I will plant the next batch of seeds

My little greenhouse is in a corner of the sunroom
So it gets the AM light from the East window, then sun until late afternoon from 2 South facing windows

lkailburn
03-02-2012, 01:31 PM
Great thread, i just finished reading through it all. I'm envious of the outside greenhouse and the solar heaters. How exactly do those work i'm not familiar?

With the lenght of the compost bins, how will you get in there to turn the piles over?

I have to little indoor greenhouses like the one you posted up. I'll have to find a photo, i recently installed a new 4 light 4' flourescent setup in there for sprouting seeds.

-Luke

Scuba_Dave
04-17-2012, 05:03 PM
Great thread, i just finished reading through it all. I'm envious of the outside greenhouse and the solar heaters. How exactly do those work I'm not familiar?

With the length of the compost bins, how will you get in there to turn the piles over?

I have to little indoor greenhouses like the one you posted up. I'll have to find a photo, i recently installed a new 4 light 4' fluorescent setup in there for sprouting seeds.

-Luke

The solar heaters just have water pumped thru them. The ones for the pool are black PVC & soak up the sun
The ones for the hot tub are Alum & work the same way
You buy a pump that puts a certain gallons per minute thru the pipe
That maximizes the amount of heat transfer

I won't be turning over the compost bins, I'll just let the stuff compost & shovel it out in a few years. We had a large pile of grass near the back fence from the neighbor behind us. Their landscaping company would throw it over the fence -before I cleaned out the area. It was never turned & the stuff was black gold

I just use natural sunlight to start my seeds
There is a 50w bulb in there to keep it warmer partially thru the nite
This year I also used the big greenhouse to start seeds - 1st time
Much easier & more room to spread things out
Plus I planted seeds in single pots instead of a big tray -where I then had to thin out & transplant them to single pots
Saves me a step & LOTS of time

I did buy 4 large tomato plants from HD, moved them to really big pots
I'm going to leave then in the big greenhouse & see if I can get some early tomatoes
Its been 90+ the past 2 days in the greenhouse

Scuba_Dave
04-18-2012, 08:23 PM
So much for going slow, I planted almost all the rest of my seeds in the big greenhouse & I have a ton of seedlings now
I spent 2 hours out there thinning to single pots & transplanting bigger seedlings to bigger pots
Still more to transplant to bigger pots, I may run out
I have well over 100 tomato seedlings & many more to thin/separate to single pots
I have dozens of most of the rest: peppers, zucchini, cukes, summer squash

I've also started a bunch of perennial seeds in the sm indoor greenhouse
One from the neighbors: Cleome - Spider flower
Its supposed to be an annual, but they come back every year -much like my morning glories that I planted around the pool fence - much to the wife's chagrin
I've since weeded out the morning glories & moved them to a fence by the woods, where they continue to come back every year
Makes me wonder what else I can grow that is an annual but will come back every year - from prolific seeds

http://plants.usda.gov/gallery/large/cleom_004_lvp.jpg

Scuba_Dave
04-20-2012, 08:44 AM
The big greenhouse hit 101.3 yesterday.....:eek:
I had just transplanted some tomato plants to single pots
I put them on an alum tray on the top shelf & filled the tray with water
The temp monitor is on the ground in a white PVC pipe

I figured the seedlings would be toast.....Nope !!
Everything in the greenhouse looks great
Its a cheapo monitor, could be off by a few degrees.....but still
I need to add an automatic vent at some point

Scuba_Dave
04-29-2012, 10:14 AM
I added another 6' shelf & a 4' shelf in the greenhouse
I'm running out of room....I have 300+ tomato seedlings, way more then normal
I have cuke plants that are already flowering, as are the 5 big tomato plants from HD
So hopefully some early veggies this year
We've had 2 nites down near freezing, tonite will be the same
I've lost 2 of the 12 cuke seedlings I planted in the big garden
The 6 tomato seedlings I planted have been unaffected by the cold nites
With sunny days the big greenhouse is going up to 80+

I've ordered a bunch of perennial flower seeds & I'm starting those in the small greenhouse

vincentmolino
04-30-2012, 08:17 AM
I plan on making my greenhouse out of this.....very cheap, strong and light and easy to take down in the spring

Shop Tuftex 96" Clear Corrugated Plastic Roof Panel at Lowes.com (http://www.lowes.com/pd_73140-1115-1418A_0__?productId=3043439&Ntt=corrugated+clear&pl=1&currentURL=%2Fpl__0__s%3FNtt%3Dcorrugated%2Bclear&facetInfo=)

Dean W.
04-30-2012, 12:50 PM
I plan on making my greenhouse out of this.....very cheap, strong and light and easy to take down in the spring

Shop Tuftex 96" Clear Corrugated Plastic Roof Panel at Lowes.com (http://www.lowes.com/pd_73140-1115-1418A_0__?productId=3043439&Ntt=corrugated+clear&pl=1&currentURL=%2Fpl__0__s%3FNtt%3Dcorrugated%2Bclear&facetInfo=)

I used to have a greenhouse made out of that stuff. I believe they even sale the foam to insulate the ends.

Scuba_Dave
05-11-2012, 10:41 PM
1st cocktail tomato is the size of a marble -from store bought plant
That's pretty good considering its been cold & rainy for a week now
Next week we are expecting more rain, but we need it
I need to get some fertilizer into the bigger plants

The clear panels are nice, but why build something you need to take down every year ?

vincentmolino
05-14-2012, 08:07 AM
1st cocktail tomato is the size of a marble -from store bought plant
That's pretty good considering its been cold & rainy for a week now
Next week we are expecting more rain, but we need it
I need to get some fertilizer into the bigger plants

The clear panels are nice, but why build something you need to take down every year ?

for everyone that lives south of Virgina. In new Orleans I would only need it up Jan and feb. Any greenhouse imo is ugly and prevents you from enjoying the stuff you have inside. I would also think you would fry stuff in there in July and Aug no matter how many vents/windows you have.

My greenhouse wont have to be taken totally apart panel, by panel but i think in 4 or 6 pieces.

Scuba_Dave
05-14-2012, 07:50 PM
I'd hardly consider "any" greenhouse ugly
The main use for my greenhouse is germination & grow out
Then they are transplanted to other gardens
All the windows in my greenhouse are jalousie windows & they open
In addition all 3 roof panels can slide open & I leave the door open
I've yet to have anything fry in my greenhouse
Proper temp monitoring & adjustment will prevent that in most greenhouses

I just don't have the time to take things apart & put them back together every year
Nor would I want to even if I had the time

Scuba_Dave
05-16-2012, 08:44 PM
Finally added a dual grow light over the small indoor greenhouse
Once it gets to May the angle of the sun changes & plants get less sun
So I've added the grow light until weather changes & I can plant stuff outdoors

Scuba_Dave
05-18-2012, 07:38 PM
I plan on making my greenhouse out of this.....very cheap, strong and light and easy to take down in the spring

Shop Tuftex 96" Clear Corrugated Plastic Roof Panel at Lowes.com (http://www.lowes.com/pd_73140-1115-1418A_0__?productId=3043439&Ntt=corrugated+clear&pl=1&currentURL=%2Fpl__0__s%3FNtt%3Dcorrugated%2Bclear&facetInfo=)

I'm actually going to use this stuff over the bar "roof" that extends off the pool cabana
I won't have to buy roof sheathing, tar paper or roofing shingles
Its going to save me about $400 & will be much faster, let light thru etc
I'm going with 12' panels, they are translucent - light blue color
Plus I won't have to paint the ceiling either...win win

Scuba_Dave
06-06-2012, 06:41 PM
We've had some rainy weather, still need to turn over part of the main garden
The small inside greenhouse is no longer in use
Once the sun gets higher in the sky the corner where I had it located does not get enough sun
I planted the rest of the flower seedlings from there out to the gardens

At least 3 of the 5 big tomato plants in the big greenhouse have tomatoes growing
And some of the cucumber plants have cukes growing, so far so good

Now the bad.....a woodchuck I thought I chased off last year has returned & is chewing on plants
So his days are numbered, I have 2 traps out so its only a matter of time
After that I'm going to continue trapping squirrels -they chewed up all of my pumpkins last year
I killed 3 squirrels last year, but still a few around

Scuba_Dave
07-17-2012, 07:56 PM
With starting the tomatoes in the greenhouse I'm getting some ripe ones a month ahead of time
I used to grow them in the greenhouse, then transplant them out in the bigger gardens
This year I bought 5 larger plants to grow in the greenhouse, and let some other tomato plants continue to grow in the greenhouse as well
I have cuke & tomato plants growing all over -all bearing, just a matter of time now
Last year it was around July 18th when I started to pick a lot of cukes

I'm still "behind" on the gardens - due to the ground hog -now dead
Yesterday I saw another ground hog, he seemed to be running thru the yard....especially after he saw me
Traps are still out, so if he gets caught he will join his friend - swimmin wid da fishes

Scuba_Dave
02-28-2013, 09:37 PM
Haven't been on in a while
I started some seeds early this year - 3 weeks ahead of last year
I added a 45w heat matt to the indoor greenhouse
Hoping to get some plants larger sooner, 33 Tomato plants, 8 pepper plants
I've turned the heat matt off for the next 3 weeks to let cooler weather force the tomato plant stems to thicken up
Last day of Feb has been the last day the large greenhouse dips below freezing in past years

I'm building a solar heater on the back of the house 6x8'
Plan is to use it to heat the hot tub & heat the greenhouse
Anything to get an earlier start

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx319/DIYChatroom/Greenhouse/007851x1280_zps5117a3dc.jpg

saturn
03-02-2013, 04:48 PM
After that I'm going to continue trapping squirrels -they chewed up all of my pumpkins last year
I killed 3 squirrels last year, but still a few around

LOL, I'm sure it's more than a few more squirrels around.

What bait did you use in the traps?

Scuba_Dave
03-11-2013, 07:11 AM
LOL, I'm sure it's more than a few more squirrels around.

What bait did you use in the traps?

I actually did not wind up trapping any, found lead is a much better way to get rid of them :nanertank:

Scuba_Dave
03-30-2013, 10:34 PM
Cleaned out the big greenhouse today & moved seedlings out there
I have 7 pepper seedlings that are doing great-only maybe 5-6" tall

I have 34 TM seedlings now, a few more sprouted
I planted a few in large containers in the greenhouse
The rest I've moved to larger pots in the GH
Outside I've planted the 1st batch of peas in the upper garden

Time to start more seeds in the indoor GH: cukes, pumpkins, summer squash, zucchini, pumpkin plus more pepper & tomato seeds
I'll be planting more peas, some beans & carrots in 1 upper garden soon

I also planted a Cardinal Clematis in the front garden on a new trellis
http://www.gurneys.com/images/250/84274.jpg

And another tree: Japanese Stewertia -only 18" tall right now, can reach 40'
Nice bark detail as it gets older, plus foliage changes lots of colors & it flowers

http://www.hort.uconn.edu/plants/s/stepse/stepse08.jpg http://www.neavelandscaping.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/stewartia-blooms.jpg

Scuba_Dave
06-06-2013, 07:36 PM
All the plants are doing great so far
About 60 Tomato plants, about a dozen of these already have tomatoes growing
8 Pepper plants all flowering & some have peppers growing
I ate the 1st peas from the garden, asparagus too
Summer squash, zucchini, cukes, Pumpkins & more plants growing

Hoping for a good year...& no more Ground hogs
But I'm ready if any show up
:nanertank:

Scuba_Dave
08-28-2013, 05:35 PM
Turns out there is another ground hog prowling around
I found his hidey hole & destroyed it...poured gas down it & lit it up
....sadly he was not home
Also cleared out the whole area of brush/wood that I can burn in the wood stove
Cleared out a 10'x48' area by the woods & extended the fence around it
Saw him the next day & he took off before I could get a bead on him
https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRguXBBAN0dxxecL6CEw2zL6tKkr89Nc0Z8S1B9ArI_aj_ NkPzCcA
Pumpkins did not take off this year -too shaded now where I used to grow them
So I need more real estate for the garden
Plenty of cukes/tomatoes/summer squash & zucchini
Peppers never do all that great...maybe w/more room I can have them in one area
They always seem to get shaded out

Scuba_Dave
01-28-2014, 08:08 PM
Started the seedlings in the indoor greenhouse on the 20th
A lot of them are coming up already...too many
I ended up with some seeds from someone that date back to 2004/2005
I planted some & they are growing
So I'm going to have more seedlings then I planned on

Last year I started the seeds & a Blizzard blew in.....same thing this year

Scuba_Dave
02-14-2014, 09:18 PM
Upgrade to a slightly larger greenhouse for this year
Just one more shelf but I need the extra room
I also turned it to face South, more light
Also picked up (2) 12x12 LED grow lights

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx319/DIYChatroom/Greenhouse/003971x1800_zps63c99dcb.jpg

Scuba_Dave
02-17-2014, 06:08 PM
Started to separate the tomato seedlings into single pots, pepper plants can wait
Last year I had 33 Tomato & 8 pepper seedlings for an early start

This year I have around 40 pepper seedlings growing
I'm getting peppers a month earlier by starting them indoors
And over 200 Tomato seedlings ....oops...http://perfectmancave.com/forum/images/smilies/eek.gif
I can't move them to the big greenhouse until the end of March
I'll have to setup the old indoor greenhouse in the addition
I may also try setting up cold frames outside w/sliding glass doors I have

Scuba_Dave
04-08-2014, 07:28 AM
Moved the 1st batch of seedlings out to the big greenhouse over the last week
I have about 80 good Tomato seedlings, ~10 peppers
Then a bunch of others that are still growing -but were shaded out in the small indoor greenhouse
With more sun they are all starting to take off
Pics from Sunday when I moved the last of the seedlings out & watered everything
I filled almost every empty tray that you can see
2nd batch of seedlings germinating inside now

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx319/DIYChatroom/Greenhouse/0021280x851_zpsb045815a.jpg



http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx319/DIYChatroom/Greenhouse/006_zpsa25beffc.jpg

Scuba_Dave
05-10-2014, 06:44 PM
I setup a raised cold frame out in the new garden (kids old sand box)
Nothing special, just sort of tossed it together....April 13th
Planted 9 TM plants, still had freezing temps....lost 2....rest are OK
They did not grow any bigger then the ones in the greenhouse
But they are definitely more hardy then the other plants
April 30th I removed the roof to the cold frame & replaced the 2 TM plants that died
I have one TM in the greenhouse (Early Girl) that is already flowering
--I planted this one in a big container, 3 more in other containers/1 in the ground
Ive read to shake the plants to let them self pollinate, I also gently squeezed the flower together
Hoping to get some early TM as a result
Not enough wind in the greenhouse for pollination, still keeping it closed to keep it warm -so no bees


http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx319/DIYChatroom/Gardens/0041280x846_zps5ac790b6.jpg

jbyrd88888
05-10-2014, 06:55 PM
Hey, I pollinated many many tomato flowers, end of last year, in my GH! I used an electric toothbrush but, I have heard many people just 'shake' the stem lightly... same with peppers.
Cool setup.

Scuba_Dave
05-10-2014, 07:06 PM
Thanks, I'm going to rebuild the cold frame this fall
I have grooved wood to hold the side windows, they will then be fastened in place & sealed
I'll then build a removable roof frame for the 2 roof panels
The glass door panel against the fence will also be re-framed & sealed to the sides
So the roof & front panels will be removed once the weather warms up
I also want to build an irrigation system so I can water the plants without removing the roof panels
We had the coldest Spring in a while, big GH had freezing temps to March 27th
Prior to this year the last freeze date in the big GH was Feb 27th
Anything to get an early start up here

I have over 60 TM plants in the ground in my gardens
At least another 60 growing in the greenhouse....10 varieties all together

Kat2
05-10-2014, 08:16 PM
Thanks for the update. I gardened just outside of DC and know how important early starts are so you can catch the most of the season. (This year must be really brutal.) Feel better. My tomatoes are frying here but at least I know my old seeds are viable. Or were this "spring"--fall? maybe not. Matters not. I'll find some to replace them--probably not in FL--if there's a Cherokee Purple or Green Zebra growing here I have yet to find one. And even the ones turning pink in the garden look like greenhouse junk and will probably taste the same. A yellow pepper's fruit appears leathery to me. Makes no darned sense at all. Must keep studying the climate and conditions--this is a very odd place to garden.

Scuba_Dave
06-07-2014, 07:36 AM
Squeezing the TM flower together works, I have maybe 3 dozen TM growing
Largest one in the GH is starting to change colors/ripen
I ended up with well over 200 TM planted all over my gardens...everywhere
I was out front by the driveway/electric meter & thought I had to weed by the meter
Then I realized I planted 6 TM plants by the meter
I planted another dozen along an 8' chain link fence

I gave away the last 30 TM plants to a co-worker whose boyfriend was just starting TM from seed
I gave away another dozen to other people

I put black tarps down out back in all of the veggie gardens this year
That took care of the weeds & will save me a lot of time over the years
I put one down 2 years ago in one area & it has greatly reduced the weeds
Its degraded so water goes right thru the tarp, I cut holes where I want to plant
Downside is I can't turn over the garden areas, but never really did that anyways

I'm going to work on more composting, maybe a 55g barrel in addition to the large 5x11' compost area
I cleaned out the 5x11' compost bin this year w/new raised garden & new garden area
I ended up with maybe a 1' of soil.....and learned a lesson
Do NOT put rose bush branches in the compost bin !!
Or any branch for that matter, they simply do not "rot" fast enough

I still have a pile of compost near the opening of the bin that I can use
I'll start filling it up again this fall -mostly leaves

I did have at least 2 TM plants chewed down to the ground -that's a 1st
I've never had anything chew on a TM plant....new animal ??
The peas, which seemed to be a ground hog favorite -are untouched
I'm running a network cable out to my pool cabana this year
I plan on installing a cheapo security camera just so I can see whats going thru the garden

Scuba_Dave
06-23-2014, 06:51 AM
1st Tomato ended up w/end rot -tossed out
Still tons growing, just not ripe yet
Peas, asparagus & strawberries are ready -strawberries are everbearing
Picked the 1st Zucchini Saturday, more will be ready over the next few days
Summer squash are growing, 1st ready maybe this week
Cukes & peppers are growing

I've ordered 50 more strawberry plants & 8 Blueberry plants
Planning on building more raised gardens - TM in the raised garden are doing better then any others
I may also build a raised planter for the strawberries, some animal likes them
I've already killed one rabbit -that was the culprit that chewed up a bunch of TM plants
I have 2 feral cats that are hanging out near the garden
They seem to be keeping the chipmunks away

Scuba_Dave
06-26-2014, 02:34 PM
Killed another Ground Hog that was in the garden
And another chipmunk...as he made off with one of my strawberries
No TM yet, Zucchini & Summer squash are coming in now

Scuba_Dave
07-01-2014, 05:18 PM
Happiness is seeing a dead ground hog on the Main street
Also bagged another one that was in my garden

Scuba_Dave
07-15-2014, 09:56 PM
4th ground hog dead....this one walked into a HavaHart trap
I had no Hart

Bumper crop on Zucchini =64 so far, more then the past 2 years combined
Summer squash already have the same number as all of last year

Scuba_Dave
08-09-2014, 03:11 PM
HavaHart trap caught another varmit...a skunk
I noticed this as I was standing next to the trap & glanced down
I quickly exited the area....he ded now

Garden is doing great, planted WAY too much...
Without multiple ground hogs everything is growing
Plus I had a bumper seedling crop with all the old seeds that germinated
Closing in on 2,000 cocktail tomatoes = 3-4 different varieties
Over 100 Zucchini, 150+ reg Tomatoes -just picked the 1st 3 Black Krim *EDIT* Make that 9 Black Krim
60+ Summer squash & 60+ cucumbers, 1st pumpkins are ripe
Also have over a dozen 4-5 oz yellow tomatoes -nice size for slicing
--these are just starting to get going
Already planning on expanding again for next year
--pumpkins need growing room

Also planning on building more raised gardens for next year
I'll collect all the PT wood I have & build as many as I can
Could be the fresh dirt, the compost or the raised garden - but the raised garden did great this year
Plus I don't have to bend down as much to harvest stuff :ha:

I need to connect with my cousin who has a Dairy Farm for some cow manure

Scuba_Dave
08-25-2014, 09:09 PM
Picked up a PT sandbox someone was getting rid of
Its about 8' square & I think 12" tall...new raised garden !!
I'll add this in the new expansion area once I set that up
It was starting to cool off already -very cool August -mid 70's, low 80's
Not that many 90 degree days this year..only 4 so far
Next 2 days are supposed to be upper 80's close to 90

Probably won't expand the garden until after everything dies
--Late Sept or into October
I'd rather do the work in the Fall VS Spring =too much to do in the Spring
I have another tarp to put down over all the weeds
That will save me time in the Spring = No weeding :)

Scuba_Dave
09-25-2014, 05:32 PM
Garden is winding down, not much rain this year & Sept has been dry
Tomatoes still coming in, haven't had a freeze yet
Over 130 Zucchini this year (10 last year), 70+ Summer squash, 80+ cukes, lost count on TM
Picked up another sand box to build another raised bed - maybe 6x6'
I'm going to extend the garden again, out another 8-10' & maybe 48' in length
Basically adding on another 8-10' of width to the new area that I started this Spring:
Current area w/raised garden -had a cold frame over this:
I'll be expanding 8-12' to the left, all depends upon fencing I can find/have
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx319/DIYChatroom/Gardens/006851x1280_zps488093c9.jpg

merce3
09-25-2014, 06:17 PM
looking good my friend. i'm dealing with squirrels down here. scratching up my papayas while they're still developing. i gotta grab one of those havaheart traps.

Scuba_Dave
10-18-2014, 09:45 AM
Still looking for more fencing to extend the garden
Several have been on craigslist, but other people snagged them
Gardens winding down now, but we haven't had a freeze yet
Still some TM growing in the greenhouse

Scuba_Dave
10-25-2014, 09:02 PM
Picked the last cucumber & the last pepper today
And the last pumpkin from the garden...growing under vines by the new raised garden
I knew it was getting big, but it was really bigger then I thought
Weighed it & it was 50 lbs = 2x the weight of the last one (on right)
Will carve the 50 lb'r tomorrow. Kids carved these

Expanding the garden for next year.....need more room for pumpkins

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx319/DIYChatroom/Gardens/0091800x1184_zps4a71c0d0.jpg

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx319/DIYChatroom/Gardens/0111800x1348_zpsb49900a8.jpg

Scuba_Dave
01-10-2015, 11:47 AM
Time to start cleaning out the small greenhouse in the sunroom
Its 20 out side right now, it was -4f the other morning.
The big greenhouse had dipped to 20 degrees

Last year I started the indoor seedlings on Jan 20th...I was thinking Feb
I'll have to go thru my seeds & see what I still need to order for 2015
Local stores never have them in stock in time for my planting schedule

I'll start planting about the same time this year
All depends upon my work schedule & how the Patriots do in the playoffs
:goteam:

Scuba_Dave
01-24-2015, 06:16 PM
Started some seedlings in the Indoor GH today
....and for the 3rd year in a row a snowstorm blows in

Just starting:
Peppers: 2 types, 24 seeds
Tomatoes: 8 types, 6 seeds of each
I used to try starting Cukes, Pumpkins, Zucchini, Summer squash inside
But as it turns out they grow just as well (better) with direct sowing them
Last year I germinated some indoors early, once they broke the soil I put them in the garden

45w Heat matt will be on from 4pm to 11pm
Same timer I have a 12"x12" LED grow light -mainly so I will remember to water them
...and so I have some light to check on their progress

Gotta love some of the names they give the Tomatoes:
4th of July, Early Crisp, Bloody Butcher, Soloar Power, Big Daddy & Tangerine Mama

Scuba_Dave
01-26-2015, 07:51 PM
Must be the seeds....they attract snow
Tonite we have a Blizzard blowing in
Expecting anywhere from 1-3' of snow
Most likely 18-30" depending upon how it tracks
Everything is shutting down, schools already closed tomorrow + work
Time to hunker down

Scuba_Dave
01-30-2015, 07:53 PM
10 Tomato seedlings coming up ....just 6 days
About the same time to start germinating as last year
I have some Red Bud seeds I'm going to try to germinate this year
They've been in the fridge for a while....Feb 14th I start on those

Scuba_Dave
02-01-2015, 05:39 PM
Up to 24 Tomato seedlings as of today
Another snowstorm coming in tonite & tomorrow
I switched the heat mat on 24x7 until enough germinate
Last year that was 19 days, then I switch to maybe 4-5 hours on each nite
It takes approx 10 days for the peppers seeds to germinate
The Black Krim are the fastest to germinate so far - I think all of them are growing
Its 80 days to harvest on those so nice to get an early start
I think last year it was Late July or into August before I had my 1st Krim
I was still getting rid of Ground Hogs last year...into July (4 dead)
So we'll see if there are any left this year

I have a 2nd old sand box (8x8 maybe) to assemble this year as a 2nd raised garden
Still looking for fencing to extend the garden out another 10x40'
But with less seedlings this year I'm hoping to give them all more growing room

Scuba_Dave
02-02-2015, 07:22 PM
1st 7 Pepper seedlings are coming up today
And another ~12" of snow.....


http://www.sherv.net/cm/emoticons/toilet/peeing-in-the-snow.gif

Scuba_Dave
02-09-2015, 07:03 PM
Up to 20 Pepper seeds germinated & 42 Tomato germinated & all growing
And another 28" of snow dumped on us
Another storm coming in on Thurs

Mass Transit shut down at 7pm in Boston & will not be running tomorrow
Closing in on 7' of snow in a month

cincinnana
02-09-2015, 07:18 PM
And another 28" of snow dumped on us
Another storm coming in on Thurs

Not fair .......you are getting all the snow!!!

In the Natti we are getting all the cold, without the snow.

Scuba_Dave
02-09-2015, 10:13 PM
More then Happy to give up some snow
This is before I went out again w/snow-blower & added to the pile
Its still snowing, started w/flurries on Friday

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx319/DIYChatroom/Storms/0061800x1197_zps5ee2f1b9.jpg


http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx319/DIYChatroom/Storms/0051800x1179_zpsb3233c9a.jpg

Scuba_Dave
02-12-2015, 08:00 AM
Looks like the Germination phase is finished
Changed the heat mat & LED grow light from 24x7 to 5-10p at nite
I don't want the seedlings growing too fast & getting leggy

Last year I moved the 1st 3 TM plants to the outside greenhouse March 15th
We had a cold dip & March 18th 2 of the 3 were dead
I waited until March 29th to move the next batch
I also waited until April 5th last year to start my 2nd batch of seedlings
I'm going to start them earlier this year
Always have to change things.....see how the weather goes this year

Scuba_Dave
02-14-2015, 03:58 PM
Another Blizzard has started....looking at 10-18" of snow on top of 6' that has fallen in a little over a month

Decided to start to try to Germinate my Red Bud seeds that I've collected from my trees
I planted 4 Red Bud seedlings that I bought in the Spring of 2009.....1 Died
I've planted 4 more Spring of 2014.....1 Died -which they will replace
Rather then buy more I've decided to try to grow them from seed

Process from Online:
Collect seeds from pods, store them in a sealed jar in fridge.
Around Valentine’s Day, remove seeds from fridge & rub them a bit between 2 pcs of sandpaper.
This process will begin to remove tough outer layer & will aid in germination.
Once you see some of outer layer has been sanded off seeds, they are ready for the next step.

Boil some water in a pan, remove from heat, place sanded seeds in water.
Allow them to soak in this water for 3-4 days.
This step will soften seed coat & prepare seeds for germination.

Once seeds have been treated, they can be planted a 1/4” deep in small containers of moist sand or potting soil.
For 5-8 wks, planted seeds should be kept cool in fridge or an unheated garage.
This chilling period acts as an imitation winter.
If you live in an area with cold winters, seeds in their pots can be planted in the garden, providing soil is not yet frozen.
If planting pots outdoors, cover them with wire mesh so critters cannot dig them up.

After 5-8 wk chilling period, seeds may be placed outdoors & seeds will begin to germinate in spring.
Once seedlings have produced their 1st set of leaves, trees may be planted in a permanent location in well draining soil.

I may also try from Cuttings as that will give them a head start:
In early June, after flowering and leaf production, select a healthy redbud tree with lateral branches at least 4 inches in diameter.
Cut an 18-inch segment well above any branch junctions to ensure limb regeneration.
Make as small an angled cut as possible.
Clean the wound with an antifungal preparation to prevent infection.
Divide the cutting into three sections, 6 inches long.
Remove 1/2 inch of the bark at one tip of each section.

Place these sections in a warm sandy soil, 72 degrees F (20 C), for 4 weeks.
Cuttings from redbud trees will root quickly.
Plant in potting medium when the roots appear.
They need 4 more weeks in potting soil to develop strong tap roots.
Plant shortly after full root development, to enable the long tap roots to stabilize before frost.

I've been trimming the trees in some cases & throwing the cut-offs out :(

Scuba_Dave
02-15-2015, 07:12 PM
Houston we have a problem......another 14-16" of snow from this Blizzard
Another 2-8" predicted Tues-Wed depending upon how the storm tracks
Then another storm lined up for Next Sunday
Until next Sunday there aren't any Days they expect the Temp to go above freezing
At Nite dipping down to near Zero or below
I may not be able to get into my greenhouse until late March

On the Plus side my son can now dunk a basketball easily

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx319/DIYChatroom/Storms/Blizzatrd%202015/0192048x1362_zpsfddbc10f.jpg

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx319/DIYChatroom/Storms/Blizzatrd%202015/0141800x1197_zps3cc417a4.jpg

6'+ Pile on the back deck

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx319/DIYChatroom/Storms/Blizzatrd%202015/0101197x1800_zpsb8628bbd.jpg

View out the back window, greenhouse is under that pile of snow

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx319/DIYChatroom/Storms/Blizzatrd%202015/0031175x1800_zpsee6fec09.jpg

Side view of the pile on the greenhouse

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx319/DIYChatroom/Storms/Blizzatrd%202015/0041140x1800_zpsbe6aaabe.jpg

cincinnana
02-15-2015, 07:16 PM
OMG......wow.
Do you still keep the Christmas lights on at night......I would.:08:

jbyrd88888
02-15-2015, 08:09 PM
Holy cow! That's something. My basketball goal blew over :( Nice pictures Thanks for sharing! I wish you the best of things.

Scuba_Dave
02-15-2015, 08:31 PM
OMG......wow.
Do you still keep the Christmas lights on at night......I would.:08:

Yeah they are still on at nite, helps the snow melt until I can take them down
Funny thing is they create a hollow space as the snow melts away from them

Scuba_Dave
02-19-2015, 07:27 PM
Had to get the mound of snow off the greenhouse roof
Rain expected Sunday so that would increase the weight of the snow to the disaster point I think
I intended to shovel the snow away from the front of the greenhouse to allow sun to warm it up
That idea quickly buried under the mound of snow in front of the windows

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx319/DIYChatroom/Storms/Blizzatrd%202015/0041197x1800_zpsf24636ab.jpg
I can see out the back window again -greenhouse below this window

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx319/DIYChatroom/Storms/Blizzatrd%202015/0011197x1800_zpsdf888245.jpg

Now I need to shovel off the deck
Neighbor had his deck collapse from the weight

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx319/DIYChatroom/Storms/Blizzatrd%202015/0021343x1800_zps3d641abb.jpg

Scuba_Dave
02-21-2015, 10:52 AM
Tomatoes have started their 2nd set of leaves
Usually takes around 2 weeks for the 2nd set of leaves, all depends upon how long I leave the heat mat on

I'll let them grow for a while, then I shut the heat mat/lights off for about 3 weeks to let the stems thicken up & slow the growth

How soon they go into the big greenhouse depends upon the weather & how soon the 7' of snow we have melts



http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx319/DIYChatroom/Gardens/0031800x1160_zpsf50085ff.jpg