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Is there such a thing as a small patio-sized collapsible greenhouse so I can overwinter some porch plants? Not looking for a cold frame but something I will only need for 3 or 4 months. I've found lots of small hobby greenhouses but nothing which touts being able to take it down and put it back up every year.
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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Yes, I have one though it's getting pretty worn after 5 years, from Harbor Freight. I only see the $89 6'x8' now, but this was under $30 and just 2'x3'. Something like this:
I had the 6x8 one a couple of years ago for overwintering plants and the blasted squirrels chewed through the roof. It was a pain to put together but i think the smaller one would be the ticket. Big Lots is where I got mine, but probably wrong time of year to get it there now.
I had the 6x8 one a couple of years ago for overwintering plants and the blasted squirrels chewed through the roof. It was a pain to put together but i think the smaller one would be the ticket. Big Lots is where I got mine, but probably wrong time of year to get it there now.
My sister and this one and it fit the ticket for her. The said she didn't have acres of plants.
which might give me the room I need for airplane plants, ferns, begonias, etc. I can contact the manufacturer of both kinds to find out how sturdy and easy they are to reassemble. But since they are called portable, I'm thinking that is exactly what they are for.
Which plants do you want to overwinter? These small patio greenhouses won't stay any warmer than ambient temperature at night without additional heat.
In my climate, I use them to overwinter plants which can't take the winter wet here, but are otherwise hardy (agastache, for instance), and to start hardy perennial seeds. Frost-tender plants spend the winter inside with me.
Which plants do you want to overwinter? These small patio greenhouses won't stay any warmer than ambient temperature at night without additional heat.
In my climate, I use them to overwinter plants which can't take the winter wet here, but are otherwise hardy (agastache, for instance), and to start hardy perennial seeds. Frost-tender plants spend the winter inside with me.
There is a huge misconception about greenhouses - I had it myself until reality slapped my face - They are NOT good for overwintering plants without some serious additions and modifications.
On a sunny slightly warm day midwinter, they can bring plants up to temperatures that will confuse them out of dormancy. On clear midwinter cold nights, they get astoundingly cold. Compared to the MASSIVE heat loss or gain through the plastic or glass, there is only a tiny amount of thermal mass.
Overwintering plants in a garage or unheated basement - or even a sheltered carport - can be safer and more effective. If you are a dedicated plant enthusiast, a conservatory room might be an answer.
If you factor the cost of the greenhouse, additional heating and labor, and the relatively short life of many of them and the percentage of plants lost, in many cases you would spend less renting a trailer and driving your plants to a vacation spot in Florida for the winter.
I wouldn't be so strong about this, except it might save a few people from huge disappointments.
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
44,551 posts, read 81,085,957 times
Reputation: 57744
I found that mine will be about 3-4 degrees warmer than the outside air if closed up, and as much as 10 if I cover it with a blanket before dark. Because I have some semi-tropical bonsai in it, I also have a heater for mine when it gets just above freezing. For overwintering things like Geraniums and Fuchsias, I use the unheated garage.
I found that mine will be about 3-4 degrees warmer than the outside air if closed up, and as much as 10 if I cover it with a blanket before dark. Because I have some semi-tropical bonsai in it, I also have a heater for mine when it gets just above freezing. For overwintering things like Geraniums and Fuchsias, I use the unheated garage.
what kind of greenhouse and heater? Is it permanent? Here in N.C. we don't get really cold (freezing or below )days in the winter but we do get some bad nights.
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