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Now that we've moved from the very hot south to the very short-summered Minnesota north, my wife is thinking that a greenhouse would be a nice addition to the house.
I've only been around the gardening that my parents did and that was all outside. Can anyone recommend what kind of greenhouse someone would build for this climate (just west of the twin cities) and the different ways that people use them?
I'd be happy enough making it a sort of conservatory but I suppose it'll end up being more useful growing herbs and starting vegetables.
I haven't seen very many greenhouses here in MN. Other than the real conservatory in St. Paul. I had a friend who had one attached to the whole south side of her house but the glass leaked and she tore it out.
Let us know what you end up with if you do get one.
You can start with a window green house for one. Small but you should be able to grow some herbs there and get some veggies started for outdoors.
I've found friends that have those green house windows don't really use it for seeding. The night temps chill the seeds too much. I suppose you could move them overnight, but that's a lot of work. It's often too chilly for any plants overnight in the winter too.
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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We don't get as cold in winter as MN but we do have a very short growing season. We cannot plant until after Mother's day and may get frost in mid-September. Last year I bought a greenhouse on E-Bay, for $99 with free shipping, 7'x11' and 7' high in the center. Because of the 80-100' tall fir trees around our house only one spot on the side lawn gets sun, or I would have gotten two of them. Currently I have over a dozen cherry tomatoes on two plants, one turning red, blossoms on the others and on my pepper plants. The key is to buy plants that are as far along as possible at the nursery, about the beginning of May. I close it at night and open in the morning even if in the 40s, because if it stays closed you can get mold on the soil. I built the wooden door this year because the zippers wore out already and I want to let in air and bees but not squirrels and rabbits.
Don't Know about MN I live in NY above Albany I built a 10" X 12" Hoop house using 3/4 PVC pipe I got the plans off the internet I beefed it up useing PT Lumber as this is my first year I'll let You know how I make out this winter. I start my seeds under lights indoors then as soon as I get a week where the temperature stays above 26 degrees I start moving them out to the greenhouse using a small propane heater at night.
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but I suppose it'll end up being more useful growing herbs and starting vegetables.
Thanks
