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They say the tomato is America’s favorite vegetable (some call it a fruit). And I have to admit the tomato is a favorite of mine, particularly the heirloom varieties.

photo credit: thedabble

But in my zone 5 climate I need to start my tomatoes indoors and early so that the plant will be ready to produce as early as possible. I have learned tricks to accomplish this over many years.

I start my tomatoes indoor early then transplant them into homemade hot houses. By using a hot house I can start my tomato plants outdoors at least a month early. Here is a cheap and easy hothouse you can set up.

Hint: I use old aluminum storm windows that I pick up for free at garage sales or for a buck at auctions. This is one very economical hot house to set up.

Homemade Aluminum Window Hothouse

Dig a trench about 18 to 24 inches deep. If you have a tiller you can break the ground up and make the job a lot easier. Mound the excavated soil along the sides of the trench.

I then plant my tomatoes in the trench (your tomatoes will be about 18 inches below the actual soil line.) Then take the storm windows and place them over the tomatoes. This will create a very successful hot house where the tomatoes will thrive.

photo credit: iLoveButter

Tip: when placing the storm windows leave about 6 inches open at the end of the row for ventilation. At night cover this space with a board. And on very cold nights I will cover the hot house with a blanket for extra protection.

In about two to four weeks the tomatoes will be touching the glass window. If your nights are still cold you can place bricks or cement blocks on the top of the excavated soil to raise the sides. Make sure the bricks or blocks are secure and place the storm windows back on top.

When your nights are warm enough, remove the storm windows. But keep them close just in case you get a surprise frost.

There is one more very important advantage to using this hothouse method. As the plants grow I fill the trenches in with compost and soil. This means my tomato plants have roots that are 18 to 24 inches deep. This will make the plants sturdy and they will produce twice as well as ordinary tomato plants.

Tomato plants are one of the few plants that will produce roots up the stem and re-root. These additional roots are beneficial to plant production.

Technorati Tags: early tomatoes, homemade aluminum window hothouse, hothouse, tomato growing tips, tomatoes

Indoor greenhouses offer the gardener a place to create a more climate-controlled area for plants. Whether this is for tropical plants, ailing plants or seedlings, or just for the fun of it; the indoor greenhouse will give you a new gardening experience. With use you will master how to grow successfully indoors.
photo credit: di_the_huntress

I have used the indoor greenhouse for all of the reason listed above and over the years it has become a staple for raising healthy plants and nurturing sick plants. Indoor gardening takes the gloom out of my long winter months and is where I experiment with different plants and seeds. I have also started cutting in the indoor greenhouse.

The indoor greenhouse is perfect for growing flowers in the winter and keeping a fresh supply of herbs. I have forced tulips and daffodils for Easter and I even grow cucumbers and tomatoes all year long. You may even decide to grow plants or flowers as gifts.

How do you set up an indoor greenhouse?

There are several ways and this one is an easier versions. You can but a temporary moveable mini greenhouse. They are six to eight long by three to four foot wide at most gardening centers or Wal-Mart. They cost 20 to 60 dollars depending on size and when you buy them. I picked up two at an auction for a dollar apiece. These greenhouses come with shelves a frame and the plastic cover and can be used indoors or out.

For a greenhouse set up like this chose a room that is not being used. I have one in a basement room that gets plenty of outdoor light and another in an unused upstairs bedroom. This room also gets plenty of light so that I don’t need additional added lighting for my plants.

If you do need extra lighting, I would suggest using the fluorescent bar lights that are 4 foot long will work well. These are often used in office buildings. The bar lights can be attached over the top of the shelves for additional lighting. Your plants will need four to eight hours or light depending on what you are growing and how light is available in your room. I have also used mini spotlights if I need extra lighting, but I try to find a place in the house that has enough light to conserve on electricity. Note: if you plants are thin and leggy they need more light.

Another indoor greenhouse can be professional greenhouse plant starting stand, which costs more but is complete and ready to use. Or you can create a greenhouse as simple as setting up an unused metal shelf and covering it with clear plastic. What you are trying to do is create a warmer environment and more control over the humidity.

What ever indoor greenhouse you use you need to remember that lighting, proper watering and the best soil mix you can obtain will lead to healthy plants, seedlings and transplants. An indoor greenhouse will extend you growing season and create a more tropical feel to your home.

Technorati Tags: greenhouse, greenhouses/coldframes, indoor plants

Window Greenhouses are becoming very popular and I must admit I have several. A window greenhouse will extend your growing season and makes it possible to have fresh greens, herbs and a few vegetables within walking distance. I also like a window greenhouse for starting certain seeds. 
photo credit: -Merce-

You can decide to buy a window green house that sits indoors or is attached to the outside of the window and you access it from the inside. The greenhouse attached to the outside of the window usually receives more light but takes more time to build. You can make your own mini greenhouse with a few supplies. Below are hints for creating your own Window Greenhouse.

Window Greenhouse

• Measure the height, width, and depth of inside window casing. Decide on number of shelves based on height of plants plus 1-3 inches. Use a 1″ x 6″ (or narrower) piece of wood and cut three shelves 3/4″ shorter than window’s width. You will want to sand the pieces and remove the dust.
• Next cut four pieces of 3/8″ sisal rope the height of window opening plus 25 inches. Cut eight 30″ pieces of matching twine. Note: Ropes should be no more than 30″ apart. You may need to add more rope if you feel you need more support. It’s best to have more support than needed and not enough.
• Use a 1/2″ bit to drill four holes in each shelf. Drill the holes 1inch from edges and 3 inches from ends. Sand holes to remove any wood splinters. Paint or stain the boards and coat with polyurethane to help prevent water stains and damage.
• To hang your shelves, drill holes in top and bottom window casings 3 3/8″ from sides and 1″ in from front and back. Next install screw eyes large enough for the rope. Start at the bottom of the window and measure from the sill to the first shelf. Add 5inches and put a knot in the rope. Insert the ropes through the holes in the board. Repeat this process for each shelf, leaving 5″ at top. Level the board and the shelving unit you have created.
• Finally, loop the rope ends through the top screw eyes and turn ends down 5″. Knot the twine around the sisal. Wrap tightly 10 times. Tuck the ends in and hot glue in place to secure. You will want to secure bottom of ropes in same way.

Your window greenhouse is ready to add plants to. If you select colorful pots and a few clear color glass pots for any cutting you are starting, you can create a very artistic planting area and raise plants for everyday use.

As mentioned above,  the window greenhouse that is built outside takes more time to build and costs more for materials but will give you more of a greenhouse effect. So if you need more light for your plants or more control over the climate and humidity the outside greenhouse is the best choice.

Technorati Tags: greenhouse, window greenhouse