When can I start using Greenhouse?

tam91 · April 3, 2011

Well I upgraded and bought a nicer portable greenhouse:

http://www.amazon.com/Spring-Gardene.../dp/B0037QGR6A

Got a good deal I think, I only paid $169 for it. Much better than the little one I used last year (already ripping), which is similar to this one:

http://www.amazon.com/Gardman-R688-W...1840579&sr=1-3

I will set the greenhouse up on my deck, with one end up against the house - actually up against patio doors. The deck boards are probably a foot above the ground.

What I'm wondering is, when I can start putting plants in the greenhouse. During the day, and how much warmer it would stay in there at night (I don't mind bringing the plants in at night if necessary).

I have Swiss Chard, tomatoes, hot peppers, basil, and flower seedlings (black-eyed susan vine, nasturtium, cleome, cosmos). I know the basil does not want to be cold, I wouldn't put that out for a while (and it's too smal anyway).

I'm almost wondering about opening my patio door a little at night, and letting some of the heat from the house go into the greenhouse. Probably not the most energy efficient though haha. Also, especially if I do that, if I should put some sort of tarp or something down on the deck to act as a floor (slight gaps between the boards).

I'm in zone 5a.

Secondly, I'm wondering about putting a few tomato plants in their containers early, and putting last year's cheapie greenhouse over them in their place out in the garden - a heater isn't really an option, but I'm wondering if I could keep them warm enough at night that way. If so, how early.

Welcoming any thoughts....

April 3, 2011	#1
tam91 Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Crystal Lake IL Posts: 2,484	When can I start using Greenhouse? Well I upgraded and bought a nicer portable greenhouse: http://www.amazon.com/Spring-Gardene.../dp/B0037QGR6A Got a good deal I think, I only paid $169 for it. Much better than the little one I used last year (already ripping), which is similar to this one: http://www.amazon.com/Gardman-R688-W...1840579&sr=1-3 I will set the greenhouse up on my deck, with one end up against the house - actually up against patio doors. The deck boards are probably a foot above the ground. What I'm wondering is, when I can start putting plants in the greenhouse. During the day, and how much warmer it would stay in there at night (I don't mind bringing the plants in at night if necessary). I have Swiss Chard, tomatoes, hot peppers, basil, and flower seedlings (black-eyed susan vine, nasturtium, cleome, cosmos). I know the basil does not want to be cold, I wouldn't put that out for a while (and it's too smal anyway). I'm almost wondering about opening my patio door a little at night, and letting some of the heat from the house go into the greenhouse. Probably not the most energy efficient though haha. Also, especially if I do that, if I should put some sort of tarp or something down on the deck to act as a floor (slight gaps between the boards). I'm in zone 5a. Secondly, I'm wondering about putting a few tomato plants in their containers early, and putting last year's cheapie greenhouse over them in their place out in the garden - a heater isn't really an option, but I'm wondering if I could keep them warm enough at night that way. If so, how early. Welcoming any thoughts....