Northern Zone Pushers: watcha doing?

[Got Worms?]

Originally Posted by beeman

Should extend the seasons for you. Just a word of warning, it won't be strong enough to withstand any snow.
I have two somewhat similar and both collapsed over the winter. So, another extra job this year re-building them.

Good point. It was going to have a ridge beam and purlins to help with stability, but I may add a little more bracing than that, considering the snow loads that we've seen last winter. I was also going to space the sections out at 16" but on second thought I may go to 14" or so. The 45* angled roof (12" on 12" pitch) should shed most of the snow, but when the wind howls, all bets are off. Thanks Beeman.

Originally Posted by Cole_Robbie

The pvc will last longer in the sun if you paint it with a white latex paint. White duct tape also works, but the sun will eat it up in a year or two.

I have a touch-up (spray) gun, to use once I'm finished with the construction. An exterior white enamel should hold up for at least one year, then I'll be able to see how the whole project is working out, and make adjustments in materials, design, or both ...if needed. Thanks CR.

Charlie

[Cole_Robbie]

From what I read, oil-based paint corrodes greenhouse plastic.

[Got Worms?]

I also have an airless sprayer that I use for latex.

[Yak54]

Well, I finally started 12 varieties of Tomato seeds on April 12th. And 4 varieties of Pepper seeds on April 13th. A few days later than I normally do, due to the colder temps sticking around from the almost completely frozen over Lake Erie. My hunch is that this will have a cooling effect on our weather patterns for the next month or so, especially when the wind is out of the North. So outside planting could be delayed a bit. We shall see.

[NarnianGarden]

This year I have some very strong seedlings, due to the fact I started them in February and have been able to 'take out to play' on sunny days. My glass-paneled balcony can get very hot when the sun is blasting.
One plant that was supposed to be a miniature bush turned out to be a large indeterminate, so my 'early start' was partly due to a mistake. It already has flower buds and will probably get first fruits in May - we'll see if they survive the transplanting operation.
I got ten other seedlings on my chilly (or sunny, depending on the weather) windowsill. That treatment makes anything either grow strong and healthy, or die. No weak seedlings when the summer begins, they'll be ready for anything that the season might bring along.

[NarnianGarden]

Sorry, double post.

[Labradors2]

Good for you NarnianGarden!

Many of my little seedlings (which I started in late March) are just beginning to get their true leaves. A friend started four plants for me in February. Sophie's Choice, Jagodka, Early Annie and a Sungold so they are bigger and the plan is to grow them in pots (not the Sungold though!) Today is warm and hazy - a perfect day for them to be outside, so they are all out sunning themselves and they seem content.

Linda

[bughunter99]

In the last week I have continued to harden off the seedlings as temperatures finally moderated for almost a week. I killed all my potato and zinnia seedlings in the process. The zinnia I can replant, its too late for the potato seeds so I will do seed potatoes instead.

I also planted out radishes in the warmest micro-climate in my garden. Our forecast is for an inch of snow tomorrow so, nothing else in the ground yet.

stacy

[bower]

I have fruit set on my windowsill Jagodka (flowered 43 days from seed, pea sized set 54 days from seed), and the Red Dwarf started to flower 54 days from seed. They are both pretty small, Red Dwarf is a tiny plant. Jagodka is protesting about the low light levels, curling its leaves, but setting away nonetheless.

All my 150 or so tomato seedlings are now potted into 16 oz cups. About 30 peppers are also all potted up into sandpails or larger. There is no window in my house not completely taken up with plants, rows of tomatoes or peppers.

In the pepper department, Alma opened the first flower today! Ahead of all the others.

Been checking the greenhouse temperature every morning, 38,40, 44, 42...

[KarenO]

come hell or high water I am starting my greenhouse this week. Heater on and to heck with the power bill.
Karen

[bower]

More power to you, Karen! Heated greenhouse would be a dream here. Your seedlings look great BTW. Looking forward to pictures of many different fruit!

[Got Worms?]

A few days ago, I put in 200 onion plants; 100 Ailsa Craigs and 100 Ringmasters, then 15 ft. of Oregon Sugar Pod peas. Also two 22in. "hills" of French Breakfast radishes, covered with clear plastic. Weather man says; "starting Monday, three nights of below freezing temps." I may be pushing it a bit...there's still ice 8-10" below the surface of my soil, and my compost can't even be turned with a pickaxe!
Charlie

[Father'sDaughter]

Yesterday was sunny and warm so I spent the afternoon out in the garden. I planted the onions, spinach, kale, lettuce, sage, parsley and thyme while admiring the garlic and shallot shoots nearby. It was heavenly.

This morning I up-potted most of my tomato plants, and this afternoon I brought my motorcycle home from it's winter storage location.

Plants growing in the garden and the bike back in the driveway--spring is finally here!!!!

[taboule]

Weekend was nice, 70 on saturday and a bit cooler sunday. Spent most of the time cleaning and prepping the beds. Planted many brassicas, lettuce, swiss chard, onions, peas. Also 7 bushsteak tomatoes went in containers, these are just for fun and to give as gifts when they set fruit.

Today before going to work, i'll sow some radishes and the mesclun mix. Expecting cold nights mid week, so it will be a while before any toms go in the ground, unless i can cover them.

[Sodak]

2 inches of wet snow yesterday. Good thing I did get some bush trimming - lots - and a bit of raised bed/smart pot prep done on Saturday.