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Every time I visit the Missouri Botanical Gardens in St. Louis I wish I had a greenhouse. Well, at least the money to heat one and the plants to fill it. Of course, the MBG Climatron is relatively large for most suburban lots. I'd have to encroach on my neighbors, and while they are pleasant and nice and provide free food every now and then, they'd probably not appreciate this big glass structure covering every inch of their yard and house. And think about what all that humidity would do to the siding. On top of that, none of us likes to clean windows. Most of us think of greenhouses as places for tropical plants. In fact, that's why they originally were created centuries ago when explorers pillaged the rainforests and deserts for that rare plant that no one had ever seen. Many people look at small greenhouses as a means to start flower and vegetable plants. Building the greenhouse now will get you ready for March and April when you sow the seeds. While the wealthy and nobility could build immense steel and glass edifices, some people made do with smaller buildings. And some even made do with little indoor glass greenhouses long before large blue water bottles weren't returned in the 70s. My dream is to someday put a greenhouse on my yellow house, as opposed to seeing a greenhouse on my neighbor's green house. She wants one also, but as an educator, has to contend with a green house and a greenhouse. Unfortunately, my greenhouse would have to be on the north side of my house, which isn't the best location for it. South, west and east would all be better. The north would be perfect in the summer, but that's also the time when most of the tropical plants would be outside enjoying the tropical Illinois humidity.
A northern exposure feels the blasts of winter winds, driving up heating costs and potentially chilling the plants if temperatures are low enough and winds strong enough. Old greenhouses were built with single panes of glass. You could create something similar with old wood storm windows. It would take lots of storm windows, but you probably wouldn't have to look too far to find people who would be happy to donate all of theirs stacked in a garage or barn. Or find a spouse who would let you take them when the other one isn't at home. Just make sure your better half doesn't mind the build-up of your own stock. While you're out collecting the windows, start collecting old 50-gallon drums. These can be the basis for benches, as well as a means of cutting down on heating cost. Get a can of black paint at the same time and paint the outside of the drums. Lean-to greenhouses are a better first-time option than a large freestanding type. You also cut down the heating bill by having one less wall of glass, if possible the north wall. The painted black drums should be stacked against the north wall and filled with water. I can tell you from experience, it helps to fill one level at a time. That saves on chiropractic bills. The drums will provide a source of passive heat. Sunlight warms the black containers and water, which in turn, release their heat at night. They won't do away with the need for some other form of heat. Drums can also be used to support planks for the plants. The goal of a hobby greenhouse isn't really to try to duplicate natural conditions unless you've won the Lotto. Humidity should be well above 60 percent. Temperatures may hit as high as 80 degrees F. on bright sunny days, but probably more likely will hover around 65 degrees F., which is still high enough when the outdoor temps are in the below zero range. Night temperatures in the 50s are considered adequate for many plants. Auxiliary heaters can be used. Just make sure to use proper ventilation unless you use electric heaters. You don't want to catch your greenhouse on fire, nor do you want to fumigate your plants or yourself with all sorts of heating by-products.
16 ILLINOIS COUNTRY LIVING www.icl.coop |
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