Germination Method.

[Durgan]

http://www.durgan.org/URL/?XVSLF 10 November 2010 Indoor Seed Planting.

It is too early to get serious about planting seeds for 2011, but I decided to test my new greenhouse as to heat and Sun. Twelve pots, three for each variety, were prepared with bak choy, lettuce, bunching onions, and spinach.

The pots are made from strong plastic cups, with holes made by heat from a typical soldering iron along the sides of the pots to make a reservoir for water. A simple coffee filter to keep soil from falling out of the drain holes was used. This filter also tends to keep roots contained when transplanting. Soil was added, which was made during the Summer and stored. Soil consists of sand, coconut fiber, compost, garden soil, and small wood chips. After the seeds were planted,watered,and labeled; the pot was placed in a folded at the bottom (gusseted) plastic bag and sealed with a pipe cleaner ( used for crafts) from a Dollar Store. The plastic bag tends to keep the humidity high, which experience indicates is one of the most important attributes for germination along with heat. The gusseted plastic bag insures the pots sit upright. Using the described method means very high germination rates.

 

[catjac1975]

How about pictures of the greenhouse?

 

[Durgan]

http://www.durgan.org/URL/?HKERY 5 November 2010 Greenhouse on Deck.

I decided to build a large greenhouse on the deck, which doesnt get much use. The enclosure will be a sun room if appropriate, instead of the canvas structure that use to be there. I have a small 10,000 BTU heater that connects to the barbecue natural gas outlet, so will have some warmth, and will get some use during the Winter months. It took nine days to build by myself, about 72 hours of labor, from 28 of October to 5 November, and cost $1798.63.

Description of the construction. Six, 6 by 6 pillars support the structure. The auxiliary supports are all 2 by 6 spruce planks. Two doors were installed plus a window to ensure reasonably good ventilation. I got the doors free of charge. The slope of the roof is from 8 feet to 7 feet, with a pitch of 1 in 12. Sun is available for about two third of the structure all day. Wood was used to cover the walls where no Sun penetrates. Corrugated SUNTUF UV protected panels was used. It is relatively low cost compared to other coverings, and is almost indestructible. Pictures depict highlights of the method used. Plans were in my head.