Master greenhouse gardening
For years my daily walks would take me past backyard greenhouse. In winter, I was drawn to brilliantly colored flowers protected from the snow glistening outside. I often dreamed of the day when I could afford to build my own glass greenhouse.
Flash forward a few decades. Now there are many affordable greenhouse options, including build-it-yourself kits. However, before you invest time and money in the ultimate fantasy, consider experimenting with hoop tunnels and cold frames. You will learn skills, techniques, and more importantly, the effort required for offseason gardening.
Begin by determining what you want to achieve. If you live in the high country, do you want to extend the growing season for tomatoes to ripen on the vine? If you live on the Western Slope, do you want to help late-season crops survive hot, dry summers? If you live along the Front Range, do you want to prevent deer and rabbits from enjoying your produce before it’s ready for you to harvest? Answering questions like these will help you decide the best structure for your individual needs.
Regardless of your choice, be strategic about where you place the structure. Since sunshine is essential for growing healthy plants, orient your structure to run from east to west. This will allow more sunlight to penetrate when the winter sun is low. But too much of a good thing can be fatal in summer when sunlight is more intense. You can use shade cloth just like it’s used in traditional gardens to protect cool-season greens, prevent sun scald and early bolting, and retain moisture.
People often focus on how closed structures keep the cold out, but often forget how hot they get in the summer. Cold frames can be ventilated by propping panels open for a while, but larger structures typically require fans for circulation. Even if you begin with a cold frame, consider a potential source of electricity in case you decide to upgrade later. A variety of electrical systems are available for greenhouses, but automatically controlled systems are designed to provide a consistent supply of carbon dioxide, which may result in greener leaves, stronger stems, and earlier flower blossoms.
All closed structures prevent moisture from entering, so plant health is entirely dependent upon regular watering. Obviously, the more accessible the water source, the easier your task. Adding automatic timers to hoses and drip systems will make it much more convenient.
As with any garden, you’ll want to plant seeds in soil with the proper pH. But gardening in a controlled environment means you must regulate sunlight, temperature, and moisture — this takes more effort than relying solely upon Mother Nature. Nonetheless, the benefit of fresh vegetables and pretty flowers during the winter is worth it.
The internet provides a plethora of information about greenhouses. My favorite resource for building my greenhouse was Growing Under Cover by Niki Jabbour, Storey Publishing, 2020.
About the Author
Master gardener Vicki Spencer has an eclectic background in conservation, water, natural resources, and more.
