Hmmm. Doesn't seem to be much activity on this board, but I'll chance it. Since it will soon be time to bring in the houseplants here, I am trying to think of any alternatives to doing this. I have to put them in a back bedroom, on a tarp, and they always make a mess. It just occurred to me that since I have a large deck, why wouldn't it be possible to put up some sort of temporary greenhouse just for the winter? Not sure how well this would work as far as heating though - it does get pretty cold here in the winter. Anyone have any ideas for me?

 

have you tried using "indoor" greenhouses from gardeners supply co? They are tubular steel frame painted green with 3 wire mesh shelves about 24x18 and a zipable clear plastic cover. I use them for wintering over some very delicate plants and they work great, i have 3! its a good idea to put some sort of plastic tray under the very bottom to collect any runoff from watering. I think they cost around 60. You can also use flourescent undercounter lights 18" long with a bungee cord to light the different levels of plants. It makes a great seed starter in the spring.

Hope this helps-Josh

 

Thanks for the reply. I was really hoping to find something that I could use outside, to put up just for the winter and take back down inthe spring. I looked for the "indoor greenhouse" though, just to see what it was like, and could not find anything matching your description.

 

I dont recall who exactly my supplier for them is. Try Gardener's Supply. I think that may be where I get them. -Josh

 

Yeah that's where I looked. Oh well - I'll keep looking around for something.

 

Hi,
I have the exact same issue as you. I'm not going to haul plants in and out and have dirt, leaves and water issues in my guest room again this winter. I found this website/product and think I will give it a try.

http://www.littlegreenhouse.com/portable.shtml

Good luck

 

That looks like exactly what I need. Thanks. Do you know what you will do for heating? I am in zone 7b - so I do need to protect from freezing nights, and those occasional freezing days. Will you have similar requirements? I wonder if those cable heaters that I have read about would be useful. Any ideas?