The Trusty Gardener-Benefits of a Portable Greenhouse

Create a Microclimate for Your Plants

Gardening is good for the soul. A free and quality source of therapy both physical and mental. I encourage you to give it a try.

Are you looking for a way to boost your vegetable seedlings (or flowers) you have started from seed? I have the answer for you. A portable greenhouse is an inexpensive and simple way to get those plants ready for the garden.

Welcome back. It’s that time of the year, gardening is ramping up here in Central NY. But we must be careful. Take it slow. It still is March. We have had blizzards in March before. A portable greenhouse will allow your plants to thrive while also protecting them from cold wind and harsh conditions.

Many gardeners start vegetables and flowers this time of the year. But once the seeds sprout, what do you do with the plants? Here in central NY State, it is often too cool and windy to put the plants outside this time of the year even though it may be sunny. The seedlings just can’t take the outdoor weather.

So many of us try to leave them indoors, on windowsills, under grow lights. While some have success this way, I have had better luck with a portable greenhouse. Oftentimes, plants left indoors will grow too quickly and become spindly.

Once it is set up, a greenhouse is easy to use. However, some gardeners may get discouraged since cold nighttime temperatures will necessitate bringing in the plants some nights, unless you can somehow heat it. One important aspect is to make sure it is secured to prevent the wind from moving or damaging it. As you can see, mine is situated on the front porch against a railing. What you mat not be able to see is that I have it fastened to the railing using multiple bungee cords.

As you see above, my latest greenhouse was purchased from Tractor Supply Co. It measures about 56 inches wide and the depth is about 29 inches. At the peak, it is a little over 6 feet high. It has a big, zippered walk in door that can be rolled up and tied, zipped shut, or partially opened. The weather conditions will dictate how much to open the door.

Inside there are 8 shelves, 4 on each side, each of which can hold about 20 pounds. One negative for this greenhouse is the shelves do not fasten to the frame, which makes them unstable. I simply wired them down with some craft wire to prevent them from moving when placing plants on them. Zip ties would work well also. Having the shelves fastened is also helpful when moving the greenhouse, otherwise the shelves will fall off. Other than that, I am happy with it so far.

What you might not be able to see, the plastic cover on this greenhouse has green fabric squares about one inch each imbedded in the plastic. I’ve notices that most are made this way now. In the past, the covers on my greenhouses have been clear plastic. I think the new style covers are designed to cut down on the intensity of the sun that enters, and also maybe for strengthening the cover.

Advantages of Using a Greenhouse

• Creates a warm and humid microclimate in which plants will thrive
• Protects plants from cold wind while allowing them to benefit from the sun
• Keeps plants outside therefore not cluttering the inside of your home
• Creates a good space conducive to seed germination especially during warm daylight hours

I contemplated buying a larger greenhouse for the yard with hard side panels, a door and vent. However, they can get pricey and I was also worried about whether they would withstand the wind we get here in central NY atop a hill at 1500 feet elevation. They probably could withstand more wind than the soft sided one I have, unless it is anchored and protected on the porch like mine is. However, if the hard sides one is freestanding, I think cold be an issue.

To date I have onions and leeks that I started from seed in the greenhouse. During the warmer days, I put the container in which I planted pepper seeds in the greenhouse to warm the soil temperature. This will help speed up germination. I have also planted tomato seeds, and those also have not germinated. I will write an article soon on the tomatoes.

There are a lot of options for theses greenhouses. I would encourage you to use one, whichever size and type fits your needs and budget. You won’t be disappointed with the results.