Project greenhouse WIP...

[StevOz]

Got myself a 10x6 ft / 3x2x3m greenhouse for $90 on eBay, thus it begins...

Seeds sown on the 31st December 2024...on the New Moon.

The celery is MIA...

 

[StevOz]

The greenhouse to be pegged and weighed down with underlaid weed mat...

 

[Isaac Sauvage]

How's the wind in your area?

In general, being off the coast, I imagine it could be substantial at times.

 

[StevOz]

In general, being off the coast, I imagine it could be substantial at times.

I have a plan both cunning and devious...

 

[Isaac Sauvage]

Dang, those are some deep pins, alright.

I had a decent little window garden going until a couple years ago, when I brought home some ramps (type of onion) from the local farmers' market that happened to have a hitchhiking aphid. Within a few days, before I realised what was happening, the population had exploded in to the 100's / 1000's, and everything was pretty much wiped out.

I'll have to start that up again this spring, as it was quite nice being able to grab some quick greens for my soups & stews, especially when I'd forgotten to get some at the grocery.

 

[Isaac Sauvage]

Another qvestion-- since (AFAIK) a greenhouse's main purpose is to lock in sunlight and moisture, how will your GH made out of netting help with the growing? Is it to help regulate shade for certain plants?

***

Btw, the other day I learned about something called a "keyhole garden."

Keyhole garden - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

The idea is that you place your composting bin in the middle, create your garden in a wide circle around it, but leave a little path to the bin so that you can fetch good compost from the bottom and spread around as needed in to the beds. But on top of that (literally), the bin can also sit at elevation, which helps nutrients flow down to the surrounding plants.

There are many variations of course. Some images:

"Keyhole garden" - Google Search

 

[StevOz]

Greenhouse is to lessen the extremes, cooler in the midday sun and warmer in the cold, bug free also...

The greenhouse will be going soilless kratky style.

Kratky method - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

 

[Isaac Sauvage]

OMG, that's awesome!

 

[StevOz]

Groundwork complete with old brick pavers ready to weigh down the greenhouse edge.

 

[StevOz]

Greenhouse construction complete...

 

[RabidUrko]

Looking great.

 

[StevOz]

First two containers ready for transplants, full of pH corrected nutrients.

 

[GeorgeH]

Dang, those are some deep pins, alright.

I had a decent little window garden going until a couple years ago, when I brought home some ramps (type of onion) from the local farmers' market that happened to have a hitchhiking aphid. Within a few days, before I realised what was happening, the population had exploded in to the 100's / 1000's, and everything was pretty much wiped out.

I'll have to start that up again this spring, as it was quite nice being able to grab some quick greens for my soups & stews, especially when I'd forgotten to get some at the grocery.

Most onions in the USA are pest free because of the smell. I have never heard of a ramp though.

 

[StevOz]

Professor Google says...

Allium tricoccum - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

 

[GeorgeH]

Professor Google says...

Allium tricoccum - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

I found it is susceptible to aphids but resistant to other insects because of its onion like smell. Onions are resistant to all insects including aphids. Maybe you should switch to onions.

 

[StevOz]

Golden nugget mini pumpkins and rock melons transplanted…

 

[GeorgeH]

Most hydroponic gardens I have heard about need a constantly refreshed supply of water nutrients. Does your system have something like that?

 

[StevOz]

Does your system have something like that?

I am using the Kratky method, set and forget for the most part, unless the plants drain the reservoir.

Kratky method - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

I have planned ahead, if you look closely at the bottom of the containers I have a 4mm irrigation feed pipe which is plugged. Later if needs be I can add an additional reservoir with a float valve to feed the containers and maintain a steady nutrient level.

 

[GeorgeH]

I am using the Kratky method, set and forget for the most part, unless the plants drain the reservoir.

Kratky method - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

I have planned ahead, if you look closely at the bottom of the containers I have a 4mm irrigation feed pipe which is plugged. Later if needs be I can add an additional reservoir with a float valve to feed the containers and maintain a steady nutrient level.

It sounds much easier than the way it used to be done. It has been many years since I read about it so I guess some new techniques have been developed. Apparently, when the water is depleted, the plant is ready to harvest although I suspect that melons will take longer to bear fruit.

 

[GeorgeH]

This looks a lot like the greenhouse you got:

Amazon.com

I suppose it will be unheated?

 

[Isaac Sauvage]

I found it is susceptible to aphids but resistant to other insects because of its onion like smell. Onions are resistant to all insects including aphids. Maybe you should switch to onions.

Okay, but TBC-- onions are a type of "ramp," (or vice-versa) and in fact, there is no "magic bullet" in terms of pesticide-speciation resistance.

No, in terms of these things, life is an "arms race," as according to mère nature, herself. This is some Reality 101 stuff that I hope we all can learn and acknowledge.

Here's a WP article I found:

Evolutionary arms race - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[StevOz]

This looks a lot like the greenhouse you got:

Almost the same, though mine has no nuts and bolts, just easy fit plastic couplings, made the frame assembly quick and easy.

 

[StevOz]

Spot the spider.

 

[GeorgeH]

I'd call it a Tarantula although different from what I've ever seen.

 

[StevOz]

I'd call it a Tarantula although different from what I've ever seen.

Close, it is a huntsman...

One moment, please...