THIS WEEK I BUILT A GREENHOUSE. Well, to be more correct, Susan (who has worked with me in the garden for many years, for which I am endlessly grateful), built a greenhouse. Want to see her work of art?
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FROM THE WEEKLY PODCAST
beyond organic gardening: ecological horticulture
I WATCHED A ZOOM lecture the other day that really put into words a lot of the ways my own deepening understanding of ecology is shaking up the way I practice horticulture—from spring cleanup, right on to the last chore of the active year. The lecturer was Rebecca McMackin, director of horticulture for Brooklyn Bridge Park in New York City, where she leads the team that manages 85 acres of diverse parkland with a central focus on habitat creation of woodlands, wetlands, and meadows to build soils and support birds, butterflies, and other organisms.
We talked about the dynamic tactics they use and when and why–a whole different approach to spring cleanup, where the life cycles of animals (from insects on up) dictate what happens when, garden maintenance-wise. Like why some things don’t get cut back, and others that are still seed-laden when they do have their seeds collected and set aside, then returned to the spot after whatever cleanup is needed there.
(Stream it below, read the illustrated transcript or subscribe free.)
Now that is my kind of greenhouse. Economic and reusable!
God bless Ziploc.
It’s a great greenhouse. I met an African Violet grower who used that kind of greenhouse AND just put the soil in the bag and added seeds/cuttings to it. No plastic tray. Seemed to work for him and he was selling rooted cuttings, “greenhouse” and all.
I knew you all would understand…thanks.
@Carol: I love the idea of simplifying my design even more–maybe I will build another as you suggest. I think I can squeeze it out of the capital-expenditures budget this season.
I used peat pots this year and they rotted/molded. I had to wait until the plants matured enough to break the pots apart and repot in plastic…just a tip.
I had quite a successful greenhouse last year. I added some gravel and several inches of good soil to an old aquarium, and used the light on top to make a sort of terrarium. Very efficient, and my herbs were ready to go when spring arrived. I didn’t even have to worry about finding space beneath my only sunny window!
@Writermom: This is a great idea. I have two discarded aquariums I have been wondering what to do with…hmmm….guess I know now.