...NEXT year! Since this is the first year with the GH, I can already tell that next fall I will be moving the big "furniture"around to where the plants can access the best sunlight during the day. I am carefully watching as the trees lose their leaves, where the sunlight reaches the interior. I need to keep my plants that need water through the winter away from those who need none or very little. I will use foam insulation over the deck floor. Next year, I will be really organized and prepared and the plants will doubly thank me. DH would like me to install solar panels for lighting. Grow lights?! I think I like that idea!!
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Name: Anne Summerville, SC (Zone 8a) Only dead fish go with the flow!
You can maximize space by using 'shelves' of crates on their side. All of my tropicals like elephant ears and gingers are cut back in the fall and put in the crates - I start actively watering again about the beginning of March so by the time I can unload the greenhouse they are starting to wake up and grow. On the top I use shelves I found at the thrift store that are solid so water drains behind and not into the crates. It's also a good idea to not put pots directly on the ground since it encourages ants to take up residence.
The crates are awesome as I use them in summer to put plants on which help keep ants out of the pots.
I frequent thrift stores once a week and buy every crate I see. I must have over 100 now.
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Name: Ric Sanders Dover, Pa. (Zone 6b) And his children Are his flowers ..
I do much the same thing to create a shelf behind my tall bench on the north wall for taller trees, bananas, etc. With the tall bench I can set large pots under it as well as on the bench. I often use wood strips under the pots on the floor to prevent chilling them. I do likewise for water plants stored under the other bench. The other side is mostly pots sorted by water needs. Things get rearranged in the spring when we start all our annuals, and the GH is packed.
I do love the crates being so light and strong. This year I used cinder blocks, but only because they were near by. Another use we found for crates is that they are excellent for use in ponds, easy to handle and lift out at the end of season, and available in different heights. They work great, especially at the end of season when we pull most plants and sink them in the veggie garden under mulch. No more heaving water logged blocks from the depths.
Name: Anne Summerville, SC (Zone 8a) Only dead fish go with the flow!
Yeppers, crates are awesome for gardening! Picked up two more this past weekend.
Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so.
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DH would like me to install solar panels for lighting. Grow lights?! I think I like that idea!!
