Joanne, this is excellent advice! Thanks for simplifying it for me!

Your welcome. I'm glad you like the info

Thanks from me also Joanne. I need all the help I can get when it comes to starting seeds in the right size trays and pots.

good job Joanne!!... and we can't help but have space issues!!!

Joanne, what is the length of your season there in zone 3?

3 days

That's about what I thought, Allison.

But she amazes me with the look of her yard and gardens!

I know it!!!.. always impressive

She cheats- she has that big greenhouse.

Nice job, Joanne.

Karen

a well needed one!!!

LOL Allison! Some years it certainly feels like "3 Days". I use mid May as a last frost guide (officially it is May 23). And officially our 1st killing frost is Sept 15, but often before that. The last couple of years, we have had an awesome Sept & Oct, so you never know.

The year I got my seed starting stand with lights, I filled it full, with no thought of transplanting. By early April, I was in big trouble since I didn't have a greenhouse and it was way too early to put the plants outside. The kid's swingset was transformed into a greenhouse for a month

Have a look at my 1st greenhouse.

Clever, Joanne! Using the swingset.
I'd never have thought of that.

def. an item to pick up on freecycle

I don't have a swingset but I would use one as a trellis if I did. I have been picking up metal baker's racks when I find them at garage sales. I see that one in your bottom photo. I'm using them under my carport for plant "stuff" like you did there and am going to put a few in the yard for "instant" trellises. I can't buy a good metal trellis for $5 or $10 ... but I can quite frequently buy old baker's racks for that.

A couple of years ago I started way too many seedlings without a thought to potting up and I "had" to use my dog kennel. I wrapped clear plastic all around it, we already had a plywood roof on it. I stuck boards across and hung some lights. Worked well for the few weeks that I needed it.

good deal!!

Patti,

Isn't amazing the great ideas that come out of desperation.

so glad i found this. thanks for all the tips. the pictures are outstanding. thank you thank you thank you.

Your welcome and THANK YOU to everyone for the feedback and extra conversation