There are several types of affordable greenhouses that you can build or buy. Depending on your climate, greenhouses can range from a simple plastic tarp to a glass structure building.
Zone 9 and Up
If you live in zone 9 and up, your average evening time temperatures will rarely go below 35° F. A simple plastic tarp over your sensitive pond plants and garden plants is all you will need. Heavy mulching with grass clippings and leaves will also protect your in-ground plants. However, in Zone 9 most plant damage will come from frost bite and not from freezing ground conditions.
Zone 8
Zone 8 average low temperature is 25° F.Hardy plants that do not need protection are: cattail, rush, reeds, canna, hardy water lily, iris, parrot feather, and primrose creeper do not need protection. They will die back and come back to life in the spring. To help your plants weather the winter and keep ice off of the pond, a simple hoop house right over the pond will work for you. It is easy and cheap to build.
Floating plants (such as water hyacinth, water lettuce, and frogbit) have leaves that are full of air and are easily subject to frost bite. An easy way to winter over your floating plants is to build an aquatic garden light box with an aquarium lined with mirrors.
Zone 7
The average winter low for zone 7 is 0-15° F.A lighted or heated hoop house will work for you if you do not receive a lot of snow in your region. But, you will need to keep the water circulating to prevent freezing over. A thicker plastic is also necessary. The hoop house in my latest design shows 6 mil. thick plastic - which is white instead of clear and does not allow in a lot of sunshine. A better option for you is to use 2 layers of 4 mil. thick plastic sheeting that is insulated with 1 inch wide bubble bubble wrap. The best option is to use Visqueen. This is a thicker and harder clear plastic that will withstand cold temperatures and snow pack too.
Zone 7 and Below
Severe cold winter climates need a standard greenhouse. Snow pack can destroy a simple plastic sheeting hoop house and a more sturdy structure might be right for you. There are plans available to construct your own walk-in greenhouse, but the most economical is a 4x6 greenhouse sold by at www.harborfreight.com that costs about $329. If you purchase this greenhouse on Black Friday right after Thanksgiving, it is 50% OFF and only costs about $150. This greenhouse is easy to construct and easy to heat too.Cold Climate Gardening Articles
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2 comments:
Great posting! As usual, lots of great information.
Abba Patio Walk In Greenhouse from Bizarkdeal
Arrives in a 62 pound box. Super easy to put together. It really needs two people to assemble in about half an hour, though I think one could pull it off with more time. Installing the cover was the most difficult part, getting all the seams lined up correctly. I added some ground anchors to keep the wind from taking it away.
Pros:
- Only tool needed to assemble was a #3 phillips screwdriver
- Can be easily disassembled and stored in the spring
- Metal support structure could support some hanging plants
- Cover plastic seems pretty durable
- Very roomy inside
- Plenty of venting for hot days
Cons:
- Challenging to get the cover correctly positioned, and if it's off the window velcro is difficult to get lined up to seal.
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