018 Greenhouse Basics

Today, we’re talking greenhouse basics. You don’t have to be a gardener for very long to realize the advantages of having a backyard hobby greenhouse. It's an ideal place to start seeds, get cuttings to root, overwinter tender plants, or turn it into your own, personal, year-round food and flower factory! This episode is brought to you by Smart Pots. Visit smartpots.com/fred for a money-saving offer on the original, award-winning fabric planter, made in the USA. We talk with Mark Seibert of Sturdi-Built greenhouses about the questions you should ask yourself before purchasing a greenhouse. Things to consider for a greenhouse include where are you going to put it (sun is good; too much sun...not so good). Stuck with a shady yard? There's a 21st Century answer to that predicament. How are you going to heat and cool the greenhouse (generally, keep it above 40 degrees and less than 90 degrees...depending on what you're growing). Tips for installing water and electricity (you'll want those). Tips on installing a foundation (make it level!). Flooring ideas. Choosing the right door (if you're going to be hauling citrus trees inside for the winter, you'll want a double door). Ventilation tips (but you'll need screening to keep the bugs out). The pros and cons of choosing the greenhouse material for walls: glass or polycarbonate? The pros and cons of choosing the frame: aluminum, plastic or wood. And special considerations if you're thinking of a lean-to greenhouse, one that attaches to the side of your house. In our Quick Tips segment: Starting a salsa garden? One with tomatoes, peppers, onions, garlic, ohhh, wait a minute…what about cilantro? That’s vital for just about any salsa recipe. But if you live in a hot summer climate, growing cilantro is best left for the cooler months, and harvested in late winter or early spring. What’s a salsa loving gardener to do who wants fresh, home grown cilantro in the summer? Renee Shepard of Renee's Garden seed company talks about how to grow cilantro in hot summer areas. Also, cilantro substitutes for summer growing from Morningsun Herb Farm's Rose Loveall-Sale. It’s all in Episode 18 of Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, as always, we will do it all in under 30 minutes. More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred https://www.buzzsprout.com/1004629. Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. It's available just about anywhere podcasts are handed out. Please subscribe and leave a comment or rating. Got a garden question? There are several ways to get in touch: call and leave a question, or text us the question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: [email protected] or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Videos on YouTube Garden columnist, Lodi News-Sentinel Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.