| Ok, this coming weekend I plan on purchasing something to assist with my gardening plan this year. It will be some type of small gardening structure. My plan is this: I started my tomato seeds a little over a week ago. I had yet again an excellent germination rate over 90%. After only 8 days, I thinned out about 40-50 weaker seedlings and potted up 20 out of 25 plants to their next homes (semi-translucent plastic cups they will live in until they go into their final homes...10 gallon pots). Anyways, being in Middle TN/zone 6b, you'd probably first ask, why did you start them so early? Normally, people don't start their tomatoes around here until around the end of February. Well, last year I had to wait until mid to late August before I was able to harvest more than one or two random ripe maters. I want those coveted July 4th tomatoes! As long as most of the US doesn't have that 4-5 week rainy period like we did last growing season, it should be do-able. To get to the point, I want some type of structure that I can put outside (on my deck or on the yard, doesn't matter) where I can put these tomato plants outdoors a few weeks early, when they start to get too big for their current windowsill location. I have done a ton of research/shopping around looking at all the FlowerHouses, SeedHouses, portable greenhouses, cold frames, hot houses, etc. & I just don't know enough about them to know what I should buy for this purpose. Idealy, I would like to also be able to use it to extend my growing season a bit, so something really small wouldn't be the best option for me (as somewhat big plants might need to fit in it). One of my choices right now is this ---> Cold Frame. Since this forum should contain many people who know a lot about what I need for my main purpose (putting plants outside a few weeks earlier than normal), please let me know what you think would be the best option! =) If I need to buy a heater to go along with something, that's fine too. My budget is flexible, but i'd like to stay under $250 or so.
Thanks! - Steve |
Here is a link that might be useful: Steve's Garden
