Mini Greenhouses/Cloches

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Since we have just had a post on making a cheap A-frame greenhouse, I will follow with a neat system that I use for an early start on many tender or warmth-loving seeds such as snap beans, cucumbers, etc. which need warm soil in order to germinate. Europeans have used this system for years with large glass bell-shaped cloches. A few gardening supply companies sell fancy small garden mini greenhouses at high price. Now, in the midst of winter, is the time to buy them cheap. And you will find them at any building supply company. You just won't recognize them as "some assembly required". Known to everyone else as window well covers! Buy a pair of the larger bubble type and a half dozen small bolts. Butt the two together, drill holes for the bolts, and you have a instant mini garden greenhouse that will cover a 3x3 square growing area. Perfect for a block of snap beans planted 6 weeks before the "safe" date. I use one pair to start the beans and a second for cukes. When the beans are safe, their greenhouse is used for okra which also demands heat. I do lean a metal fence post over them for weight although their round shape deflects any strong wind. When finished, take the pair apart and nest them together for storage. Just remember where you put the bolts! Should last a lifetime.

Marty

-- Martin Longseth (paquebot@merr.com), January 25, 2002

Answers

Here is a cheapie cloach that I use a lot.

The local window shop gives away old windows, when they sell new ones. I get some old windows, with the wood frames. All the same size is best. The last ones that I got were about 2 ft. by 2 ft. I set 4 of them up for 4 sides of a 2 square foot starter bed. I connect the 4 windows with pieces of fabric. I use an old pair of blue jeans and cut pieces about 4 inches square, and staple them with the staple gun to the sides of the windows, top and bottom. Then staple the pieces so that all 4 are joined in a box. Then I set the top on and only staple a couple of patches on one side, this works like a hinge. I put a 2 ft. long board across the top, for a little weight, a 2 X 4 is fine. On warmer days I open the top and use the board to prop open the top, close it up at night. Cover it with an old blanket if it is going to get real cold.

Works good... real cheap.

-- Ed Copp (OH) (edcopp@yahoo.com), January 25, 2002.


Marty, I used to live in CT BRRRRR!!!!

We used to grow lettuce and greens all winter long in the south facing cellar window well, using those window well covers.

Good way to start seeds too!

Thanks for the memory.

-- Michaela (flhomestead@hotmail.com), January 25, 2002.


Two of my favorites are the plastic gallon milk jug with the bottom cut out and a cardboard box eith windows cut in it and the whole thing covered with cheap box tape for "window filling" and water proofing. Cost is about 30 cents a box using cheap dollar tree tape.

-- Jay Blair in N. AL (jayblair678@yahoo.com), January 26, 2002.

I posted this idea a couple of years ago we have a water distuributer about 30 miles away when ever I am in the area I stop by and get their large five gallon bottles. They throw away several a day their called leakers. Cut the bottoms off they make great covers for new plants or early planting out doors. Now does anyone have an idea as to a safe way to repair these the leaks are usually just small pin holes on the seams, they would be nice to store water in for emergencies.

-- ronda (thejohnsons@localaccess.com), January 26, 2002.

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