Review: Gardman 4-Tier Mini Greenhouse

When I first saw this mini greenhouse the first thing that came to mind was, “Wow! This would be so perfect for starting seeds!” Normally I use a light and seed trays, but there's never enough space to put them all and sometimes they dry out, or the seedlings don't get enough light and they get leggy.

Once I looked closer I started thinking about other ways a mini greenhouse would be helpful. Obviously this isn’t going to keep your plants growing through the winter freezes, but those colder-than-usual nights and the months when it starts to get a bit chilly? Sure! It would even be a great place to keep flowers you buy but aren’t quite ready to plant in the ground.

It’s the convenience of a greenhouse without the monetary investment or commitment of building one. 

Gardman 4-Tier Mini Greenhouse

Features of the Gardman 4 Tier Mini Greenhouse

• Four shelves so there's plenty of room for multiple seed trays.
• Shelves are sturdy enough to hold whatever kinds plants you decide to put on them while also being able to let light shine through them to the other plants.
• The plastic cover easily zips on and off without extra hassle. You can help control the internal temperature by partially unzipping the cover if it’s getting too hot.
• The size is perfect for an indoor greenhouse as well if you have plants you’d prefer to have inside. Herbs come to mind – being able to pick them right from the kitchen.
• You can remove the shelves if you want to grow plants taller than twelve inches.

Any Downsides?

• Your plants won’t be protected in very cold weather since the plastic cover is what protects it from the elements, though you could move it inside for the winter months and keep your plants growing.
• There is no plastic cover under the bottom so if you do take it inside you’ll want to lay down plastic sheeting to keep water from getting on the floor.
• It doesn’t come pre-assembled.
• There are no wheels on it so you’ll need to carry it if you’re moving it.
• Because of the light weight strong winds can be an issue. The easiest way to fix it is to use cinderblocks and put them around the base to hold it in place.

Conclusion

The price of this mini greenhouse is about the price of one and a half of the germination stations most gardeners use for their seeds and you can be starting way more seeds at once. Once your seeds are ready to plant, there are plenty of other ways to use this mini greenhouse.

You can buy the Gardman 4-Tier Mini Greenhouse on Amazon or other online stores, or at some nursery/garden stores.

Time To Plan Your 2014 Garden!

It may still feel like winter all too often around here, but the days are getting longer, the sun is getting brighter, and spring "officially" starts this week! So what are you growing this year?

It's time to get planning - and in some areas - planting! Starting seeds indoors can be a great way to kickstart your garden in colder climates. Typically you want to start seeds about 6 weeks before planting out, which means mid-to-late March here in Ohio. Now is the time!

Growing radish plants (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Garden plants which typically do well when started indoors include tomatoes, peppers, broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables, lettuce, and some flowers. Things you will want to wait and direct-seed when it warms up a bit include peas, beans, and corn. Things that you may be able to direct-seed outdoors right now or within the next couple of weeks (depending on your location) are potatoes, radishes, and some lettuces or salad greens.

I, myself, am in a bit of a quandary this year, as my fiance and I are planning on moving to a new house in the summer, so I don't want to start a big garden and have to leave it behind! By the time we move, it may be too late to start much of a garden at the new place, and I'm not sure I can make it through the summer without ANY gardening!  So I will likely have to grow some short, cool-weather crops this spring, and make do with that. I have been over-ambitious and purchased tons of seeds (hoping to be in the new house by garden season), but I do have radish seeds, salad mix, and some flowers that I can probably plant here in the next few weeks. Radishes are a springtime favorite of mine, and I'm not sure why I don't grow them that often! They are amazing in salads, and add a zesty crunch to sandwiches. I know you can also pickle them, but I've never tried that.... Perhaps if I get a big crop....

It's 50 degrees today, and my green thumb is itching! What about you?

Spring Gardening/Seed Starting Supplies:
     

Video - Starting Your Vegetable Seeds Indoors

This short video gives some pointers for giving your vegetable garden a head start - by starting your seeds indoors ahead of time. Most seeds should be started 4-6 weeks ahead of the last frost date, so they have time to get a good root system established before transplanting. However, some may take less time, so be sure to check the instructions on your seed packets before planting. If you plant too soon, your plants can get too "leggy" and die, or not transplant well. His tip about the rolling racks is a great one - this way you can roll them outside if you like when it gets warm enough during the day, and easily bring them back in at night.

Check it out, and get your garden started early this year!

How to Start your vegetable seeds indoors Part 1 of 2
Vegetable Garden How to start your vegetable seeds / plants indoors to beat the weather and save money. Visit The Bayou Gardener at http://www.thebayougarden...


Helpful Seed Starting Resources: