Greenhouse advice needed...

bajiay · #1 08/21/13, 08:04 PM

I bought a 16x12ft greenhouse at an estate auction last week for $135!!! I've always wanted one!!!

BUT...
Being the time of year it is, what should I do first?
I would like to start growing things in there but I know nothing about greenhouses. The roof rolls up, it has shelves and planter boxes in it, came with fans and a heater.
I need some education people. Please help me!

THANK YOU~

unregistered41671 · #2 08/21/13, 08:05 PM

The first thing you should do is double your money and send it to me. Good find.

bajiay · #3 08/21/13, 08:08 PM

Nice try!

jwal10 · #4 08/21/13, 09:33 PM

SOOO many variables. You are in Montana. How hot now? May need shade cloth and fans to keep from overheating. Trial and error and a good big thermometer so you can check on it....often. Then get ready for heat before it gets cold. A lot depends on what you want to grow, how long it takes to mature. Do you know someone with a greenhouse to ask near you? Have fun with it. It is a learning experience, every greenhouse is different. Pots, trays, raised beds....James

bajiay · #5 08/21/13, 10:21 PM

We are still in the 90's in the day and 50's at night.
Thermometer.....didn't think of that. Duh..

Greenhouse is at my new house I'm moving to. I don't know anyone there in Bozeman. Didn't see anyone around the area with one. Guess I could ask at a nursery? Maybe the local co-op?
I'm trying to be as self sufficient as possible. Back to being a single mother again...
The greenhouse does have a plywood floor. I have lots of pots, some trays...would love raised beds.
We eat most veggies...want some herbs too.

ChristieAcres · #6 08/22/13, 03:18 AM

I'd agree to ask locally, yes a nursery would be good. There would also be information at the Extension Service. Any CSA's there? Gardening clubs? Congratulations and happy greenhouse gardening!

geo in mi · #7 08/22/13, 08:35 AM

I go by a local place and see these abandoned(failed business) plastic greenhouses and say, "Hmmmmm...."

I would consider the snowload you may get in your location, the estimated lifespan of the plastic, and the amount of sunshine you may get. If you put it up now, you can experiment with it this winter, but keep a watch out for heavy snow. Certainly you can use it for seed starting to get an early start in the garden in the spring.

geo

jwal10 · #8 08/22/13, 11:36 AM

Start with some hardier quick growing things. Kitchen garden, lettuce, radishes, spinach, swiss chard, onions, carrots and such. Bring a few plants in from outside before frost, rinse them off good and let dry before moving them in. I throw a bucket of soapy dish water over mine, Well....I usually put it in the watering can. Keeps bad bug infestations away. Keep an eye out for disease and bugs On humid days??? in Montana??? might want to run the fan. I like a fan to blow into the greenhouse and across the plants at certain times. Need to watch closely for water needs....James

jwal10 · #9 08/22/13, 11:39 AM

I like one side as a raised bed and the other a mix of starts and potted plants. I have strawberries, tomatoes, zuchinni in pots and a kitchen garden in the raised bed in my little greenhouse during the winter. Hanging pots of flowers that I overwinter and for cuttings....James