As temperatures drop and winter approaches, it’s time to think about protecting your organic produce. This useful clip from Tim McWelch of Earth connections School shows how to build a mini greenhouse. The construction is simple and very inexpensive.

Video – How to Build a Mini-Greenhouse

You will need:

  • Drinking water pipe of about 1.5 inches in internal diameter. You need about seven pipe segments in ten foot lengths.
  • Some drop cloth. (Plastic drop cloth is used in this video).
  • Garden staples.
  • Clip ties.

Start by curving the pipe and sinking one end into the ground. Then take the other end and insert it into the ground to create an arc. If the ground is hard, pound a stake into the ground to create the hole. For soft soil you won’t need to use a stake, just drive the piping into the ground. The deeper the piping goes into the soil, the sturdier your little greenhouse will be.

If you have a vegetable plot, simply insert the piping into the ground over the patch to arch over the plants. You could also sink the piping into your lawn so you can move seedling trays into the ‘greenhouse’.

Repeat the process until you have all three segments sturdily inserted into the ground. Cover the pipe frame with your drop cloth. To secure the edges, use the two extra pipes on either sides. Simply roll them up in the drop cloth until tight. Use the garden staples to pin down the rolled up piping. The longer the staples the firmer your sides will be.

You can secure all sides using the pipe roll method. Alternatively leave one end open and secure the cloth with clip ties. Try and ensure the south side is left open.

This will make sure the greenhouse doesn’t overheat during the day, and allows the greenhouse it’s own microclimate. If you’re worried about frost, don’t be. Frost won’t get inside the greenhouse. According to Tim, only a hard freeze can penetrate inside.

The benefits of a greenhouse are significant. It protects your plants from frost and temperature variations which can kill certain plants and leaves. It allows seedlings and more delicate vegetables like lettuces to continue to grow during the colder months. You don’t have to stop enjoying the benefits and produce from organic gardening just because it’s winter.

Filed under: Organic Farming

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