Watering in a green house

[Mystang89]

I bought and put together the little 6x8 greenhouse from harbor freight a while ago but never got around to planting anything in there. It's the middle of summer now in southern Indiana and the temp is averaging around 95f. I was wanting to start my late crops, green beans, cucumbers, and a few flowers in the greenhouse but I don't know how often to water the seeds in this temperature. Any thoughts?

 

[digitS']

Mystang89,

watering would partly depend on the soil mix that you are using, its depth and the size of the containers. I imagine that once a day would be about right, just on average. Placing the containers in a basin of water for about 20 to 30 minutes would be the most efficient way to do it.

However, that 95°f temperature is really pushing the upper limits for germination. Here is a 2 page pdf file from the University of California. LINK Not every garden crop was tested at 95° and above but you can see that this would be a real maximum for germination. Of course, you could start the seed in a cooler location but I almost don't see the reason to move the plants into the greenhouse after they are up and growing. I often have plants started during summer beside my back steps where there is some shade throughout the day.

Steve

 

[Mystang89]

Mystang89,

watering would partly depend on the soil mix that you are using, its depth and the size of the containers. I imagine that once a day would be about right, just on average. Placing the containers in a basin of water for about 20 to 30 minutes would be the most efficient way to do it.

However, that 95°f temperature is really pushing the upper limits for germination. Here is a 2 page pdf file from the University of California. LINK Not every garden crop was tested at 95° and above but you can see that this would be a real maximum for germination. Of course, you could start the seed in a cooler location but I almost don't see the reason to move the plants into the greenhouse after they are up and growing. I often have plants started during summer beside my back steps where there is some shade throughout the day.

Steve

Thanks for this. I was really not understanding the use of a greenhouse in the summer. The soil is a compost being put in little containers ranging from 1"depth to a container I kept from a tree.

As for planting the seeds outside of the greenhouse I've never done that either. Should I start them inside and then move them outside when they sprout or keep them outside the entire time?

 

[digitS']

I start seed in containers outdoors during the summer. At times, the birds cause some trouble but they will also keep aphids off the plants. I look suspiciously at the squirrel and toss something at him when he's in the backyard but I don't own a cat that might be up walking on the plants.

This is likely to upset some folks but the morning temperatures here are seldom much above 60° even during the 90+ days of summer.

Cool nights, even on hot, sunny days. Of course, the average temperature is higher and seeds sprout quickly.

Steve

 

[dickiebird]

Put your containers in the greenhouse. Put them in some sort of pan and be sure to put holes in the bottom of the containers you have the seeds planted in. Water only from the bottom by pouring you water into the pan you have the seed containers in.
The way I tell if they need to be watered is pick your containers up out of the pan and see how heavy they feel.
When they need water they will feel very light.
Only water from the bottom!!
THANX RICH