Your furry friend requires documentation and orientation for the flight, among other important considerations.
You realize that whenever you want to travel with a dog or any other pet, their safety will be what will concern you most.
Some people even decide to drive to the destination altogether instead of having to take a flight.
However, if you want to get there fast, especially when you’re flying to another part of the world, then you should consider a couple of tips.
Millions of people travel with their animals every year.
And, apart from the few mishaps and accidents you might have heard on the media, the majority get to their destination safely.
Flying with pets starts with you, and the preparation should include researching on their land and talking to their staff so you can know what to expect.
Here are a few tips that will guide you to prepare for the flight and get to your destination with your animal with less stress.
Visit Your Vet
First off, have an appointment with your veterinarian.
At least you want to make sure you are animal friend is not only safe but also in good health.
Then the vet is likely to let you know about what to expect when you get to your destination.
This means they might give you a jab or vaccinations to keep your furry friend safe.
Then, the veterinary will help you get the documentation you need for traveling with your pet.
In most cases, this should happen ten days before your flight.
Prepare Your Pet For The Travel
Taking a flight for the first time can be scary for people and animals alike.
So you should prepare your furry friends to be ready for the trip.
You don’t want to scare them for no reason.
Instead, purchase a kennel in advance and let your pet get used to that space.
You may perform a few training tricks to make your pet comfortable in the doghouse.
You can do this by feeding them inside the enclosure.
Several weeks leading to your flight, you should make their bed and place their favorite toys inside that kennel.
After they have played, eaten, and slept inside it, they will be conversant and adopt this new shelter.
Research About Your Destinations Restrictions
Some airlines have restrictions for breeds of cats and dogs.
You may want to find out with them, especially if you have a short-nosed or brachycephalic pet.
Owners of bulldogs, boxers, or Boston Terriers may wish to do prior research about the airline’s restrictions.
Some airlines allow you to fly with your dog inside the cabin.
However, there is a limit for the size and weight.
Others will insist that the dog goes to the cargo area in its kennel.
Just make sure to check beforehand with your airline.
Keep Your Pets Documentation Ready
Every airline has restrictions on pets and cargo. It would help if you found out whether they allow us to fly in the shipment or cabin area.
Health documents show that the pet does not have an infectious disease.
So, when you travel with it will not pose any danger to the animals you find in your destination or the travelers in the plane.
Make sure to have these documents ready if you want to have an easy time with the airline staff members.
Book Smartly
The majority of airlines offer a limited number of spaces for pets.
You need to book in advance to catch the right spot for your furry friend and yourself.
Expressly, when taking international flights, make these reservations are made in advance.
This could be a couple of months before your actual travel.
During the flight, you want your pet to enjoy comfort and security.
The kind of treatment you want for your pet may require specific preparations.
Therefore, you should book your flight early enough so you can have time to choose those airlines that can offer you and your pet the treatment you deserve.
Do Not Sedate Your Pet
During the flight, you shouldn’t use tranquilizers as they can interfere with your pet’s health, especially at high altitudes.
If you think your pet will be too anxious, you can use CBD oil for other treats that confine with the pet regulations.
This way, your pet will come down throughout the flight.
There are also certain accessories and Gear that help to calm your pet down.
Of course, you don’t want your best friend to panic when the plane starts moving.
Pet Relief Area
Modern airports have spaces for pets to relieve themselves.
Sometimes back, it was harsh on animals.
So, find terminals with pet potties.
Before you take the flight, it’s crucial to get a clear map of the terminals that have pet potties.
At least, you want to get your pet a break during layovers.
When you get to a new terminal or at the airport, make sure to ask the staff members.
Board The Plane Early
When you’re flying with your pet, you may be eligible to board early.
But, that means you should ask the flight attendant or the airline representatives about this.
Arriving early at the airport helps you have some time to calm your pet down.
Of course, you want your pet to be comfortable with the flight, and these few minutes will give you time to do that.
Park Your Car Conveniently Around The Airport
Of course, you will be carrying a lot of things with you.
Apart from the pet, you will need to have chew toys and probably some food.
You need treats to relieve the dog’s discomfort.
If you add yourself, you can already start to see that it will be a quiet large load.
So, park your car around the airport to reduce inconveniences.
Parkos is an online car parking system that lets you look around the airport and find the perfect parking spot for your car.
Parking reservations are made on the internet, and you can even make your payments they are.
Then, you will have an airport parking lot saved just for you.
Types of Axes – With any tool, it’s important to understand that they have been designed to work in specific situations.
When it comes to axes, a majority of people can only tell you one type, and it’s usually the one used for chopping wood.
Many other versatile types are suitable for rural living, and while one ax may work for one situation, it may fall short in another.
An excellent method to ensure that you’re choosing the right type is to explore the different types of axes.
To help you out, we’ve taken the time to research different uses for axes.
We’ll introduce you to different axes available on the market today.
Types of Axes and Their Uses
Axes may seem like they have one function, but the varieties are good at accomplishing different tasks.
Some of these tasks that influence axes use range from size to shape and types of heads.
10 of the most common varieties of axes:
Throwing Axes
Throwing axes are used in either sports or competitions.
They feature a durable handle that has an ergonomic design to help enhance your grip on the ax and make aiming a bit easier.
These axes are also shorter than your standard wood chopping axes.
When used in a competition, it’s important to follow weight and height regulations.
This limits the production of throwing axes but keeps them up to standard for different leagues and federations.
If you’re looking for an interesting hobby, ax throwing can be an interesting one.
Many rural areas have ax-throwing competitions.
Additionally, you’ll get extra experience handling axes and a fun workout.
Crash Axe
Crash axes are designed to be used on aircraft to help chop and pry walls open.
They are generally small in size and very lightweight.
The materials used are pure metal or steel and can end up prying open most of the aircraft’s drawers and doors.
These are only used in emergencies and don’t have much use other than that.
Many firefighters, though, may use crash axes to help them when removing metal sheets.
They would be ideal in survival settings, but they do a mediocre job at chopping.
Hence, crash axes would be excellent to keep in survival kits since they can come in handy if one of your exits gets blocked.
Additionally, they can help pry open rusted doors and can be used for crafting and scrapping.
Keep in mind though that their blade isn’t as weighted as others, so your aim may be less precise.
Firefighter’s Axe
As a firefighter, it’s essential to have a tool that can help you pry open any closures.
Due to the wide and broad ax head, firefighters can easily break down any wooden doors, windows, or walls.
The opposite side of the ax head is sharply pointed and can work to pry open closures.
With their variable use, they would be ideal for rural living.
The sharp blade can be useful for chopping wood while the other end could be used for prying materials off from each other.
However, they may be a bit heavy and aren’t the most accurate when it comes to chopping woods.
Carpenter’s Axe
A carpenter’s axe is smaller than regular axes.
It’s designed to chop wood and be used to create sharp edges through log-building techniques.
There is a slight finger notch that allows carpenters to be more precise when making any chops.
The opposite end of the ax features a hardened material, which can be used as a hammer.
Some newer models also come with a built-in nail pull.
This helps carpenters multitask without having to switch tools.
These are worth the investment and can be used for several different projects.
If you’re looking for a versatile tool, this can be good to have in a workshop.
If you’re building projects or just scrapping, this tool can come in handy too.
Hewing Axe
Hewing axes work similarly to industrial-sized sawmills.
They are for framing timber and helping square up the edges to perfectly match.
Hewing is an integral part of the woodwork and helps in carving the shape of timber to help them fit together.
The ax features a comparatively flat head, so they also can help create even edges.
Many hewing axes are still used for such, but they are a slower method of getting wood shaped.
Instead, many people tend to use these for smaller projects rather than for industrial use.
Splitting Maul
One of the most important axes for a rural living is a splitting maul.
These axes are foraged to be durable, heavy, and effective at cutting down trees.
If you have a large amount of timber that needs to be split down the middle, a splitting maul will get the job done.
The ax head is thick and dense, which allows you to chop effectively.
They are also generally heavy, so there is enough pressure when the ax head comes into contact with the wood.
Additionally, the thickness of the ax head can help prevent it from getting stuck.
Both the weight and thickness allow you to pull it out without much effort.
Tomahawks
Tomahawks are a popular type of ax that has existed for many years.
North Americans first used them as an all-purpose tool, but they are now more commonly used for competitions, sports, and camping.
The build of a tomahawk is very slim and lightweight, which makes them ideal for holding.
The sharp ax head allows you to slice through different materials easily, but they aren’t as effective as other thicker ax heads.
They can help you get smaller jobs done and definitely can be useful in a survival setting.
That said, there are different models of tomahawks.
Some include enhancements that have various ax heads, spikes, and hammers.
Felling Ax
A felling ax is the traditional wood chopping ax.
Felling axes are used to chop down branches, trees, and split wood.
Their blade has two main features that make them different from other models.
The blade has a slim yet flat design, and it’s sharper than most other kinds of axes and needs to be sharpened consistently to cut down wood effectively.
The head of the ax weighs approximately two pounds, but this varies from brand to brand.
Additionally, the handle is around two feet in length and gives you plenty of weighing when you swing it.
Best Hatch and axe
Hatchet
Another common ax that people associate with the word “ax” is a hatchet, and it can come in handy around the house.
It’s designed for chopping and kindling wood, as well as hacking down a small tree.
It is often affordable and readily available at most warehouse stores.
Hatchets have a very thin handle with a weighted head.
It is crafted to be balanced and easy to use.
Due to the well-balanced design, they are often more precise when you swing.
This helps you cut a tree down quickly, as your aim will be accurate.
Limbing Ax
Another useful ax to have around the home is a climbing ax.
Exactly like it sounds, the ax features a long, 24-inch handle with a two-pound head.
It’s designed to be able to cut down limbs of trees.
Due to the long length, it makes it easier to reach branches and swing at them when the tree is standing up.
The ax head is easy to maneuver and won’t pose any risk while swinging it.
Additionally, the head is proportional in weight to improve accuracy.
Do note though that it may take some practice to be able to swing it with precision.
Are There Any Other Kinds of Axes?
There are a few different varieties of axes we didn’t mention due to their limited use.
Many axes are used for survival or camping settings.
Greenhouse plants are a pleasure to the eyes and a feast for the senses.
Growing plants and actively engaging in gardening is one of the most rewarding ways through which you can boost your mental and physical health.
The hobby has been scientifically shown to relieve stress, ward off dementia and keep you mentally fit while fighting depression and other mind-related ailments.
And of course, growing your own vegetables can give you your own locally-sourced food!
For a beginner, gardening may be a bit of a challenge.
But with the right guidance, practice and equipment we suggest on our website, you can stand a chance to becoming better at your craft and eventually become an influential gardener.
Greenhouses are the most cost-efficient ways of growing plants in places with extreme climate variations.
The best greenhouse plants can yield good produce, year-round flowers and healthy herbs if cared for well.
Greenhouses are used to mimic native conditions for plants.
Because of this, a wide variety of sensitive and tropical plants can grow easily within their walls.
Some of these plants complement the growth of others and can be planted on crop rotation method.
Specialty plants that you can propagate inside greenhouses are:
Cacti
Bamboo
Succulents
Venus flytraps
You’re Ready To Grow The Best Greenhouse Plants
Thanks to this post, you now have a list of some of the best greenhouse plants, herbs and flowers you can grow in your sanctuary.
Where can you find the right greenhouse?
That’s where we come in.
Spend some time on our website to learn more about wholesale greenhouse kits, customization structures, mini greenhouses and other investments that can take your gardening hobby to the next level.
Sooner than you think, the garden of your dreams will be well within your reach.
Greenhouses are fantastic investments to grow plants indoors.
They also help combat harsh climates and make up for deficiencies in humidity and lighting by employing artificial systems.
Fruits like tangerines, peaches, lemons and strawberries also hold very well in greenhouses.
Cacti, succulents and bamboo are also good choices for greenhouse plants grown by hobby farmers who have a dearth of time.
If you have the right tools and equipment needed for cultivation, then growing greenhouse plants can be a lasting hobby that can give you pleasure, relaxation and nutrients, all at the same time.
Over the last few years, there’s been lots of talk about bugging out, putting together a bug out bag list, bug out gear, and the best bug out bags. But what is bugging out?
The idea has become popular in the light of natural disasters like hurricanes, tornadoes, flash floods, wildfires, and earthquakes.
When these catastrophes hit, many people decide it’s time to head for safer ground.
We also face a potential series of long-term disasters that could make a bug out a longer-term situation.
Some of these include economic collapse, war, pandemics, and agricultural disasters. So it’s best to be prepared ahead of time.
A bug out bag is an emergency bag that you have already packed and have ready to go.
In this article, we’ll take a look at how to put together your bug out bag list.
If the time should ever come that you need it, it could be lifesaving.
Disaster Survival Kit
Should I Bug Out or Hunker Down?
First, understand that bugging out should be your very last option when left with no other choice.
A bug out bag is only a temporary plan for survival to be used as a backup when you see no other solution.
If you’re forced to leave home and “head for the hills,” you’ve basically made yourself a refugee.
That’s not necessarily a good thing when times get hard.
Think about it this way: A bug out kit will only keep you alive for a short time. Maybe a few days or weeks. Then what are you going to do? No matter how comprehensive your bug out bag list, you’re going to need a plan after you’ve exhausted its gear.
A Retreat in the Hills
Now of course, if you’ve got a heavily stocked retreat somewhere in the hills, that changes the game.
You may just need to use the bug out bag en route to your destination. Just load up your car and head to your retreat.
Still, having a bag of essentials (life-saving gear in a kit that’s ready to grab-and-go) could be helpful. You never know if you’ll need to abandon your vehicle at some point and continue on foot. It’s best to be prepared with a disaster survival kit.
Getting there
Remember, even if you already have a huge stockpile of medications, food, and gear waiting for you, you might have a challenge getting to your retreat in the hills.
There could be checkpoints, roadblocks, or even car jackers you’ll meet along the way.
Even if you do make it through these hazards and challenges and make it to your stocked retreat, you could be met by another family or group that’s already moved in.
What are you going to do in that scenario? You could be outnumbered, or they may be better armed. Are you going to walk away or stay and fight for what’s yours?
To avoid these situations, head to your retreat or safe area before disaster hits. Learn how to grow and preserve food, raise livestock and develop relationships with your neighbors.
Some advanced planning before you need it can make all the difference.
Why Make a Bug Out Bag
With all that said, let’s get back to bugging out and learning how to make a bug out bag.
Many survivalists look at this type of kit as a sort of escape and evasion plan. For most people, however, this idea is flawed.
Some people may be able to live outside of civilization, rounding up food and finding shelter in a forest, desert, or mountains. If conditions are right, you can do this for a significant amount of time.
However, the constant struggle to maintain life would be much more than the average person could endure. Most people wouldn’t make it very long at all.
But here’s the thing, if you have no other options left besides staying and dying or bugging out to the hills for a chance, it’s still worth a shot.
Having a bug out bag ready to go will give you a better shot at surviving.
In the Case of a Natural Disaster
Typically when a natural disaster strikes, help will soon be on the way. Hopefully.
However, you may still need to leave temporarily for immediate safety, like when a hurricane is heading directly toward you.
Do you have a friend or family member that would take you in for a few nights? Try to find one in another area that would be safe from the natural disaster. Preferably someone within a few hours’ drive from you.
Make plans with them before anything ever happens so that when it does, you know exactly where to go. You’ll then be able to wait out the disaster in relative comfort before heading back home.
For me personally, I’d say “no thanks” to a government shelter or FEMA operations.
Do you really want to depend on the government for your survival? I don’t. Personally, I’d rather trust my own skills and instincts than hope the government will take care of me during and after a disaster.
Essential Bug Out Bag List
Okay, so we’ve talked a lot about the reasons you want to put together a bug out bag. But what should you include in it?
There will be a lot that is personal and personalized to you. Consider things like your location and where you plan to head. Consider your skills, health and climate.
Top items to include in a bug out bag
Looking at the multitude of lists I’ve seen, here are some ideas on the bare bones of what to include in your survival bag.
These are all things you can pack in advance so they are ready when it’s time to head out:
Plenty of non-perishable food in the case of a food crisis
You will also want to remember to grab medications.
Preparation is Key
When it’s time to go, you want to be as prepared as possible. With a bug out bag, you’ll give yourself a better chance at survival.
Grocery stores and hardware stores are likely to be closed. There may be long lines at gas stations. Roads may be a standstill with everyone trying to leave. You just never know what will happen.
You will need to think about your bug out bag as a way to help you and your family to survive for several days.
Know that even if you don’t need to leave your residence, a bug out bag is helpful for less threatening situations. For example, if your power is out for an extended time, your emergency radio, flashlights, and extra batteries will be assets.
Use this essential list for planning for and putting together a bug out bag. It will help ensure you have everything ready to go or access, all in one place.
Please share this article on social media to help your friends and family be prepared in the case of disaster. Their survival may depend on it!
What are the top reasons to own a mini indoor greenhouse?
Before we jump into our greenhouse setup tips, let’s get some of our facts straight on why indoor greenhouses are becoming so popular.
Did you know that an estimate of 42 million households in the U.S. grew food in their own gardens?
That’s a 17% increase since earlier in the decade, and the numbers are constantly growing.
Millennial’s and urban dwellers have been the primary drivers behind this trend.
The environment-focused millennial’s always look for ways to save on their grocery bills as well as to do their part for the community.
Urbanites have become increasingly frustrated with the lack of fresh produce options in cities.
Perhaps you share similar concerns about saving your hard-earned dollars, eating pesticide-free food and doing things that are better for the environment.
A greenhouse is your ticket to making these essential changes.
And these days, even if you live in a small apartment or in a townhouse with a small yard, a tiny indoor greenhouse can satisfy all your needs. Small Indoor Greenhouse
Plants grown in a mini indoor greenhouse
Owning a mini indoor greenhouse has benefits galore!
One of the main reasons why so many people, especially youngsters and millennial’s, have started gardening at home is because of pesticide use on supermarket produce.
These days, even organic food can have certain types of pesticides and herbicides sprayed on them.
There’s also the concern surrounding industrial farming and leaching of nutrients from the soil.
Because so many industrial farms have depleted soils, our store-bought produce has limited vitamins and minerals.
When you grow your own produce, you know exactly what goes into it.
And mini greenhouses create the perfect environment to start nearly anything from seed.
Creating sustainability
Planting your own garden, even if it’s just a couple of herbs in a small indoor greenhouse, can help you become more sustainable.
You can get away with making fewer trips to the grocery store and even reduce the impact of fuel-powered machinery harvesting your veggies.
Refreshing the air
As all plants give out plenty of fresh oxygen, having a mini indoor greenhouse can take out the toxins from the air in your apartment or house and freshen it up.
In the long term, this can help detoxify your body and heal dryness on skin and eyes.
Extending growing seasons of plants
If you’re into growing flowers, having a greenhouse can help you extend their growing season.
For an indoor greenhouse, the weather and seasons are not important.
They have their own mechanisms to maintain the temperature, thus allowing plants to grow throughout the year.
Mini indoor greenhouses also provide an oasis for warmth and moisture during the winter months.
You never have to be worried about loosing any of your plants to cold weather.
You can also keep your exotic and sensitive plants like orchids, citrus trees and tropical fresh and well while feeling like you have green thumb superpowers!
Adding to the decor
Finally, the aesthetics of a greenhouse can be a trend setter.
These days, there are many ways of setting up creative greenhouses in limited space areas.
Read about our ideas on making stylish greenhouses indoor in this article here.
Your indoor greenhouse can be a place for conversation with close friends and family.
Maybe you can add a few indoor decor elements like dry flowers and sculptures plus a couple of chairs to make the greenhouse a true heaven.
Setting up the perfect mini indoor greenhouse
Now that you know all the great reasons to own a mini indoor greenhouse, you can get started with designing one.
Firstly, you’ve got to decide whether you want design or function; if you want something that will look nice, consider purchasing a mini glasshouse.
For a more functional one, you could setup seed trays and LED lights in a plastic enclosure.
Once you select your preferred appearance — form or function — you can purchase the equipment.
Requirements for a design-focused mini indoor greenhouse
A miniature glasshouse (you can use a greenhouse kit as well)
Small decorative pots
Seed starters
Good quality seeds
Mats for flooring
Soil
Requirements for a function-focused mini indoor greenhouse
LED or fluorescent lights
Heat mats if you cannot get reliable heat from light alone
Shallow trays
Seed starters
High quality seeds
Soil
Both types of greenhouse require the following:
Ventilation options
Drainage
Areas of direct sunlight
Humidity control or humidifiers
Once you have everything you need, you can start setting up your mini indoor greenhouse.
Mini Indoor Greenhouse Setup Hacks
Now that you’ve selected the type of greenhouse you want and have the supplies, it’s time to begin setting it up.
How to best set up your indoor greenhouse
growing tomatoes
Here are our top tips and tricks to install the perfect greenhouse for your needs indoor:
Mini Indoor Greenhouse Hack #1: Preparing pots and trays
Begin first by filling shallow trays or small pots with your potting mix.
There are many types of trays available in the market today.
You can choose from biodegradable ones to those that have partitions and coverings to lock in moisture.
Trays with individual cells are like templates for gardening.
If you purchased seed starters, lay them out on a flat tray so they can absorb water.
Next, fill the tray underneath with about 1 inch of lukewarm water.
Let the water absorb through the bottom of the tray for about 30 minutes until the soil or seed starters are moist to the touch.
Dump out any excess water from the tray.
You can be creative with how to plant your seeds.
Items that you can use instead of store-brought trays are:
Egg shells (biodegradable and organic)
Milk cartons or plastic boxes (you contribute to recycling!)
Toilet paper and kitchen napkin rolls (you’ll always have so many of them; now you know what to use them for!)
Broken cups, mugs and kitchen ware
Old bottles (both glass and plastic)
Broken pipes
Paint these items beautifully and you have a sustainable greenhouse!
There are a lot of different types of pots out there what can enhance the beauty of your greenhouse.
Pots come in materials like as metal, clay, ceramic, stone, glass, plastic and terracotta.
Some plants don’t need pots and can be grown in jute or paper bags.
Mini Indoor Greenhouse Hack #2: Choosing soil
Choosing the right soil for your mini indoor greenhouse can have a profound effect on your plant.
Good quality soil from a potting mix is essential to sprout perfect seedlings.
The soil should be able to retain sufficient water and at the same time, allow air flow.
Mini Indoor Greenhouse Hack #3: Sowing the right seeds
Now that you have your pots and trays ready, let’s see which plants are best for indoor growth.
Best indoor plants you can grow are:
Herbs — mint, parsley, oregano, etc.
Aloe vera
Annuals like cosmos and zinneas
Vegetables like lettuce, carrots, radishes and dill
Water plants like spring onion
Lemon trees
Consider buying organic, open-pollinated seeds or the heirloom variety.
They will yield tastier produce.
Start the seeds in seed plugs or soil.
Seed plugs make it easier to transfer the seedlings from the greenhouse to the ground without damaging its roots.
Once your soil or seed starters are moist, follow the instructions on the seed packet to sow your seeds.
In most cases, you will plant the seeds at a depth twice the seed’s width.
If you’re using flat trays, plant the seeds about 1 inch apart.
For trays with individual cells or seed starters, plant 2 seeds per cell.
Once your seeds are sown, use a mister bottle to moisten the surface if the top of the soil feels dry.
Mini Indoor Greenhouse Hack #4: Ensuring sunlight and temperature
Make sure you put the mini greenhouse in a place that receives plenty of bright but indirect sunlight.
Most plants need about 6 hours of sunlight per day.
You can even use reflectors to reflect light into corners of the greenhouse.
Also, you will want to monitor the temperature to ensure it stays between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit within the greenhouse walls.
Use a portable temperature reader that can measure the humidity as well.
Most plants need at least 50% humidity, except for cacti.
If you constantly lock your indoor greenhouse, you may want to monitor how much of moisture accumulates inside.
Occasionally, you will need to open its flaps or windows to allow excess moisture to evaporate.
When using trays with covers for indoor plants, remove the covers when the seeds start to sprout so that the condensation doesn’t become overbearing for the baby plant.
Mini Indoor Greenhouse Hack #5: Seedling care
Soil dryness:
You will need to monitor the soil dryness more carefully at the beginning stages of planting.
The soil should always be sufficiently moist.
Whenever the surface of the soil dries out, add water to the drip tray to allow the water to soak up through the bottom of the soil.
Watering this way also prevents fungus from growing on the small leaves which can happen if the seedlings are too damp.
Using fertilizers:
Do not be eager to begin fertilizing your plants too soon.
Fertilizing seedlings too early in their days can burn their leaves.
Use them only after the plants have reached a height of at least 6 inches.
Replanting guidelines:
To avoid replanting shock, take a scoopful of the soil with the seedling and add it to the mixed soil in the new pot in which you intend to plant it.
This way the seedling does not have to accustom to a completely new environment.
The new pot should be big enough to hold the full grown plant.
Also avoid planting too many seedlings in one single pot.
When they shoot up, their width will pose constraints to each other.
Get Your Mini Indoor Greenhouse Today
The turn of spring is the perfect time to get your seeds started in your mini indoor greenhouse.
Remember, your greenhouse doesn’t need to be fancy.
It should simply be warm enough and be able to trap moisture to help your seeds germinate.
Gardening with a greenhouse is incredibly rewarding for all those who give it a try.
If you’re a new gardener, don’t be hesitant about planting some greens.
Maybe your green thumb will shine through and you will discover a long-lasting and fruitful (literally!) hobby.
Learn more about gardening supplies for greenhouses here.
Indoor greenhouses are great additions to homes and apartments.
Not only do they provide clean air, fresh food and moisture, but they are also a pleasure to look at and give our eyes much needed relaxation.
A mini indoor greenhouse is also a mood booster.
According to many cultures, having indoor plants increase the positive aura of the home.
These greenhouses are easy to construct with minimal requirements.
You can install them in a sunlit corner of the house or beside a windowsill.
Plants with minimal watering needs can even be used as artistic hanging decorations from ceiling.
Choosing the right seeds and ensuring there is sufficient ventilation and heating ensures your plants grow well within the greenhouse.
Setting up greenhouses can be a fun way to engage the family as well.
How does a Greenhouse work – Greenhouse is defined as “a structure with walls and roof made chiefly of transparent material, such as glass, in which plants requiring regulated climatic conditions are grown.”
And as we know, in gardening, a greenhouse is an essential element for growers and farmers in every part of the world.
These structures are used nowadays even in cities and homes with limited space.
Have you ever thought about the mechanics of a greenhouse?
How it works and what goes into creating that ideal environment for plants?
We might have studied how greenhouses work in our school days.
Maybe vaguely, we remember that a greenhouse allows solar energy in and sustains the environment — but how?
Greenhouse structures work by taking in sunlight and using it for heating.
It turns the solar energy of the sunlight into thermal energy.
Various materials used in a greenhouse allow full or partial sunlight to filter through the walls and ceilings.
This solar energy is absorbed by the vegetables and plants who convert this heat into further energy and warmth.
This method is known as convection.
When the heat is expatriated, it becomes trapped in the greenhouse structure which in turn creates humidity.
Humidity is the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere and is required for plants to grow well.
Hence, this system circulates on its own to create the ideal growing conditions for plants, vegetables, flowers and crops.
A richly decorated indoor greenhouse
Because greenhouses essentially work on the principal of using warm sunlight or solar energy, they must be erected in hot climates or with structures that can control the temperature.
In colder climates, additional heat ought to be added to keep the greenhouse temperature constant.
Farmers use heaters to control the temperature around their plants with climate control systems like the ones mentioned in this article here.
During hotter months, adequate ventilation is installed to allow for air and heat to escape.
A good ventilation greenhouse system is crucial to prevent overheating.
Some greenhouse growers prefer ventilating naturally by opening the doors and windows of their structures.
Solar greenhouse
Constructed from either glass or plastic, solar greenhouses differ from standard greenhouse structures that absorb solar energy through their plants.
Solar greenhouses store solar energy when the sun is not shining.
This type of greenhouse is specifically used in the Northern Hemisphere where sunlight exposure may be limited, especially in the colder season.
As passive solar energy is the cheapest and easiest way to maintain consistent heat in a greenhouse structure, many growers are now turning to solar greenhouses.
Since passive solar energy heating depends on the sun, it is crucial to ensure the structure receives as much direct solar heating as possible.
The south side wall is typically covered in order to maximize solar energy retention.
Additionally, the north facing wall may be insulated to sustain heat from escaping.
Insulation could be placed over the greenhouse structure during nights and colder seasons to prevent further solar energy loss.
Brick, rocks or concrete on the dark ceramic flooring and northern exposure, will store solar energy for longer.
There are also certain plants and crops grown in water-filled containers that can boost the amount of the solar energy retained.
Solar greenhouses can be constructed as attached designs or freestanding models.
Attached designs are lean-to greenhouse structures are attached to the walls of a barn or house, thereby forming an extension of the property.
These greenhouse structures provide adequate room for kitchen herbs, transplants and other limited quantities of vegetables and plants.
Freestanding solar pit greenhouses are independent entities that have their own spaces large enough for the commercial propagation of vegetables, ornamental or herbs.
How does a solar greenhouse work?
Solar greenhouses, as their name suggests, utilize energy from the sun in order to meet their temperature needs.
The solar radiation from the sun passes through their surfaces to heat the ground.
The solar greenhouse design then traps this energy in order to maintain the higher temperature it needs.
The walls and ceiling of these useful structures also prevent the warmer air within from mixing with the cooler air.
A more technical way of saying this is that they prevent convection (heat transfer through moving gas or liquid) and conduction (transmission of heat from particle to particle within solids) from equalizing inner and outer temperatures.
Solar greenhouses will also serve to control internal temperature by controlling the transparency to the solar and terrestrial thermal radiation bands.
For a warmer temperature than the surrounding environment, more transparency is presented to the solar radiation band.
At the same time, more resistance to the thermal radiation band serves to trap the heat in the greenhouse.
A surface that is more reflective to solar energy while less restrictive to the thermal radiation band will, of course, have the opposite effect — a cooler environment than the sounding temperatures.
Generally, solar greenhouses are utilized for the purpose of creating a warmer environment.
For this, a material is chosen which absorbs some of the infrared radiation.
A portion of this radiation will be reflected back into the greenhouse.
Another effective aspect of solar greenhouses is the optimized usage of the soil base.
A portion of the available heat during the daytime will be absorbed by this mass.
At night, this soil becomes a source of radiant heat.
Sometimes, installing tubing for subterranean air circulation increases the effect of heat retention.
While a subterranean design can provide heating at night, it can also encourage cooling during the daytime through this same method of absorption.
Another method of encouraging this same effect of absorption is by utilizing storage materials with a high capacity for heat.
Bins of sand and rock or containers of water are such examples.
Solar greenhouses benefit greatly from the newest and latest plastic surfaces and glazing options.
With better material and design, a greenhouse owner is better able to control both the wavelengths of incoming solar radiation as well as those of outgoing thermal infrared radiation.
Greenhouse gardening for amateur or beginner-level gardeners
Greenhouse gardening is a satisfying and rewarding endeavor for amateur and professional gardeners alike.
These days, there are plenty of options available for beginner gardeners like the use of greenhouse kits and easy-to-assemble hydroponic systems.
Greenhouses for beginner-level gardeners
For many individuals, the idea of starting a greenhouse structure can seem like a difficult job.
Remember that a greenhouse structure does not have to be a huge construction project.
For many homeowners, a simple and compact greenhouse is enough to meet their needs.
Even mini greenhouses on window sills can do the trick.
Greenhouse kits are another option for beginner gardeners to quickly set up greenhouses.
These are often available from online retailers and local home improvement shops.
It’s crucial to choose the appropriate greenhouse kit for your needs as they come in a variety of sizes and shapes.
Which are the best plants to grow in a greenhouse?
Tomatoes, onions, peppers, corn, pumpkins, carrots, radishes, greens of many varieties, strawberries, cucumbers and garlic can all easily be grown together in a greenhouse.
High amounts of light, humidity, temperature, moisture and fertilizer are all needed to grow healthy plants.
Each plant might have slightly different needs.
However, one common need for all plants is never to over water them.
That will always do more bad than good.
Check out our extensive classification of greenhouse plants based on the type and need in our article here.
Someone with a green thumb and a little experience could turn their amateur greenhouse into a revenue model by specializing in plant products, not just plants.
For example, if you find yourself consistently grow amazing garlic, consider specializing in garlic products like garlic powder, rubs and pickles.
5 main things an amateur gardener can do with a greenhouse:
Raise winter plants
Safely store parent plants for the next season
Propagate and experiment with plants
Raise a larger variety and a more continuous supply of food bearing plants
Easily cultivate of small vegetables for own needs
A great greenhouse design addition are Rain Chains like these copper rain chains.
There are a string of elements to plan out before you choose a greenhouse design and begin the building process, such as:
Planning work requirement
Consider the kind of work space you will need.
Workbenches?
Potting shelves?
How high?
How many?
What kind of wood?
Sink?
Where?
These are all questions that must be answered before choosing a design.
If you plan to use wood to build benches, make sure it is rot-resistant wood.
And avoid the pressure-treated wood as it contains highly toxic levels of arsenic and could poison your plants.
You can also buy a DIY kit to build your own workbenches as well.
Greenhouse orientation
Another crucial planning element, regardless of the type of greenhouse, is its orientation.
Plan to place the structure in a position where there is clearing towards the SE through the SW for as much winter sun as possible.
When planning the orientation, take into account the change in the angle of the sun between summer and winter.
Hint: The sun is at different angles during different seasons.
It is most ideal to align the greenhouse with the long side facing south.
This accomplishes two things: it reduces the number of sides a shade cloth will have to cover, and also, positions the roof to its maximum sun-hours-per-day position.
Investing in good climate control instruments
Climate control mechanisms like a good, reliable thermometer are also required for greenhouse success.
A thermometer lets the greenhouse gardener constantly monitor the structure for temperature variations that could damage plants.
It lets you know when to ventilate and keeps track of temperature readings and watering routines and their effects.
Providing adequate lighting
Plants need solar energy whether they grow in the greenhouse garden.
A perfect quality full-spectrum fluorescent sunlight is best for the structure.
You can also purchase artificial lighting which are almost equal to the light of the sun.
Ensuring proper ventilation
Another of the more basic ideas for working in a greenhouse garden is proper ventilation.
It is true that plants and flowers need warm temperatures for good growth; however, a greenhouse garden can often become too warm, which is why greenhouse ventilation is so crucial.
Being able to maintain an ample growing temperature will have a positive impact on a greenhouse’s growing capability.
The installation of roof and louvered vents will maintain a good flow of air that ought to prevent heat and humidity build up.
Replenish soil nutrients periodically
If you want to grow healthy plants in your greenhouse garden, replenish their nutrients at frequent intervals.
Test your greenhouse’s soil annually to maintain the proper levels.
Greenhouse maintenance tips
Every grower has their own unique tips and tricks for working in a greenhouse structure.
From what, how, and when to plant, to the “solution” to raising the good tomatoes, the pieces of advice can be endless.
There are few common tips, however, that are basic to nearly ever greenhouse structure, like these ones:
Greenhouse Maintenance
Keep your greenhouse clean
One of the most important ways you can work to keep your greenhouse in tip-top shape is by keeping it clean both on the inside and outside.
When you clean your greenhouse can change depending on what you are growing.
The general rule is to clean it during the winter or at the beginning of spring.
For certain kinds of plants, cleaning it in the middle of autumn is also appropriate.
For the inside of your greenhouse, throw out any debris and organize any empty pots and tools.
Then prepare to clean the surfaces in your greenhouse with warm water and a sponge, along with a disinfectant, if you choose to make it sterile.
Don’t forget to unplug any electrical elements you might have running in your greenhouse first.
For the outside of your greenhouse, carefully remove any debris around it and use warm water and a sponge to clean the walls.
For the roof, a mop with a long handle will help clean the panels.
Remember to be careful, never lean against the roof.
Always choose a dry day to clean your greenhouse when you can open all of its windows, vents, and doors.
Look for greenhouse damage
Greenhouse maintenance also involves regularly checking the structure itself to make sure there is no damage.
It’s easiest to check for cracks in the glass or possible rot on a wooden frame during your cleaning process.
Check often for these signs especially if you’ve experienced a rough winter.
Spotting indications of damage early that need to be fixed will help ensure that your plants are in the best and healthiest environment possible for them.
Greenhouse pest control – How to have Pest Free Greenhouse
Pests are unwanted guests for any plant, and they can be detrimental to the garden in your greenhouse.
To help retain a pest-free greenhouse, there are many preventative measures you can take like:
Watch your plants in your greenhouse carefully for any signs of damage from pests.
You’ll also want to inspect new plants you’re planning to introduce into your garden for signs of pests before you bring them inside your greenhouse.
If you notice leaves with holes in them or certain plants dying, it will be a good idea to remove them from your greenhouse as soon as possible so other plants aren’t infected.
Research natural ways to help get rid of any remaining pests, such as using ladybugs to help take care of pesky aphids.
But remember that even if you’re watchful, pests might still sneak onto your plants.
Check your ventilation systems
Your plants are living things, and require regular air flow to help them breathe and grow.
Check consistently to make sure your greenhouse’s ventilation system is working properly.
This is critical to your greenhouse because the vents are what allow the hot air to move out and cooler air to move in.
This exchange helps balance the climate and humidity in your greenhouse and is essential to the livelihood of your garden.
If your vents, louvers, or any other openings in your greenhouse are squeaky or sticky, use some oil to help lubricate them so that they continue to work efficiently.
Maintaining your watering and storage supplies
Greenhouse maintenance also entails making sure your tools and supplies are working properly.
If you have a watering system installed, make sure it is running smoothly without any problems.
If you have a hose connected to your greenhouse, make sure it does not have any holes, cracks or blockages that are preventing it from giving your plants the adequate amount of water they need.
To check for problems like these, take off any attachments you might have on your hose and assess the water flow on its highest setting.
This will reveal any potential problem areas in the hose that you need to address.
If you discover holes or cracks in your hose, it’s time to replace it.
Remember to always include equipment checks in your greenhouse maintenance routine!
Prune and rotate your greenhouse plants
To keep the plants in your greenhouse healthy and strong, devote some time to pruning them and rearranging them when needed.
Trim off dead or dying leaves to make sure the nutrients from the soil are going to the living parts of your plants.
If you notice that there are certain parts of your plants that are getting more sun than others, don’t be afraid to rotate them.
Turning your plants will ensure that they receive an equal amount of light to grow evenly.
Make room for your plants to grow
Additionally, make sure there is enough space between your plants for them to grow.
If they’re close and crowded together, their growth can be hindered.
Use a ruler to make sure your spacing is consistent, or step back and view your pots to see if any are too close together.
Just like rotating your plants, making sure they have that extra room to grow will help ensure that all sides of your plants will be able to receive an equal amount of light.
Make greenhouse maintenance a part of your routine
Greenhouses require a lot of work to maintain, but it’s worth it for the thriving gardens they help create.
Make your greenhouse maintenance a part of your routine so that your plants receive the nurturing environment they deserve.
Greenhouse management as an occupation
Greenhouse management, as an occupation, incorporates aspects of many different disciplines.
Engineering, chemistry, biology and physics are all employed within the framework of a greenhouse.
Graceful integration of these varying aspects is the trademark of a well-trained greenhouse manager.
A greenhouse can be built around several basic designs.
Knowing what designs will enable the best use of space for growing is the key to effective greenhouse management.
The Quonset style, for instance, is a common design for a commercial greenhouse.
However, the arched style of this design means that there is limited growing space along the sides.
A gable style greenhouse, on the other hand, is built more like a house, with much taller walls supporting a pointed roof.
These are also much stronger designs and are, therefore, often made from glass.
Knowledge of biology and chemistry are essential parts of greenhouse management.
Because of the wide variety of plants contained within the average commercial greenhouse, a competent manager must be familiar with the biological and growth requirements for each species being sold.
Expertise is required for everything from the correct choice of growing medium to the appropriate fertilizer to lighting conditions and irrigation needs.
Proper nutrition is vital for growing healthy plants of any variety.
A greenhouse manager must be able to diagnose when there are chemical deficiencies or imbalances in plants.
These deficiencies can have detrimental effects on the plants and must be adequately addressed if the greenhouse is to be successful.
Irrigation is also an essential part of greenhouse management.
The irrigation system for a commercial greenhouse is the lifeblood of the operation.
Designing and maintaining these systems takes a great deal of knowledge and experience.
If done improperly, they can have adverse effects on the business.
Most greenhouses use watering systems that apply the water to the top of the grow medium.
But many also utilize hydroponic systems that have different maintenance requirements.
These systems can be further complicated by the variety of plants within the greenhouse, as different plants have different watering needs.
Effective greenhouse management must include knowledge of the chemistry of the water flowing through these irrigation systems.
Elements such as Magnesium, Calcium and Sodium must be monitored at all times to ensure proper plant growth.
The ability to properly balance these elements within the greenhouse water supply is often only gained through experience.
The ability to combine each of the above aspects, and use them in an effective manner, is the key to greenhouse management.
When you combine these pieces with the addition of personnel and supply management, the job of greenhouse management can seem like a daunting challenge.
However, as most people in these positions will attest, the rewards greatly outweigh the costs.
Are you looking to start a greenhouse or are you in need of supplies? Let us know how we can help you with your greenhouse needs today!
What are Greenhouse Made of?
A greenhouse is a building made of plastic, glass or wood specifically designed to create an ideal environment for plants to grow in them.
They work by trapping solar energy within their walls and transferring them onto the plants.
Solar greenhouses, commonly used in the Northern Hemisphere, are more effective in using the existing solar radiation to increase temperatures within the greenhouse.
They use different techniques to transfer heat into the soil, trap sunlight even when adequate amounts are not found in the atmosphere and retain heat by using several items like sand bags, rocks and bricks.
Clutter From Your Home – It is no secret that most of us have allowed clutter to fill and take control of our homes. Somehow, the more space we have, the more clutter we keep.
This is often true with clutter we keep in our garages, basements, and backyard sheds. These places become storage areas for holiday decorations, memorabilia, lawn maintainence and gardening tools, miscellaneous hardware, and more.
And it all keeps piling up.
Add to that many types of specialty equipment you may need for different projects around your home.
Whether you are repairing a fence, getting started in hydroponics, raising chickens, or building garden beds, all of these pursuits require materials as well.
All of this takes up room.
Keeping track of everything in your home and on your property is not easy, even when everything is in its proper place or labeled and stored neatly in boxes.
No matter how many items you have, it is not difficult to declutter.
How to get rid of clutter on your homestead
You don’t have to rush to make your home presentable only when you have visitors coming over.
It is imperative to get ahead of the mess and come up with a working system that will keep your home organized and clutter-free.
Below are some easy ways to declutter your home.
Ensure everything has a home
It’s easy to accumulate clutter when you don’t have anywhere to store your things. Make sure your possessions have a proper place.
Do you need to leave that bag of rice and your toaster on your counter? Can you find room in a cabinet for them?
Put things back
Once the possessions you use regularly have a home, it makes it easy to put them back after you use them.
When you take a rake out of the garage to work in your yard, put it back in the garage when you are finished with it.
In this way, you will have less clutter around, and you will be able to find it the next time you need it.
Keep up each day
Another tip is to keep up with clutter each day. Don’t let it pile up.
Keeping up with it a few minutes a day will help keep your space tidier.
Go through your mail right away when you get it. Recycle what you don’t need to respond to.
Tidy up the kitchen each night so you will wake up to an empty kitchen sink, not a pile of dishes.
Don’t let paperwork pile up on the table. Act on it, whether that’s shredding it or filing it.
Don’t allow piles to accumulate
Once you allow piles to litter your floors, dressers, tables, and countertops, it’s easy to come to accept them.
Another way to help get rid of excess items requires you to have a clear definition of clutter.
Once you can define it, it will be easy to filter the items you need and those that you can do away with.
Some of the items that you can get rid of include: old clothes, outdated decorations, abandoned projects in the garage, old batteries and some sentimental items.
Get rid of the excess
It is quite clear that most homes are full of items, many of which are not important.
It’s a lot easier to keep a clutter-free environment when you don’t have as many belongings to deal with.
Owning too much stuff is a recipe for clutter to pile up. Having fewer items in your home will help keep clutter at a minimum.
You can get in touch with a removal agency such as Paul’s Rubbish Removal Sydney to remove unwanted items and make your home clutter free again.
Reduce the accumulation of possessions
Managing clutter in your home should be much easier if you slow down or stop purchasing unnecessary items.
Sometimes it’s difficult to restrain yourself from buying items, especially when something is on sale.
However, you have to evaluate if each item is worth the cost.
Know that everything has a cost — even if it’s the cost of taking up space in your home.
You have to ask yourself if you really need it and whether you are purchasing it for the right reasons.
In addition, you have to ensure you have enough space to store the items you are about to buy.
It is good to accept that some purchases will take more from us than they offer.
One tip is when you buy something new, to get rid of something similar. As an example, if you buy a pair of shoes or a new shirt, get rid of one.
Donate or Freecycle
Sometimes it is extremely difficult to get rid of items you own especially if you spent money on them.
Instead of dumping them, you can donate them to local charities who benefit underserved communities.
It’s a lot easier to donate something knowing someone can truly benefit from it.
If you can’t find a charity to donate to, then try posting what you want to get rid of to freecycle.org.
You will be surprised that your clutter can be another person’s treasure.
Upcycle
Do you find yourself collecting glass jars, plastic bottle caps, craft supplies, and other treasures?
Contact a local children’s museum, library, school, or community center to see if they can use them for crafting activities for children.
This is a great way to reuse objects that seem too useful to throw away.
Recycle
Recycling is another viable way to get rid of clutter.
Many towns offer recycling services for plastics, glass, and aluminum. If not, you can take them to the closest recycling drop off location.
You may be able to use paper cartons, cardboard boxes, and other paper for your compost.
Gather up your old electronics and bring them to EcoATM recycling kiosks and get paid.
Many libraries and cities have collection opportunities as well.
Living clutter-free on your homestead
Living clutter-free is way better than having too much unwanted stuff in your home.
Follow the tips provided above. You will see how easy it is to have an organized and spacious home, no matter what the size.
There are steps you can take to manage your possessions before they overtake your home. In the process, you will be able to enjoy a more organized and stress free living space.
Here’s how to build a rain garden and how it will help you. A rain garden is desirable for many reasons.
It helps to filter water runoff from roofs, driveways, and other areas.
Planting a rain garden offers an eco-friendly water solution.
In most suburban neighborhoods in developed countries, a common water pollution problem persists.
The fresh rainwater from each storm runs from rain gutters, across lawns treated with pesticides, into dirty gutters, and finally down storm drains into rivers and lakes.
In drought-prone areas — such as in the southwest United States — rain gardens are beneficial to capture the water to help support the water table.
No matter where you live, you will benefit from rerouting rainwater away from your home toward a rain garden with native plants.
Here’s everything you need to know about starting a rain garden.
What is a rain garden?
A rain garden is a sunken garden located along rainwater’s inevitable path.
Rain gardens collect runoff water from different sources, including the driveway, gutters, roof, or patio.
The idea is to reroute this water into an area and fill it with vegetation to establish a rain garden.
If your property slopes, has areas in which rain gathers, or has areas in which gutter and/or roof water flows, choosing this area for a rain garden will be beneficial.
If your home is at the bottom of a hill, rerouting rainwater will be critical.
By diverting gutter water and other areas where water travels, gardeners can help filter water into the surrounding soil in a natural and clean way.
To the casual observer, a garden looks like any other attractive flower bed or garden, when in fact it’s an ecological aide.
You will direct rainwater away from your home, garage, shed, etc.
In the process, you will foster a habitat that will attract butterflies, bees, birds and other wildlife.
Rain water gardens are beneficial as they provide flood control and improve the water quality by filtering the runoff.
How to build a rain garden
Before digging in (pun intended), follow these five steps for rain garden success.
rainwater garden
1. Consider your climate
Whether you live in a rainy climate, a dry climate, or a climate with the traditional four seasons, the good news is rain gardens will grow and be helpful anywhere.
The key is in planting your garden with native plants.
Rain garden designs can be successful from Phoenix to Albany and in every climate in-between.
While rain gardens have become extremely popular in rainy areas such as Washington and Oregon, the rest of North America is not far behind.
In fact, several cities, including many in the Midwestern US, now charge a storm drain water fee to suburban residents.
If you’re a homeowner, you can avoid this by diverting your storm drain water.
2. Choose your rain garden’s location
Where to put your rain garden is essential.
After a hard rain, note the direction the rainwater runoff flows and where it pools.
Consider utilities
When you come up with your rain garden designs, be sure to note utilities. You won’t want to dig up an area with underground utilities, etc.
Divert water runoff away from your home
You will want to be sure to divert water runoff away from your home and garage. This is important whether or not you plan for a rain garden.
How to stop yard from flooding with rain
If you have a yard, also note areas that collect water.
A natural depression in your lawn is an ideal spot for a successful rain garden.
There are trees that soak up water and water-loving shrubs you can include in your rainwater garden plan.
Choosing location for rain garden
You’ll want to place your garden within the path of water run-off or create such a path.
If you don’t have a natural area that collects water, you can make one.
For instance, you can plant a rain garden as a border along your storm drain spouts (at least 10 feet from the house).
Another place that can be successful is adjacent to a garden shed.
If you want to place your garden outside the natural path of rainwater, be prepared to dig a trench.
You may need to lay down a drainpipe to direct your rainwater.
Your rain garden location also needs to absorb water at an ideal rate.
Test potential sites by digging a hole two feet deep, filling it with water, and seeing how long it takes to drain.
The ideal rate is above .5 inches per hour.
Find this rate by dividing the number of inches by the number of hours it takes to drain.
3. Decide how big your rain garden will be
The size of your rain garden will depend on the type of soil you’re working with in your region.
Does it absorb moisture easily, like in the Cascades, or slowly, like in the high desert?
Generally speaking, a rain garden 1/10th the size of your house roof should be able to handle 90% of your runoff.
4. Divide your garden into ringed zones
Your garden will include areas of high water content and areas that remain drier.
This will depend on the direction the water enters your rain garden and how level overall it is.
Going to your local nursery or garden center will put you in touch with experts for plants in your area.
It’s important to consider the rainwater planting zones, putting the lowest water needs/tolerance at the top of the rain garden zone.
Bottom rain garden zone
The inner zone at the center of your garden should be the plants that do best with the most water.
This is the area that even with a small amount of rainwater, the area will fill with water.
These are the higher water needs/tolerance.
This is considered the bottom rain garden zone.
Terrace rain garden zone
Midway on the slope, this is the middle zone.
In this section, you should have plants with lower water needs/tolerance.
This area is called the terrace rain garden zone.
Top rain garden zone
The top of your rain garden is the outermost ring.
This zone is the highest level.
In this section, you should have plants that will thrive with less water than the other sections.
This is for plants with the lowest water needs/tolerance.
This is the largest ring. It’s called the top rain garden zone.
5. Choose rain garden plants
You will want to choose native plants for your rain garden.
Which native plants you choose will depend on your area. Just because a plant is native doesn’t mean it’s the ideal choice for your rain garden.
Plants with deep roots do best but don’t be afraid to add a variety of native plants to your garden.
Many gardeners choose a mix of native seeds which will combine many varieties of grasses and plants. Others may want the vegetation to be more planned out and orderly. Either will work.
Many libraries have seeds that will be native to your region.
There are guides to what native plants will be best for your rain garden. These will take into account the topography, climate, and other considerations.
You should stop in your local garden store; they will know which plants are best for your rain garden.
In addition, you can contact the agriculture division of your local university or community college.
Best plants for water runoff
There are other considerations as well. Are you interested in rainwater plants for shade?
If so, there are a variety of shade rain water plants you can find that will do well in your area.
Perhaps you want to add shrubs for wet areas around your property outside of the rain garden.
It will be important to learn the USDA plant hardiness zone for your area.
It will help you determine which plants can tolerate the maximum and minimum temperatures in your area.
Which native plants will do best
In addition to choosing native plants, you will want to learn what types of plants work best to absorb the most water.
Determine whether you need a drainage system below your garden
This last rain gardening tip may not apply in your situation.
If your budget allows for it, you may want to install an under drain below your garden to carry cleaned water away.
This is important if the soil around your garden is unclean, thereby contaminating your clean water should it drain into it.
If you opt not to add this feature, your garden will be self-contained; make sure the plants you select can withstand excess water.
We saw an excellent display about how to make a rain garden and about rain harvesting at the Discovery Center in Milwaukee if you are ever in the area.
How to build a rain garden
Before you start buying plants, it’s essential to learn how to build a rain garden so you can get the maximum benefit from it.
There are many rainscaping ideas you can choose from.
Selecting the right location on your property and knowing which plants will thrive in your area will be essential.
Even if you are already harvesting rainwater, you can benefit from a rain garden.
How to build a rain garden in your yard
Use these easy steps to make a rain garden.
If you plan for and build your rain garden properly, there won’t be any downsides.
The main concern is how long does it take for the water to infiltrate into the soil.
When you plant a rain garden, the water shouldn’t stand longer than 48 hours so it does not attract mosquitos.
Building a rain garden tips
After following the steps above, you’re ready to get started with your rain garden.
There are many benefits to having a rain garden.
You will redirect water from your house and maximize the standing water in yard after rain.
You will choose plants for wet areas to fix a yard that holds water.
In this way, you will capture surface runoff and create a rain garden habitat for butterflies, bees, birds, and other wildlife.
Deck and patio greenhouse kits are typically smaller and more intensive than larger kits.
They are also more durable in nature.
Most of them come with easy-to-follow instructions.
These structures tend to be portable and lightweight and better adapted to cover hanging plants and potted plants.
The kits usually come with the tent, frame and other accessories in the chosen pattern.
Guy lines, flaps and stakes are some other products that might come in a patio greenhouse kit.
To protect patio plants, you can purchase a suitable design that can fit accurately on the patio and accommodate all plants.
Deck greenhouse kits come in many sizes, designs and price ranges.
There are small cold structures for less than $100 and miniature greenhouses for less than $1,000.
Many greenhouse kits manufacturer’s warranty their items as well.
Cedar Greenhouse Kits
Building a greenhouse has become very fashionable today.
You will find plenty of homes with greenhouses.
Some people are eager to growing different types of plants in their gardens.
In order to create adaptive greenhouses, different types of makes and models are available.
Nowadays, cedar greenhouses kits are among the most popular and common ones.
Cedar greenhouse kits are easier to install and more affordable than others.
If purchased from a reputable manufacturer, they can be simply assembled using a modest set of appliances that will be priced well within your budget.
Cedar greenhouse kits are very popular on account of their durability and aesthetic appeal.
These will not just boost your greenhouse experience but add exceptional beauty and durability to your backyard.
A cedar greenhouse
Cedar is the perfect wood for making greenhouses because it comfortably withstands decades of weathering and is naturally resistant to insects.
It has highest insulation value, keeping the greenhouse cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
Installing cedar kits is the most practical way to set up an outdoor lean-to greenhouse.
A lot of backyard greenhouses are made from wood frame greenhouse kits and these can be assembled in few hours.
These kits include all parts – pre-drilled, pre-assembled and pre-cut.
Home Greenhouse Kits
Home Greenhouse kits are available from many different companies, many of whom will ship to you.
They come in either metal or wood frames with glass or plastic panels.
However, they are much less expensive than paying for a professionally built greenhouse.
The kits can take anywhere from a few hours to a day to assemble.
Most require only simple tools such as socket wrenches and screwdrivers.
With a home greenhouse kit, you can reduce the risk of pests getting to your plants.
Rabbits will no longer make off with your harvest before you can pick it.
A greenhouse won’t stop all bugs, but as long as you keep the doors closed, you will limit the exposure bugs will have to your garden.
Weeds are the other big issue every gardener has to contend with.
Whether blown in by the wind, or brought in on the bodies of animals and bugs; weeds take valuable nutrients away from your plants.
A home greenhouse keeps windblown seeds out of your garden.
Finally, there is climate control.
Whether you live in the arid west, the subtropical south, or the cool north, there are always plants that will struggle within your climate.
A home greenhouse kit provides excellent climate control.
It disperses direct sunlight to avoid scorching your plants.
It keeps the temperature up and prevents those early and late frosts from killing your plants.
These greenhouses also retain moisture to keep your plants from drying up.
Solex Greenhouse Kits
Solexx is a popular greenhouse company in today’s market.
They have a full line of Quonset-style kits in a wide range of sizes.
Gardener’s Oasis, Garden Master, Harvester and Conservatory are some of their model names.
They all feature Solexx’s number one product.
Insulated, shatter-proof, twin-wall panels that let in evenly diffused sunlight that promote optimal plant growth.
Solexx greenhouse kits also feature strong, built-in bench frames and hanging rods that offer plenty of room for hanging baskets and growing vegetables.
Early Bloomer is known as a great starter greenhouse, ideal for tall plants and small trees.
They come with a composite-framed base, solid enough to withstand heavy wind.
The base requires no foundation.
You can set these right over the garden for early seed starts and extended harvests.
Their large vent assemblies help promote ventilation and air circulation.
Early Bloomers are also lightweight and portable.
The kit includes twin-wall Solexx XP panels, two full-length hanging rods, large 19” by 30” vent, easy-assemble fittings and an 8-year warranty.
Hobbyist brand greenhouses are designed for use in fall, winter and spring.
Used mainly for early seed starts, these just get too hot in the summers.
They include UV-coated 4mm polycarbonate panels, green resin frame, pre-drilled greenhouse frame for easy attachment to base, roof vent with an automatic opener, manually operated rear louver window and a locking hinge door.
The smallest 8-foot model offers ample headroom and space for gardeners and plants, but can be bought in several sizes up to 24 feet.
Hall’s Magnum Greenhouse Kits
Hall’s Magnum Greenhouses are 4-season structures.
Exhaust fans can be added to them for summer ventilation.
All models are all 8-feet tall at ridge height — sized from ‘slim’ for compact yards and to up to 14 feet wide.
Shelter System’s Greenhouse Kits
Shelter Systems created an entire line of greenhouse kits based on patterns of reinforcing triangles.
They are lightweight and easy to move.
They are also advertised to be set up in 30 minutes with no tools.
Each comes with evenly spaced flap doors.
In larger models, there are four doors.
Greenhouse kits of this brand comprise of poles, stakes, guy lines, vent tubes, set-up instruction manuals and a gardening manual for easy installation.
Shelter Systems also makes GroDomes, Crystal Cave Tunnel Greenhouses, RoofShells (which makes perfect, low-arched and portable greenhouses) and other structures.
Their GroDomes are available from 8 feet tall up to 31 feet tall and 16 feet wide.
Lean-to Greenhouse Kits
As the name explains, lean-to greenhouses are best as they lean towards the side of a home or any other building.
They can be a cheap alternative for the do-it-yourself grower who does not want to do much construction.
Lean-to greenhouse kits are typically easy to install and can be a perfect way to greenhouse gardening for city growers.
Lean-to greenhouse kits generally utilize polycarbonate panels rather than glass, although it is definitely not a universal practice.
The lightweight frames of lean-to greenhouse kits are constructed with robust materials such as plastic and aluminum composites.
Most of these greenhouse kits can be assembled with a neat set of tools.
Depending on the gardener’s needs, they may choose a single or multi-purpose lean-to greenhouses.
For instance, if they are going to use their new greenhouse structure solely for the aim of year-round growing, they ought to consider the space for growing plants and accessing power and water.
But, if they are just going to be growing a single part of the year, they need to make their lean-to greenhouses like a dining area or covered porch, enabling it to be utilized for other things when they are not growing vegetables or plants inside it.
For people who are searching for something that is a visually stimulating, these kits can be designed with a cedar frame.
Lean-to greenhouse kits tend to be costly, but many greenhouse growers feel that the additional cost is well worth it.
School Greenhouse Kits
When people think of building greenhouses, they basically imagine large greenhouse structures run by commercial gardens.
However, there are commercial greenhouse kits that are operated by hobby gardeners, vegetable growers and even school children.
Wholesale school greenhouses are common these days and they contain more than just building materials for creating a greenhouse structure.
They have plenty of pots and seeds for plants along with all necessary growing equipment.
These greenhouses are based on lesson plans that get children involved in gardening.
Children learn about what a greenhouse garden is, why it performs so well in maintaining plant life and why they are crucial for gardeners.
School greenhouses are easy to build with simple plans that are easy for children to read.
They can often be constructed in just a single day, depending on the size of the structure.
Once it is constructed, plants and vegetables can be grown in it.
Lessons on germination, pollination and fruit production help the kids learn what is going on inside the greenhouse.
There may be lessons on solar radiation and energy as well.
Of course, the thing about these greenhouse kits is that you need to have the budget for it.
School greenhouses kits can vary in cost. In order to set up these greenhouse kits, you will have to convince the school.
In addition to a number of educational lessons, school greenhouse kits give a new possibility for extracurricular activities and something to swank about in the newsletter every month.
It can also lead to the establishment of a greenhouse club that meets after and before school which might give children a direction to start a lifelong hobby of learning to grow fruits, flowers, and vegetables.
A greenhouse kit costs just 1/4th to 1/8th of the price of constructing a greenhouse from scratch.
Having a good greenhouse can help you grow plants throughout the year.
It can keep the cold out while maintaining warmth and humidity indoors.
The most favored types of greenhouse kits these days to extend plant life are residential greenhouse kits, deck and patio kits, cedar and home kits and a few others of established companies such as Solexx, Hall’s Magnum and Shelter Systems.
Many of these kits are used to create lean-to greenhouses that are attached to a house. Portable Greenhouse Models
During off-seasons, they are converted into living and dining spaces.
The greenhouses established with these kits are often lightweight and easily portable, which are two big advantages for beginner and city growers.
Most of these companies also offer warranties ranging from 8 to 10 years.
Greenhouses made out of cedar wood are considered to be the best type, as the wood is naturally pest-resistant and has good insulating properties.
Greenhouses For Orchids – Are you thinking of taking your orchids to the next level?
If so, then you need a greenhouse!
And a cheap greenhouse at that!
For all those orchid lovers out there, we’ve summarized why greenhouses for orchids are a good idea and how to set up one in the most cost-efficient manner.
It allows plants to grow in optimal conditions, even if they’re not in season.
This makes it perfect for growing your orchid collection.
When you have the right materials, taking care of orchids won’t be difficult at all.
Dive in for a quick information download on choosing the perfect greenhouse in our article here.
All about orchids
Did you know that orchids have been here on Earth longer than humans and maybe even bees?
These adaptive plants have high tolerance to climate change if grown in the right environment.
The orchid family (Orchidaceae) has various sub species with over 22,000 of them growing in different environments.
These perennials come in all colors of the rainbow and have been used extensively in making perfumes and colognes.
Orchids are also believed to cure lung disease, fertility troubles and provide strength to men according to certain cultures.
Orchid FYI: Did you know that vanilla is a type of orchid?
This flavoring ingredient comes from the vanilla orchid and has been one of the most profitable members of the orchid family.
We smell a great business idea here!
Growing orchids
Some people avoid growing orchids believing that they are difficult to cultivate at home.
This is mainly because certain orchid types are known to be susceptible to root rot.
However, if you choose the right type of orchid, its easier to grow and maintain them.
The easiest varieties of orchids for beginners are Cattleya, Phalaenopsis and Paphiopedilum.
Proper potting for orchids
The first thing to consider when preparing to grow orchids is the potting you will use.
Orchids need good ventilation for their roots.
The roots of orchids need to breath and cannot be water logged at any time, or they will rot immediately.
Orchids prefer smaller pots to larger ones.
It is recommended that you use a plastic or clay pot.
Do not permanently keep orchids in decorative pots as they almost never provide the drainage necessary.
When potting, trim dead growth from both the roots and the stem.
Generally speaking, orchids should be re-potted no more than once a year, and in some cases, only once every two or three years.
Soil for orchids
Once you have your pot, the next item to consider is the soil.
Different species of orchids thrive on different soils, and depending on the plant you choose, you may need anything from bark to peat soil to lava rocks.
It is also important to keep in mind that various soils differ in drying times.
Lava rock for example, dries much more quickly than peat soil.
Lighting needs
Orchids differ in their needs for light as well.
As a general rule of thumb, plants with fewer or leathery leaves will prefer high light environments.
Soft and limp leafed orchids will need less light.
Orchids thrive on indirect light.
Direct light will cause them to overheat.
So, it’s important to check the leaves once you have the plant placed.
If the leaves feel hot to the touch, the plant is getting too much direct light and would benefit from a shadier location.
On the flip side, if the leaves are an extremely dark green, the plant is not getting enough light and should be moved to a more sun-lit location.
The right balance of light is a key factor in your orchid’s care.
Watering your orchids correctly
It is natural to want to water your orchid frequently, but over watering is a top mistake many new growers make.
Plastic pots dry faster than clay ones; and the type of soil you plant your orchid in will also affect the watering schedule.
The climate, especially humidity, is another determining factor for your watering schedule.
Proper orchid care guidelines say that you should only water when the soil is completely drained.
Orchids can go many days without water and prefer to be under watered than over watered at any time.
Plant problems don’t stem from the amount of water you give your orchid, but from giving your orchid water too often.
An easy way to check this is to keep the plant identification stick that most store-bought plants come with.
Keep the stick in the soil and remove it and check for dampness.
If it is still damp, your orchid does not need additional watering.
When you do water, you should give the plant at least 30% of the volume of its pot in water.
The best time to water your orchid is in the morning.
This gives it plenty of time to begin drying before night slows down the process.
Fertilizer
Fertilizer can be added to your watering at your discretion.
Be sure to check the mixing strength of the particular fertilizer you choose to ensure a healthy mix.
If you follow these easy steps, you will find that orchid care is a fun hobby.
You will see the fruits of your labor in beautiful blossoms and take delight in the aromas they exude.
Why greenhouses are great for growing orchids
Greenhouses, both indoor and outdoor, are great ideas for plants.
It’s not just for orchids, but even other sensitive plants prefer the enclosures of a proper greenhouse.
Take a look at some of the best plants you can grow in greenhouses along with orchids here.
Why greenhouses are great for growing orchids
Greenhouses can control temperature and humidity
They can protect orchids from adverse weather
They can ensure plants get correct exposure to sunlight and drainage
When growing orchids, you can set up greenhouses based on two categories – based on function and based on temperature.
Greenhouses for orchids based on function
Cold frame greenhouses
Cold frame greenhouses are those that rely solely on solar power for heating.
The covering of the greenhouse traps sunlight and heat and maintains the inside temperature.
Because of so much reliance on solar power, you’ll need to set it up at a south-facing corner which gets maximum sunlight.
It will also be better in regions where winters are not very harsh.
Maximum yield will be produced during spring, summer and fall.
In these greenhouses, you can set seedlings directly on the garden bed.
Gardeners use it for seed germination and the sprouting stage.
These features make cold frames a good option when considering greenhouses for orchids.
Starter greenhouses
Starter greenhouses are great for beginner gardeners.
They are compact and come in sizes ranging from 6×8 feet to 8×24 feet.
They are usually low maintenance and can easily be used to propagate seeds and grow starter plants.
Starter greenhouses are usually portable and covered in lightweight polycarbonate material.
Orchids can do well in them if you are serious about taking your gardening skills to the next level.
They provide proper insulation and good climate control.
Many people also often use it as a shed to store garden supplies and harvested crops.
Starter greenhouses easily come in kits, hence, they are super easy to install and maintain.
Grower greenhouses
Grower greenhouses are for growing crops indoors.
You can also use these for propagating seeds and curing harvested crops.
This usually has adjustable shelving to accommodate your growing collection.
If you’re serious about growing orchids, you’ll need this type.
Greenhouses of orchids based on temperature
Another way of differentiating greenhouses is by its temperature.
Hothouses maintain a temperature of 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
This is ideal for growing tropical plants.
A warm greenhouse has a slightly lower temperature of 50 to 55 degrees.
You’ll likely have to use grow lights and heating systems to maintain this level of heat.
Lastly, a cool greenhouse has a stable temperature of 40 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
This one is the typical choice for germinating seeds and raising starter plants.
Colorful flowering orchids in a Dutch nursery
For orchids, you want a cheap greenhouse that can maintain 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit at daytime and 45 to 65 degrees at nighttime.
Depending on your area, you might need a heating system to achieve these temperatures.
Saving money on your orchid greenhouse
When constructing greenhouses for orchids, there are many ways you can save money by using materials of different makes and functions.
Lets see how some of the materials fare against each other:
Orchid Greenhouse Frame materials:
PVC Greenhouse Frames
PVC is the cheapest and easiest material to use for greenhouses.
It does a great job in maintaining the inner environment.
However, harsh conditions can damage it in no time.
Aluminum Greenhouse Frames
Aluminum is another popular low-cost option is aluminum.
It’s lightweight and more durable.
Maintenance shouldn’t be much of a problem, as it won’t rust or rot.
However, it might not fare well in windy regions.
Resin Greenhouse Frames
Resin is a type of plastic used in greenhouse construction.
It doesn’t conduct heat like aluminum or steal.
It also looks good and comes with a low price tag.
However, it’s too flimsy for big greenhouses.
Wood and Solexx Greenhouse Frames
Wood and Solexx frames are the most durable materials for greenhouses.
They also have great aesthetic value.
They are perfect for orchids as they keep frost at bay by distributing heat efficiently.
Orchid Greenhouse Window glazing materials:
These are the outer covering materials which determine how much light will penetrate the greenhouse.
Polyethylene
A cheap option with ample protection. But you’ll have to replace it in a few years as it doesn’t hold well on its own.
Glass
The oldest and most beautiful option, hence, the one with the highest price tag.
It’s average thermal efficiency does not justify its costs.
Polycarbonate glazing
If you’re looking for longevity and durability, you’ll want multi-wall polycarbonate glazing.
It has excellent energy efficiency and doesn’t break easily under force.
It’s also great at diffusing light and offers a natural UV protection.
Overall, it’s the most cost-efficient material, if not the cheapest.
Saving on greenhouse ventilation
Without proper ventilation, your greenhouse is consistently at risk of overheating.
The material you choose might depend on their ability to trap heat in the winter.
Your greenhouse should also have a way to release hot air during the warm months.
They should allow heat to escape through vents and let cool air in.
Proper ventilation can directly affect electricity and hence, your monthly bills.
Consider installing fans and exhausts to regulate temperature.
Use larger fans with smaller motors.
Solar-powered louvers automatically open and close depending on the changes in the temperature.
Position your greenhouse in a way that it gets natural wind.
Resin and polyethylene based greenhouses can have roll-up windows to regulate temperature.
Remember the gimmicks of physics — Hot air rises to the top of the greenhouse, while cool air stays near the floor. You can position your orchids accordingly.
Pack in more plants so that the natural condensation cools the temperature inside the greenhouse.
Saving on lighting for your orchid greenhouses
Know how much light is required and its intensity for each plant.
Plan for buying lights according to this.
Use up natural sunlight in every possible way — using reflectors, windows and open spaces.
Nothing beats the sun!
A simple thing you can do to cut costs is increase the height of the light.
The higher it’s placed, the more area it will cover.
Consider using LEDs.
They will cut lighting energy costs by 75%.
Install photocells which can automatically track the intensity of light.
It can turn itself on and off according to sunrise and sunset, hence saving you electricity.
You can apply for rebates and discounts from the USDA in certain energy efficient upgrades and programs.
Panel clarity for your greenhouse
The panel clarity regulates the distribution of light to your orchids.
Clear panels offer the plants direct sunlight, which is great if you’re germinating seeds.
But if you’re looking to grow plants, you don’t want direct sunlight at all.
Your orchids are better off with diffused or opaque panels that distribute light evenly.
If your orchids are not getting enough sunlight, you can also consider installing grow lights.
Another option is to get semi-diffused panels, which offer benefits of both worlds.
