The pictures were taken yesterday while it was snowing and as you can see, I don't have a long growing season. The property is heavily wooded and these were taken facing almost due north on one of the few open places on the property. I had mentioned a greenhouse might be useful for starting plants and extending my short season to my wife. Her request was to place it where my lackluster garden is, that squared off area in the bottom center of Pic 1 where you can see the fence posts. Currently all that does well down there is shade and moisture tolerant plants, such as cabbage, some lettuces, etc. Oh, we're on a saddle between two hills so it's a little wet down there.
To increase the amount of sun for the greenhouse, the maples and firs in the red ovals from Pic 3 could be removed with no issues and I can also thin the yellow birch (the blue oval).
Could I potentiall increase my season or is this a waste of time putting a greenhouse that faces south on this spot? If it's worth doing, would angling it SE help?
by ZoomToastem
6 Comments
If those trees are on your property, then you could always cut them if they block too much sun. Although I’d try cutting some branches first. 100% full sun in the middle of the summer might be too hot, so some shade might be good.
If the photo is due north, then the greenhouse is facing due south, with trees on East and West (and obviously north)? That’d be nice, in winter the sun will be lower so the E/W trees won’t block much sunlight but as you get closer to summer they will provide more shade helping keep the GH cool. Biggest challenge may be providing heat in the winter.
You will need some form of heat and electric. That does not look like it’s close to the house. Greenhouses are always just an expensive hobby/pleasure. It might be wonderful to sit inside in the winter. But it looks like it will be a slog to get to it.
It’s more about whether or not you want one.
Your financial payback is about fifteen years down the road. Maybe thirty. A metal rack seed starting station with a frame and several layers and grow lights would be an economical choice. I doubt you are starting more than six full seedling trays based on that open space?
That space in your yard could be an acceptable location if it doesn’t flood. The shade from the western tree will be a benefit in the summer.
You should definitely check out https://frostygarden.com/topics/. He talks about extending the growing season in cold climates. I’m in zone 8b, but I used his tips in winterizing a greenhouse after losing plants in mine the first year, and just came through my second winter successfully with no losses of my tropical and sub-tropical plants. He has LOTS of very helpful advice and tips!
Yes
My 16X50 paid for itself and a 16X100 the first year.