Hey, friends! In this video, I wanted to take you on a tour around our greenhouse to show you exactly how we are able to start around 15,000 seedlings each year from a tiny 6×10′ backyard greenhouse! Most market gardeners (or even backyard gardeners with large spaces) will have a larger greenhouse than this, but we are able to maximize this space in two ways:
1) soil blocking, which is a major space saver
2) succession planting our seedlings
Why did we keep the greenhouse small? We knew we wanted it to be as EFFICIENT as possible, which would make it easier and more affordable to heat (as well as having a smaller footprint ecologically). We use a portable electric heater to keep the temperatures right for germinating and growing seedlings, with a backup wifi thermometer and temperature sensor to help regulate.
Using the mini soil blocks on wire baker’s shelves means we can fit 1,600 on one shelf–and while we don’t always have the greenhouse that full, we could grow even MORE than 15,000 seedlings in here if we needed to!
The point is, it’s not necessary to have a fancy or huge greenhouse in order to grow the garden of your dreams. Start small and maximize that greenhouse space!
TRAYS LINKED HERE:
— https://www.amazon.com/shop/blossomandbranchfarm/list/Z2KV8ZO42UKZ?ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ons_mixed_d
-Smaller (home scale!) version of these trays: https://shop.epicgardening.com/collections/shop-flower?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=organic-social&utm_campaign=bbf-greenhousevid
39 Comments
Life Changing Info!! THANK YOU!!!!!💚💚💚💚💚💚🌱🌱
This is SO helpful, thank you so much. Do you mind telling me where you got your glass greenhouse? I'm finding so many in the UK that don't ship to the US, and very few options in the US…love the frame on yours as well as I'm trying to find a metal frame.
What about native perennials…..do they need those type of trays? I am starting quite a few varieties of native plants and I wasn't sure if I should do soil blocking with them. I will scatter some seeds, but can I start them in normal cell trays?
Do you ever grow lisianthus? I really struggle with those. I’m in the UK and have tried for 2 years but had no success. I’m going to try again this year and try them in soil blocks. If I start them in the small block would you recommend moving them up to the bigger 2inch block once they’ve grown on or would plant straight outside once germinated? Thanks
What brand or where did you get the greenhouse
What brand of greenhouse did you go with? Also can you link the products you featured in this video, like heater and temperature monitor devices?
You inspired me! I just ordered 3 soil blockers for starting flower seeds. I'll continue to use my Epic 4-cell and 6-cell trays for my vegetable garden.
How’s your humidity in there and how do you control it? And where did you get the larger heater? I have small one but I would love to upgrade. Thank you!❤
I really enjoyed the video. The soil blocks fit perfectly on the fiberglass trays, I see I’m not the only one asking where you ordered them from. Also, what potting soil do you use for making the blocks?
I wish I could use a soil blocker. My hands are so crippled with arthritis on top of nerve issues from my neck to hands I don't think I could work the handle to create usable blocks. I wish I knew someone who had one so I could give it a try. Perhaps I will break down and purchase one. I love the fiberglass trays. They are going to be an early birthday present to myself.
Thanks for this informative video!
Would you mind sharing where you purchased your greenhouse, it's beautiful and looks like the perfect size.
You don’t start any seeds inside? How about plants that like higher temps then 50 degrees like amaranth and celosia.
Thank you for sharing your experience and showing. This is very helpful to have a greenhouse low budget. Where did you order the greenhouse? And where the heaters from?
What is your soil blocking mix?
Yes, a small greenhouse is much easier to heat. We built a garden shed for about $6 with scraps and then a friend had a polycarbonate greenhouse damaged in storm. Yep, we pieced it together for a lean-to greenhouse which is even more efficient because the north wall is the shed. Yes, polycarbonate does discolor/clouds. I plan on re-doing the greenhouse now after many years as I want to enlarge it a couple feet and install a heat sink in the floor with tubing that I can pump the warm air through during the day. The double walled polycarbonate is warmer and we have a couple of windows. If I had glass it would be really hot.
One word about fiberglass. I had some old poles we used for electric fencing for horses and they eventually splinter from the sun and awful with bare hands. So beware they do this.
**I got a soil blocker last year and haven’t used it yet. Just seen link on what soil you use.
These will be great for air layering roots. I was able to find cell packs for air layering, but I could make endless soil blocks as long as my hand holds out😂.
I plan on doing many of my seeds in winter sow jugs as it turned out quite well last year. Then I use greenhouse closer to spring as a shelter for early sprouts and hardening off of some indoor plants like onions, tomatoes and peppers. I will try a few in winter sow jugs this year as I prefer it all stays outside and less babysitting. A small ceramic heater works quite well. I thought about trying to incorporate solar as we are dabbling with a kit right now.
Great video, thanks!
Your channel is most helpful, even though I live in. Zone 9 LA. Your presentation is always natural and enjoyable to watch. I do have a question re Greenhouse. I'm wondering… why would you invest in a Greenhouse w added expenses of heating INSTEAD OF wintering sowing seeds in milk jugs, etc out in the cold? I'm looking forward to your comments, cause I can't afford a Greenhouse. Tks a bunch :):):)
11:14 I’m looking at the jug with the spigot that says “Water” and thinking “I sure wouldn’t want to be thirsty there…”😂🤣😊(Looks like the colour of compost tea, so I’m guessing it’s for the plants.)🌱😉
Wow! Nearly a thousand blocks made/ seeds sown in 90 minutes! You are a whiz at this! Practice makes perfect indeed! Amazing!
Where did you get your greenhouse?
Can you give me info on buying a greenhouse like yours
Do you have to up pot the seedlings you start in the really small blocks?
Do you move the small blocks into a larger soil block or transplant directly into the garden?
Very helpful!!! Love the honesty about all of it. I am just learning about the soil blocking this year despite having been gardening for many years.
I just had a tree branch fall on our mid-sized greenhouse breaking two panes, and then temps were dropping below freezing. I have been trying to figure out how to utilize my greenhouse better (and set it up better). It is 1950’s with old mechanization.
I like your simplicity and appreciate you sharing how you do things
What zone are you in? We live in Zone 3 and are looking into a greenhouse. Last frost can be the end of May
This is the first I have leaned about soil blockers! Thank you for sharing! I can’t wait to try it. Also, where did you purchase your greenhouse? It is quite nice! Not too big for a suburban gardener like myself.
Thanks.
Good expert advice. Wowza !, I am impressed.
Awesome! Well done. I’m in the process of building a greenhouse and making a bunch of soil blocks inside it. Cool to see you’re already there 🤘🌿
What a great presentation! I’m sold on a small greenhouse you accomplish so much! Your ability to speak snd present is a 10👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Can you share information on your heater.
Do you get mice in there? If so what do you do to keep them ou?
Just found your channel. Excellent tips! I'm glad that the decisions you make are done through the lens of how it can effect the environment. Some things are sold to us as environmentally friendly, but if investigate enough, you find that it might not be. Also, flimsy plastic seed starting trays are just a waste – drives me crazy. I will be doing soil blocks going forward. For the long planters, you could get galvanized steel 1 inch x1 inch square tubes and have them cut into 4 inch sections and lay them vertically in a flat tote. The grass root system would hold everything in place and you would just pop the plant out like a push-up and planting time. The tubes themselves would probably last 15 or 20 years or more even in the moist humid greenhouse.
Please tell us where you got your greenhouse and the approximate cost??
What size soil blockers do you use
This video was so helpful, thank you!! I’d love to know more information about your greenhouse and where you purchased it from, or any recommended brands/companies to check out? There are so many options, I’ve done an exhausting amount of research but haven’t been able to even narrow it down and feel super overwhelmed.
Do you get enough natural daylight to grow your seedlings? Even in the winter months with shorter days?
You might put some hard wire under the rims of your deep pots to keep them from sagging and breaking. just a thought. This is a very nice video. ty. Think of using oil lanterns and candles for a backup in case the electric goes out or if you have a serious cold snap.
That woollen jumper looks hand knitted and I think I've got the same one my mum knitted for me! Super warm and comfy..
If you are going to use barrels of water, consider 12' stovepipes attached end to end ,filled with sand. Takes up less space and releases heat as well as water without the worry of expansion. Do the same thing, paint them black.
Or even better, use paraffin, 8 times better than water for heat release rate. Sand is better than water as well, but not by much.