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Wintering Plants in Pots - Part 2 - Page 4

© Marge Talt

 You can even use old windows for your covering. If you do cover any of these temporary frames with plastic or glass, you will need to monitor ventilation.

 All of these frames can be "glazed" with clear 6 mil polyethylene sheet - I wouldn't use any thinner, it is too fragile. You'll have to replace it every year or so, but it is lightweight and relatively cheap. If you want to use plastic that lasts longer, you'll need to invest in the UV treated plastic made especially for greenhouses. It comes in large rolls and is not inexpensive. The "panes" of glazing shouldn't be much more than two feet (0.60m) wide if you use one inch (2.54cm) nominal lumber thickness or your plastic will sag. When making your frame lid, wrap the plastic totally around the frame and staple securely before you do any hinging or permanent installation; this gives you a bit of dead air space between the layers which helps provide some insulation. Plastic gains heat rapidly, but it also loses it rapidly.

Leave your frame open until weather begins to stay below 25F (-3.88C) consistently; then cover it except for ventilation on bright, sunny days.

Pseudo Greenhouse

 For years, I've had a lean-to over one of our garage doors that I've called my "pseudo greenhouse". It's where I keep pots of marginally hardy plants, dormant bulbs, corms and tubers, cuttings and other things that need a bit of heat and extra care. The framework is exactly like the sketch. We nailed it to the house and covered it in two layers of plastic; one on the outside, secured with batten strips, and one on the inside, stapled to the framework.

 You can do the same kind of thing over any door or other access from your house. Or, you can create a low, narrow door at one side if you have no opening to attach it to. But, if it's not over an opening to the house, you will not benefit from the heat which you will probably need to keep the space above freezing if you're in a cold winter area. The major drawback with this shape is lack of head room because of the sharp angle of the front face as it "leans" back toward the building it's attached to. Nevertheless, it will do the trick until something better comes along. Mine stays around 40F (4.44C), which is fine for all but tropicals.

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