Q: To greenhouse or not to greenhouse?
Tuesday, July 28th, 2009I have always wanted a greenhouse. I live in the Bay Area on the east side of the Berkeley Hills. We have a few days to a week of frost in our area. My (very hilly!) lot is filled with old oak trees, some of which are deciduous. Shade is plentiful. Sunlight hard to come by. My primary purpose in getting a green house is to start seeds in December and January, when frost is likely, and again in July, when things are hot.
So I have some questions.
1. Where will the greenhouse go? I am thinking a corner of the lot which is shaded by deciduous trees would make the most sense — light in the winter, cool in the summer.
2. Will the unheated greenhouse provide sufficient warmth in the winter? It would be on the slope of a hill, most likely,
possibly near the house. We don’t see much frost there.
3. Is on the north side of a redwood, close to the house, under a huge deciduous oak a good choice? Or should I pick a sunnier spot?
4. Would I have enough frost protection to grow something tropical?
5. Will seeds sprout in the shade in the summer and develop normally without being leggy from lack of light?
Any advice about greenhouses would be greatly appreciated! I do see one or two around the neighborhood, so I think it is possible.
