Winter greens

[greginshasta]

Quote:
If anyone wants to own a greenhouse, Harbor Freight has 3 sizes at this link .

And there is an active community here who have done a great job of documenting all sorts of ways that either model (6x8 or 10x12) can be reinforced and customized into a much better unit. Search on HFGH in that forum if interested.

10x12

6x8

4x6

 

[LindaN]

Thanks for the links, greginshasta. I really don't need any more encouragement to covet a greenhouse now!

My "vision" is to build a passive solar greenhouse with a chicken coop attached. The chickens could be allowed to roam the greenhouse or not. And, they would provide body heat for the greenhouse. I don't want to grow tropicals in the north, but would want to use the greenhouse to grow some hardy greens to eat through the winter. (I'd share some with the chickens, too.)

The trick is finding a kit greenhouse that can be adapted, since I'm no carpenter. Oh, and the footprint on this wouldn't be terribly large either: maybe the greenhouse itself would be about 6X10 (not including the chicken coop), running alongside the side of the garage. At least the garage wall is brick and would provide additional thermal mass.

If only all we wished was as easy as it sounds. *sigh*

 

[GloriaH]

I read an artical I think it was in Backwoods Home Magazine about a man who winters his chickens in his green house. I glad I was reminded of it. I'll see if I can find it. It was really interesting.

 

[greginshasta]

Quote:
Look into this book: http://www.solviva.com/

 

[FrozenChicken]

Quote:
Well I store the turnips in a grainery and they freeze! and the hens still devour them. It takes them maybe a day and a large turnip is all but gone. They like beets like Zenbirder said I gave them a box of leftover beets from canning and again maybe just a couple days and they are toast.

 

[LindaN]

Great link, greginshasta! Thanks!!

 

[greginshasta]

Quote:
Around our community, following the Solviva methods seems to have almost a cult-like following. When we moved here and started talking about the various projects we wanted to pursue, everyone seemed to want to lend us their copy of the book.

 

[GloriaH]

I found it! Backyard Poultry Magazine. Volume2, Number2, April/May 2007
Chickens in the greenhouse By Harvey Ussery
www.themodernhomestead.us

If you can't get the artical let me know and I will copy it and send it to anyone who wants it.

 

[schmoo]

Could someone post a list of seeds that can germinate in very low temps. I have a cold frame that would work until it really gets snowing around here. I need something very hardy that does not take alot of care. thanks for any suggestions.

So far I see winter rye. Where could I get seeds for that?

 

[GloriaH]

Hi Schmoo, I know kale is real hardy so is spinach, rape, really any of the fall greens. Turnip greens ect. If you would send away for some seed catalogs you could find what you need. I like Seeds of Change. They are organic and reasonably priced.