How Many Worm Bins Do I Need?
Most greenhouse gardeners agree, the more worm bins, the better! Since most red worms can consume half their weight in food each day, you will need to figure out how many worm bins you can support. Estimate how much food waste you create each day in pounds, multiply by two, and that will determine how many pounds of red worms you can support. You should place about one half pound of red worms in each worm bin. Just keep in mind that your worm will multiply as time goes on so once your worm population gets established in one bin, you can take worms from that bin to start another.

What to Feed Your Worm Bins
While worms are not particularly picky eaters, there are some food items that they abhor. Do not place milk, cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese, meat drippings, trimmed fat, grease, or meat into your worm bins.

Worms are mostly vegetarians, and love all breads, grains, cereals (minus the milk), banana peels, eggshells, vegetables, fruits, and even teabags, and coffee grounds (including the paper filter). They love to feast on moist cardboard, paper, and newspaper, but avoid anything with plastic coatings or chemical treatments.

Tips for Keeping Your Worm Bins Healthy
Maintaining your worm bins is not likely to rival the upkeep on a four-star hotel, but there are some basic worm bin tips that will help keep your worms happy and healthy.

• Keep plenty of fresh, moist bedding in the worm bins (like moistened, shredded newspaper)

• Make sure your ventilation holes are free from obstruction and adequate to keep your bin smelling fresh

• Harvest your worm castings regularly

• Bury your worm’s food in the bedding to avoid attracting insects

Worm bins make a natural and easy to care for gardening companion. They don’t require extensive care, attention, or nurturing like farm animals, and still produce plentiful fertilizers that will make your crops thrive.

Read more about vermicomposting

How to Make Your Own Upside Down Tomato Planters
Materials you will need:
1. Container, such as plastic pots, empty (and clean and sterilized) milk jugs or 2 liter soda bottles
2. Hanging apparatus, such as an eye bolt or heavy hook
3. Paint, duct tape, or sleeve covering made from heavy paper or fabric if you are using an opaque or clear container
4. Netting (like landscape weed control netting) if you are using a plastic pot
5. Moisture retaining potting soil mixture of your choice (like 2 parts CocoLite Bricks, 1 part perlite, and 1 part Groden granulates)
6. Seedlings

Constructing Your Tomato Planters
1. Be sure to wash and sterilize all your gardening tools containers, and soil (if you are reusing potting soil) before you begin to keep your tomato plants healthy

2. Prepare your container by drilling or cutting a 2 to 3 inch hole in the side (for soda and milk containers) or bottom (for plastic pots) for the placement of your plant.

3. Next, drill a small hole for the eye hook to attach in the bottom of the soda container. For milk jugs, you can craft a hanging harness out of twine to hang your container in addition to using an eye hook as the jug will be heavier and the plastic is less sturdy than the bottom of a 2 liter bottle, and selecting a plastic pot with a built in hanger is best.

4. If you are using an opaque or clear soda or milk container, you will need to cover the outside with paint, duct tape, or a paper or fabric sleeve to protect the plant’s roots from sunlight.

5. If you are using a plastic pot, cover the hole with netting to keep the soil from washing out during waterings. The weight of the soil should be enough to keep it secure if you cut a circle that fills the bottom of the pot instead of just large enough to cover the opening. Cut an “X” into the netting to allow you to feed the roots of the tomato plant through the opening and into the soil.

6. Fill your container with moisture retaining potting soil.

7. Place your seedling through the spout of the soda or milk container, or through the center of the netting in the bottom of the plastic pot. Make sure you bury the root ball, and even up to ¾ of the tomato plant into the dirt, leaving just the last quarter of the plant exposed through the opening.

8. If you are using a plastic pot, you can plant herbs, flowers, or other plants with shallow root systems in the top to make your tomato planter even more attractive.

9. Hang, and water well.

Be sure to water, water, water those tomato planters often, and monitor your plants for problems. While these planters eliminate some common problems like frost danger, soil drainage issues, and some insect problems, they are prone to over heating, overexposure to sunlight, and dehydration.

Not Just for Tomatoes

Upside down tomato planters can be modified for other heat-loving plants, like banana peppers, zucchini, cucumbers, and peppers. Just be sure to monitor your plants closely, especially for dehydration. Some plants will require extra waterings to keep them healthy and happy.

Don’t’ be afraid to experiment with your tomato planters and keep us informed of your successes and not-so-successful endeavors!

Greenhouse kits often contain everything you need to get started. You can choose from a greenhouse kit for a ready-to-assemble greenhouse, or a complete gardening kit with tools, seeds, and potting soil included. These complete greenhouse kits are ideal when families, educators, or small children will be gardening.
 
The ready-to-assemble greenhouse kits come with the construction supplies, hardware, and tools you will need to erect your own greenhouse. You can choose from a large variety of styles, shapes, and sizes to fit your individual gardening needs.
 
Mini Home Greenhouses

Home greenhouses, or indoor greenhouses, are ideal for people with limited outdoor growing space. These types of greenhouses can be placed in a closet or basement, a windowsill, or even on a outside porch. The type of home greenhouse you select is often most dependent upon the amount of space you have available for your greenhouse.
 
If indoor space is not a limiting factor in your selection, you can choose your home greenhouse according to the types and numbers of crops you wish to grow. If you only want to grow a few herbs for cooking, a simple countertop greenhouse will do. However, if you want to fill you basement with greenhouse kits and grow light to produce an entire veggie, flower, and fruit selection, then you may want to select a larger home greenhouse or multiple shelving-type home greenhouses.
 
Portable Garden Greenhouse

The garden greenhouse is one of the easiest ways to begin a greenhouse gardening hobby.  These types of greenhouses include pop up greenhouses, portable greenhouses, and even cold frame greenhouses that make outdoor gardening easier. These greenhouses can be placed over plants in your outdoor garden, or can be used to get a head start on or extend the growing season.

Finding the right greenhouse for you is one of the biggest decisions of beginning your greenhouse gardening hobby, but it’s also one the most exciting. Once you  decide on a type of greenhouse, you can get serious about getting down to the dirty and fun aspects of indoor gardening.

Greenhouse Seedling Starters

Seedling starters can be done inside your home or in the greenhouse with a few adaptations. One of the easiest methods of starting your seeds is to purchase a plastic starter kit from your garden supply store. This type of kit often contains peat pellets or cups, a base tray, and a clear cover for keeping in heat and moisture. You add water and your own seeds and place the tray in a sunny window or under a grow light.

If you decide to start your seeds in the greenhouse, you can use the same system, or you can adapt your greenhouse trays for seedlings by placing plastic wrap over the top of the trays until the seedlings emerge. Be sure to disinfect all your supplies before planting, especially if you have left them unused all winter.

Greenhouse Grow Lights and Shade Cloths

If you don’t already have them, you will likely need a few grow lights and shade cloths as the daylight hours begin to lengthen in the spring and summer months. Your grow lights can be used to supplement the light for your seedlings until they are ready to harden for outdoor planting. As summer approaches, you will need to protect your delicate saplings from the most intense rays of the day with a shade cloth to prevent burning and dehydration.

Your Gardening Gear

Spring is also a great time to inspect and replace your gardening shoes. You’ll be trekking through some mud in the next few weeks, and wet muddy feet in the chilly weather can be a joy killer. Your gardening gloves and boots are key gardening tools during this time of year and help protect you from the elements while you care for your plants.

Gathering the essential needed supplies and accessories for your greenhouse and garden will help you greet the coming spring and summer months with preparation and a smile.

Location. Where you place your greenhouse often has a significant say in what type of greenhouse you purchase. You want to situate your greenhouse conveniently on your property, but you also want to choose a location that allows for optimal sunlight conditions for the plants you will be growing inside.
 
For many gardeners, a lean-to greenhouse is the best option. This provides easy access from living quarters, and uses an existing external wall of your home, which means you must only erect three sides to complete your greenhouse. However a lean-to greenhouse may not receive sufficient sun exposure on some properties. In this case, a freestanding type of greenhouse is required.
 
Portable greenhouses offer the gardener great flexibility. These greenhouses are often lightweight, easy to clean, and inexpensive. They can be moved around the property to suit the changing needs of the gardener during the changing of the seasons and offer a wide range of purchase options.
 
Size. Are you limited on space? If so, you can still enjoy greenhouse gardening! Window greenhouses and indoor greenhouses are available for those who prefer or need to garden indoors. Like other greenhouse varieties, indoor greenhouses are available to fit nearly any space or budget.
 
If you have need of a larger greenhouse, a domed, commercial style greenhouse may be just what you are searching for. A traditional glass greenhouse is also a great option for gardeners with room to spare. This type of greenhouse adds charm, beauty, and value to any property.
 
Budget. Your gardening budget is often the most limiting factor in selecting a home greenhouse. If price were no object, most gardeners would have multiple greenhouses. However, most gardeners are forced to curb their spending habits enough to allow for the purchase of gardening supplies, garden tools, and plants, as well as a new home greenhouse. For the seriously thrifty gardener, a used home greenhouse may be the best option. Otherwise, a portable greenhouse is a good choice for the budget-conscious gardener.
 
Location, size, and budget are the three main factors to consider when selecting a new home greenhouse. If gardening is your passion, there is sure to be a greenhouse that fits your needs.

Fairy Garden

Adding fairies to your garden could bring a bit of luck and whimsy to your greenhouse. Fairy statues, plaques, and plant markers add decoration and can be very useful as well.
 
Woodland Spirits

Adding a few woodland spirits to your garden will make you smile. These woodland faces are added to walk ways, trees, shrubs, and posts. They come in a variety of sizes, colors, and expressions, and you can even opt to give your favorite tree arms if the mood strikes.
 
Glitter, Sparkle, and Shine

Gardeners know that adding a little sparkle to your garden helps keep the birds away. Glitter tape, old CDs, disco balls, and wind chimes can be combined into an eclectic collection that doubles as a bird deterrent.  In addition, you can use CDs and music themed decorations to create a rockin’ theme, or add a few disco balls to celebrate your love of the 70s.

Sun, Moon, and Stars

The sun, moon, and stars theme is very popular and with a few well-placed garden accessories, you can brig this theme into your outdoor oasis as well.
 
Castles and Knights

If you’ve always dreamed of being King Arthur or the princess of a castle, a castle and knights theme may be just what you are looking for! You can grow roses up a castle wall, water your plants from dragon shaped watering can, or create a moat complete with a drawbridge around your garden.
 
Asian Influence

An Asian inspired garden is a very popular theme. Zen rock gardens, bonsai trees, pagodas, water fountains, and coy ponds all make terrific Asian-inspired garden accessories.
 
Colors, Colors Everywhere

If you have a favorite color, why not bring your favorite hue into the garden with more than just flowers? You can add garden accessory accents in your favorite color, or select a color palate to coordinate with your garden furniture or home decor. You can even go for a rainbow effect and create a color paradise in your own backyard.
 
Sunflowers Galore

Sunflowers are an extremely popular garden and greenhouse theme. These brightly colored yellow petals offset nicely with the natural green of your plants. Or, you can add a few blue accents to contrast with your sunflower garden accessories.
Creating a garden or greenhouse theme with coordinating garden accessories is a great way to add some fun and personality to your gardening paradise.

Cold frames can either be placed on top of the ground, or below ground level to help take advantage of the insulating properties of the earth. Your frame should be placed in a manner to take maximum advantage of the sun. Position your cold frame at a ten-degree angle, facing in a southerly position. You can also select an area with a slightly sloping landscape to assist with drainage inside the cold frame.

B: Befitting-What to Grow in Your Cold Frame

Some plants thrive inside a cold frame environment. Gardeners most often place leaf lettuce, spinach, chard, carrots, and even evergreen starters in a cold frame. Depending on your climate and the quality of your cold frame, you can experiment with other hardy vegetables and houseplants to see what you can grow in your area.
 
C: Climate-Temperature Control in a Cold Frame

Since cold frames essentially act as miniature greenhouses, monitoring and adjusting the internal temperature of the frame is necessary to ensure the survival of your plants. Even when the air temperature is cooler in spring or fall, direct sunlight may heat the air inside your frame to a temperature that will fry or wilt your plants. Opening the sash of the cold frame is often sufficient to vent trapped heated air and protect your plants. A simple window-mounted thermometer is often all that is required to help you monitor your frame’s temperature.
 
When the temperature drops below 20 degrees, your cold frame will need some additional insulation to keep your plants from freezing. The easiest way to add some winter insulation on those bone-chilling days is to use burlap, newspaper, or old blankets to help insulate the frame. (Be sure to check back and remove the insulation once the temperature warms up.)

Gardening in a cold frame is a fun and easy way to experiment with this late producing plants, and extend your gardening hobby into the winter months. Placement, climate control, and plant selection are the three key points to remember when embarking on your cold frame gardening adventure.
 
You can build your own cold frame by visiting Garden Gate Magazine: http://www.gardengatemagazine.com/main/pdf/coldfram.pdf.

A passive solar greenhouse is the easiest, and generally the most inexpensive type of solar system to obtain and install. Passive solar systems collect heat from the sun during the day and store it for release during the night. This system often replaces the need for supplemental heating systems on all but the coldest of nights in most climates.
 
In order for a passive solar greenhouse to be effective, the greenhouse must have a glazing material that allows the passage of light, while retaining heat. Insulation is also generally used in areas of the greenhouse that receive little sunlight, and a storage medium in necessary. The easiest storage medium is water.
 
Drums of water placed under gardening benches and positioned to come into contact with sunlight streaming in through the sunniest areas of the greenhouse will provide sufficient heating for the entire greenhouse. A general rule of thumb for how much water is needed is 2 -5 gallons of water for each square foot of glazing (corrugated plastic, doubled walled glass, or polycarbonate film), depending on your regional location.
 
Active Solar Greenhouse

The active solar greenhouse system most often uses water as a storage medium but it also may incorporate a pump for circulating the heating water or solar energy panels to supplement the natural radiation of heat from the medium during cooler periods.
 
In an active solar greenhouse, water storage pipes are often placed below ground level in the greenhouse to take advantage of the natural thermal heating and cooling properties of the soil. In this system, corrugated tubing is used and the tubing system size is equal to the surface area of the greenhouse floor.

Solar greenhouse systems are energy efficient, economical, and easy to maintain. For greenhouse gardeners, the sun is a friendly source of heat, light, nurturing, and enjoyment.

**If you would like more detailed information on solar greenhouse systems, the National Sustainable Agriculture Resources Center has more information on solar greenhouse systems at: http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/solar-gh.html.

The biggest advantage for a greenhouse is to be able to plant seeds while it is still cold so that the sprouting plants can be planted in the soil come spring. There is an ongoing debate over whether or not mini greenhouses are worth having over a traditional commercial greenhouse. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of the mini greenhouse.

Pros of the Mini Greenhouse:
• Since a mini greenhouse is a smaller size than a commercial unit (commercial units range 200+ sq ft) one person can maintain it. The average home gardener does not want to hire someone to help with greenhouse upkeep so the smaller size comes in handy.
• A small back yard or a balcony is no place for a full sized greenhouse, but a mini greenhouse would fit perfectly in the little space. The compact size allows for convenient placement wherever there is space, or, in this case, lack there of.
• Avid hobby gardeners know that having a greenhouse is a huge benefit, especially during the cooler months. Instead of spending all of their money on a full sized greenhouse, which will have unused space, a mini greenhouse can be purchased or built for considerably less.

Cons of the Mini Greenhouse:
• The biggest con of a mini greenhouse vs a commercial greenhouse is lack of space. You don’t have as much space to move around while working in a mini greenhouse and if want to expand your greenhouse operation, you have to buy another mini greenhouse.

Even though having all the growing space of a commercial greenhouse would be wonderful, many gardeners still opt for the mini greenhouses for two reasons; space limitations and cost of upkeep. While many people would like to have a commercial greenhouse it is just not practical when a smaller one will provide the same effects at a more reasonable price and a more manageable operation.

Reduce in the Greenhouse
Reducing energy consumption in the greenhouse begins in the construction stage. Energy conservation techniques for building can be extended to the greenhouse with a few minor alterations. If your greenhouse plan does not include a mechanical ventilation system, but relies on manually opening panels when the temperature rises, you will want to seal up any cracks, gaps and crevices you can find. Creating a sealed greenhouse environment (but not airtight – you do need constant fresh air) will make it easier to hold in the sun’s natural heat in the winter and lower your heating costs. Conversely, if you employ a heating/air conditioning unit or an electric fan for ventilation, sealing up any large gaps in the greenhouse will make your heating and cooling efforts more efficient.

Insulation is a major source of energy savings in a standard building construction project. To save money on heating, look at the R factor of various greenhouse covering materials and select one that will help hold the heat in your greenhouse. Also consider the framing. Metal frames conduct heat out of the greenhouse and cold into the greenhouse while plastic and wood frames do not. If possible, avoid metal frames.

Reuse in the Greenhouse
Reusing items in the greenhouse not only saves money, but it helps the environment. Pots, seedling inserts and trays are all things that can be used over and over again. Just wash them with a bleach/water solution to kill any harmful bacteria that might be lingering. 

Recycle in the Greenhouse
Recycling in the greenhouse is best seen through the practice of composting. An energy conscious greenhouse gardener contributes to a compost pile year round, not only for the sake of recycling yard waste, food scraps and other consumable organic products, but for the terrifically rich and fertile yields of the compost pile itself. Plants treated with compost material grow larger, stronger and healthier than plants treated with artificial fertilizers and chemicals. When planning your greenhouse construction, you can include a nearby composting area to incorporate your recycling habits into the overall greenhouse plan.

Greenhouse gardeners can also recycle glass panels, gardening tools, soil, and beneficial insects.

Being energy conscious in the greenhouse is a natural choice and is easy to implement with a little forethought and effort. Reduce, reuse and recycle is the greenhouse gardener’s motto.

For more information on saving energy in the greenhouse, the California Farm Bureau Federation has provided a list of energy saving tips for the greenhouse at: http://www.cfbf.com/issues/energy/green.cfm.