[cowgirlup]

Originally Posted by Camdor

Another thing y'all can do is to create your own greenhouse.

I found some plans and instructions, complete with materials list and tools list, HERE

It's a half-dome shape which has more internal area for growing than something like an A-Frame and it takes less than an hour to construct.

Built from PVC and visqueen, it also looks like it can be broken down easily and compacted if you were to spend some extra time and section out and then thread the PVC piping in, similar to a pool cue.

This could be a really fun and very useful project and, if the idea of sectioning and threading the piping DOES actually work (it was an idea off the top of my head), you could add a scaled down version to a larger Bug out kit.

That sounds like a good idea. We've talked about adding a greenhouse or coldframe. I think it would help since we have such a short growing season anyway.

[pocomoonskyeyes]

A flourescent light with "plant grow" bulbs could solve that problem, and be fairly cheap.

[Camdor]

A grow lamp really does work and is really nothing more than a full spectrum bulb that you set on a timer to emulate the amount of daylight in the native area of the plants you want to grow.

Another thing I've always wanted to try but haven't had the space is hydroponics, or growing without soil. The nutrients needed by the plants is carried into the roots via water. From what I have read, it produces fruit sooner than soil methods because there is less work for the cellular walls of the root system to do and therefore more nutrients are able to get to the plants. Combine this with the grow lights and it should be very interesting.

Oh but to own enough land to do everything I wanna do!!!

(Prays for a lottery hit)

[lpm67]

Originally Posted by cowgirlup

That sounds like a good idea. We've talked about adding a greenhouse or coldframe. I think it would help since we have such a short growing season anyway.

If you back a greenhouse or coldframe up against a chook house you get the heat generated from the chook poo.....also make the lower level of your beds with manure to heat from below....all helps if its a cold climate.

[cowgirlup]

Originally Posted by lpm67

If you back a greenhouse or coldframe up against a chook house you get the heat generated from the chook poo.....also make the lower level of your beds with manure to heat from below....all helps if its a cold climate.

Chook? Chook Poo???

LOL! What is a chook?

[mscureman]

Apparently, it's New Zealand for "chicken". Lel and ColcordMama (I think) had this discussion in this thread a few weeks ago. That's the only reason I know what chooks are.

[cowgirlup]

Originally Posted by mscureman

Apparently, it's New Zealand for "chicken". Lel and ColcordMama (I think) had this discussion in this thread a few weeks ago. That's the only reason I know what chooks are.

I thought it might be but you never know.

I must have forgotten seeing that because I usually remember odd things and details like that.

[lpm67]

Originally Posted by cowgirlup

I thought it might be but you never know.

I must have forgotten seeing that because I usually remember odd things and details like that.

Sorry....I am a bit odd...lol...I try not to slip into jargon but I guess I've been a bit tired this past month and calling chickens 'chooks' is so common here that even publications refer to them that way. I will try to be better mummy...lol...

[Camdor]

Originally Posted by lpm67

Sorry....I am a bit odd...lol...I try not to slip into jargon but I guess I've been a bit tired this past month and calling chickens 'chooks' is so common here that even publications refer to them that way. I will try to be better mummy...lol...

LOL!

Thank you Mum!

Actually I was curious so I called a dear friend in Wanaka and he told me he wasn't sure himself. Not sure if he was serious or just trying to get off the phone and take his board back up the mountains, LOL

[Tangalor]

CowGirl, you've inspired me to redouble my efforts on my garden! I'll start with the front yard, I think, and work my way back. We have tons of space around the side, but one thing: We have a resident rabbit that's around here, anything you suggest for deterrence/elimination? My wife and I have discussed eating it, but not unless I actually catch him/her eating our veggies..