It is well known that greenhouse gardeners need a heat source for their greenhouse in order to extend the growing season or grow plants all year. Who wouldn’t want to be growing plants in a greenhouse no matter what season it is!Greenhouse gardeners usually prefer to use electric greenhouse heaters as opposed to paraffin heaters.

Electric heaters are extremely convenient and easy to use. If you wish to maintain the temperature, you will need thermostatic controls to do so and the heater will then do its job. Some greenhouse gardeners go all out and install complete heat/AC systems to heat in the winter and cool in the summer for the ultimate in year round environment control. You want to build your own greenhouse, it only makes sense to enjoy it year round.

Factors to Consider when Choosing an Electric Greenhouse Heater

When choosing an electric greenhouse heater it is best to select one that not only has a fan, but a variable speed fan with an option that allows for blowing non-heated air. The gardener can simply circulate and refresh the air in the greenhouse by blowing unheated air. A heater including a fan is important so you can minimize cold spots and avoid fungus problems caused by stale air.

The heating capacity needed for the electric greenhouse heater depends on the size of the greenhouse. Be sure the heater you select is appropriately sized, too small a heater for the size of the greenhouse can result in a heater that runs continually, potentially overheating and causing a fire. For most home greenhouses a 2,000-3,000watt electric heater is a good size, neither too small to adequately heat nor so large it creates possibilities for damaging the greenhouse plants.

Electric greenhouse heaters may be permanently installed or there are portable models that may be removed from the greenhouse when not in use. Don’t have a power source near by? Learn about gas greenhouse heaters.

When you are ready to purchase your electric greenhouse heater, choose one designed for greenhouse use so you will deflect any electric and water problems.

Tags: electric greenhouse heater, gas greenhouse heater, greenhouse heaters

Growing your own herbs in an Italian herb garden provides a huge amount of possibilities. Some of the most famous and tastiest herbs in the world come from Italy.  And herbs have an important role at least in a small way to contributing to popular Italian dishes.

Basil is a well know Italian herb and useful in many Italian recipes. Basil will not only add flavor to many Italian cuisines, it is useful in the garden to other plants. Did you know that planting them beside tomatoes and peppers will improve their flavor?. Plus, basil will also repel flies and mosquitoes. Click here for more: italian dried herbs

Parsley, while slightly harder to grow will find it’s way into many Italian recipes as well as other types of cuisine. Many generations ago before their were breath mints it was found that eating fresh, raw parsley after a meal eradicated the bad breath left over from enjoying a flavorful cuisine. So the custom of serving parsley with a dish arose.  The tradition lives today by using parsley as a garnish on a variety of meals.

Equally tasty and appealing is Oregano.  When it is fully mature it will sprout pretty little purple flowers.  Oregano should not be harvested until it has flowered because this is when the plant is most flavorful.

Next is Fennel. whose seeds enhance the zest of many a sauasage.  Fennel, unlike Oregano, looses its essence with age. It is a perennial plant that should be divided and replanted every few years to savor its flavor. For more visit our blog: Herb Gardening Blog

Like basil, rosemary is an Italian herb that is beneficial to the garden.  It grows into a large shrub that spouts pretty little blue flowers. It also finds usefulness in attracting pollinating insects like bees. However, it is sensitive to sharp frosts even though it is a hardy evergreen perrenial.

Garlic is of course one of the most used herbs in Italian cusine. And no Italian herb garden would be complete without garlic.  They need little attention once planted and will thrive in most gardens. They can be easily stored in the freezer or refrigerator once harvested and used at will.

Another herb used in Italian dishes from salads and meats is Sage. New shoots of the plant contain the most flavor so it is recommended not to let sage plants to get to woody by keeping them trim. Therefore, new shoots will be encouraged to grow.  Sage can be harvested after it blooms.

Although there are so many more herbs that can be included in an Italian herb garden, you really should consider which herbs you will use. This means examining the growing conditions for each type of plant and whether or not it is easy for you to provide them. So while Italian herbs are essential for cooking they also provide much more than just flavor. They also make amazing additions to landscape designs. They can be displayed for color and their aroma.

By planting Italian herbs amongst other plants, you will be graced with the sweet aromas straight from Italy. It will be like taking a stroll on a Italian hill side. Click here for more: Herb Garden Guide

Tags: herb garden, herb gardening, Italian Herb Garden, Italian Herb Gardening, Italian Herbs

More and more people want to own portable garden greenhouses now that their cost has come down. However space and budget are key considerations if you plan to purchase a starter greenhouse, or even build your own. When choosing the size of greenhouse that is right for you, you need to think about these two main points carefully. Heating and ventilation needs and water supply need to also be taken into consideration. Once you have decided on size, it’s time to consider the materials to build your greenhouse, and what you will be raising in it.

You have to then choose whether you want an attached or unattached greenhouse. The difference between an attached and free standing greenhouse is that you have direct access from inside the house on an attached, however you need to physically leave the house to enter a free standing one. Or you may opt for an indoor greenhouse if you have space constraints, or if it gets too cold in the winter in your region.

The classic barn-type greenhouse is the most popular of the many different kinds of greenhouses available. Many new greenhouse gardeners are turning to portable greenhouses due to their cost and maintenance. But if you’re serious about greenhouse gardening, you should consider building a permanent structure as it will be more durable over the long term. When individuals think of greenhouses they often think of the glass styles they’ve seen on TV or in glossy magazine pictures, but you don’t need to limit yourself to this extremely pricey option. Popular construction materials utilized in pre-fabricated greenhouses include aluminum framing overlaid with polycarbonate product.

Building the biggest greenhouse you can afford and that will fit into the space you have available is the recommendation of those who love to garden in their greenhouse. A large number of individuals find it necessary to build an addition to a small greenhouse, which can be an expensive undertaking. Larger sized greenhouses can frequently turn people off, as they might not want to commit to growing that many plants. But once people begin gardening, they’re likely to begin growing so many plants that they won’t have room for them all.

Be sure to pick plants that best reflect your level of gardening skill. You’ll be wasting your time if you are not committed to caring for the plants. Another thing to keep in mind is that you must gather information about permits, requirements, and licensing in your area. This means you can spend your time tending to your plants rather than worrying about zoning concerns.

Tags: beginners greenhouse, garden greenhouses, greenhouse, greenhouses, indoor greenhouse, portable greenhouse, starter greenhouse