Many greenhouse growers use their greenhouses for a short period during the warmer months of the year, but there are a small percentage of us that grow year round!

This month by month outline will share what tasks may need to be done year round.

Keeping in mind that I garden in Alberta Canada, (zone 2) the outdoor growing season is from mid to the end of May until the hard frosts take my gardens in mid to late September or early October.  If your climate is a bit milder than mine, you can adjust your greenhouse schedule to suit your climate.

This schedule is made for a plan to plant outdoors in Mid to late May.

AUGUST

In August we get to see the rewards of our efforts both inside and out side of the greenhouse.  This Month we get to enjoy the view of the gardens, the fruits of the veggies and plants as well as take pride in the attractive displays of flowers and foliage in and out of our greenhouses.

In August I do the following tasks in my greenhouse:

* Our temperature control issues remain this month.  Ventilation and air flow are vital tasks for us to keep up with. 

* This is a very busy month for the greenhouse enthusiast.  Watering is a job which can seem almost endless, as is the monitoring of our vents to keep temps down to a dull roar….especially if you do not have automatic venting systems in place.

*Many greenhouse owners have family weekend camping trips and other holidays planned for this month.  These activities will make it important to find a loyal and reliable friend or neighbor to take care of  not only the plants in your gardens, but more critically the care of the ones inside the greenhouse.

* in August it is often difficult to keep our temperatures in the greenhouse down to a dull roar.  Where we struggle in January and February to bring temperatures up—we now worry that they are too high.  Making sure your vent system is in good working order is critical.  I often open all the doors and window and set up additional fans that will force the hot air down and out of the greenhouse.

* **Damping Down** all of the walls, floors, and staging inside the greenhouse will help cool the temperatures off a little bit and add some humidity to the air.

* As we did install ‘Sun Scorch’ protection in June, we will continue to use it in August to protect our plants from the damaging rays of a hot sun.

* we must remain vigilant in our watering regime and be sure to damp down regularly.

*Watch for diseases and pests this month.  Many harmful bugs such as red spider mite, white fly, and thrips are among those which thrive this time of year.  We also need to watch or grey mould and mildew as well.  If any of these issues should arise, take IMMEDIATE action.

*outside issues that can “move” into our greenhouses will include butterflies that will be laying eggs, birds and other flying/ crawling insects.  These pests invade through open windows doors and vents.  My solution to this threat was to install as screened door and screened windows to my structure.  Trying to catch or guide a scared bird out of the greenhouse is NO FUN.

*Get the plant food ready to use!!!  Our plants are growing quickly and are in their prime.  Regular doses of the plant food of your choice  whether “green”, organic or chemical in nature will keep them growing strong.

* wanting to make more plants?  August is an excellent month to take cuttings from our existing stock.  The nice warm conditions in the greenhouse will help the cuttings form roots quickly

*maintain those clean conditions in the greenhouse…this will help prevent problems!!

*start making sure you stock up on supplies such as pots, soil, plant food, bulbs etc…we can never be too prepared!

* begin to do some maintenance on your garden tools this month.  Many garden centers are putting our favorite tools on sale to clear space for the fall merchandise…this is an excellent time to start thinking about replacing those tools which are worn out.

*Don’t forget to update your garden journals!!!  Continue to take lots of photos to remind yourself of the things you do and do not like for future reference!

*enjoy the long days  and warm evenings of August in your gardens and greenhouse!

I will see you again in September with more greenhouse tasks!

What tasks do you do for  the month of August in your greenhouse?

Until next time….Happy gardening!

(¯`v´¯)
`*.¸.*´Glenda/Tootsie
¸.•´¸.•*¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´ .•´ ¸¸.•¨¯`•.

www.tootsietime.com

Many greenhouse growers use their greenhouses for a short period during the warmer months of the year, but there are a small percentage of us that grow year round!

This month by month outline will share what tasks may need to be done year round.

Keeping in mind that I garden in Alberta Canada, (zone 2) the outdoor growing season is from mid to the end of May until the hard frosts take my gardens in mid to late September or early October.  If your climate is a bit milder than mine, you can adjust your greenhouse schedule to suit your climate.

This schedule is made for a plan to plant outdoors in Mid to late May.

In this oh so hot month of July, we don’t have much going on inside the greenhouse at all except maybe a few tropical plants  that enjoy the heat!  July is often the hottest month of the year for  the greenhouse gardener…Watering and making sure ventilation is working properly are almost a full time job!

In July, I do the following tasks in my greenhouse:

*keeping the temperatures low enough is a difficult task this month.  Open ventilation systems and possibly even the addition of some supplemental fans may be necessary this month. 

* Keep up the shading for the tender leaves of the plants that you may have growing in your greenhouse.  Shading will also help protect the greenhouse equipment such as the cell packs and trays from melting under the scorching temps of the hot summer sun.

* Regular Damping Down is a MUST this month in order to keep temps a bit lower and humidity at a good level.

*Water, water and more water for the plants you have growing inside the greenhouse.  High summer temperatures will dry them out faster than you think, and it is easy for a dry plant to perish in hot conditions.

*Maintain your cleaning regimen in the greenhouse…

*  Keep a vigilant eye open for pests in the greenhouse this month.  Spider mites LOVE warm dry conditions, as do whitefly and aphids…so be ready with your remedies as soon as the first indication that there is trouble comes to your attention.

* Watch for things such as grey mould and mildew this month.  All the extra watering could help such things propagate themselves.

* FEED those potted plants in the greenhouse.  July is a great month to promote healthy growth.  Warm roots are active roots!!!  Feed them and watch those plants shoot up!

*Maintain the supplies in your greenhouse…

*Stop and enjoy the sights and smells of all the beautiful blooms and  bright foliage both inside and outside your greenhouse

*Don’t forget!!!  We must update our garden journals this month!!!  Continue to take lots of photos to remind yourself of the things you do and do not like for future reference!

I will see you again in August with more greenhouse tasks!

What tasks do you do for  the month of July in your greenhouse?

Until next time….Happy gardening!

(¯`v´¯)
`*.¸.*´Glenda/Tootsie
¸.•´¸.•*¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´ .•´ ¸¸.•¨¯`•.

www.tootsietime.com

Welcome!!! I am so glad you dropped by today!!!

Do you have a list of favorite blogs that you love to read? Do the posts inspire you? Have you just found a new blog that you are excited about and want to share the news??? Well…if you answered yes to any of these….this is your lucky day!

This party is not just any party…it is a party with a TWIST!!! You don’t get to blow your own horn…you get to share a blog that who you admire!! There is no better way to show appreciation for the inspiration/ entertainment/ information than to send some new followers their way!

Read ‘Em Wednesday is a brand new way to show appreciation for your fellow bloggers! It is a party that offers us an opportunity to bring attention to some of the best blogs out there!

All you have to do is this:

A..Choose a blog that you enjoy reading off your blog list.

B..Write yourself a post introducing us all to your chosen blog and it’s author.

C..Be sure to put a link to that special blog in your post!

D..Link your blog post to this party…specific post URL…not your home page

E. Enjoy the party…and perhaps find a few new favorites on the list!

Now…I know I know…you are wondering if there are specific rules that this party insists you follow….funny you should ask:

There are a few straight forward guidelines that we ask you to follow…They are common sense really…

The Guidelines of this party are:

1. You cannot feature or share a blog that is not family friendly…NO PORN or ADULT SITES please!!!

2. You can feature any blog you want…any blog…there is no limit to the topic.

3. You cannot share your own blog…you Must share a favorite that you follow

4. Your post must include two things: 1. A link to the blog you are sharing. 2. A link to this party. You may also use the logo of this party and include a link to it as well. Either way….you MUST link to the hosting blog for this party!!!

( Any post that does not link directly to the host blog will be deleted…Our logo/link is VERY important to bring traffic to your blog and the blog you are sharing.)

5. You cannot enter without a post sharing another blog that you appreciate. You must share another blog.

6. You can only enter one time per week

7. you do not need to become a follower of each participant…but it would be nice if you have the time, to go to at least a few of them, and leave a wonderful word or two…and maybe even follow if you like what you see!

8. You are not allowed to feature any sites that are directly trying to sell something. This is not a party for advertising …or pedaling any wares. Any blogs that are created to sell any product will be deleted by party admin.

You can join/link into this fun new party at Tootsie Time, Growing 4 Seasons and at the Garden Chat Blog…It doesn’t matter which one you link into…the link will appear on all four lists… exposing not only your blog, but your featured blog to a whole lot of new fans! The linky will open Monday evenings and will close on Tuesday evening at midnight. You don’t have much time to join in the fun, so you best get posting!!!

———————————–

This is my share for the week.   

I love that I can go just about anywhere in the world and see the gardens grow…simply with the click of my mouse.    I have so many favorite gardens that I dream of visiting in person one day.  But for now, I will sit in my chair and pretend I am in another country walking the paths. 

One of the gardens I hope one day to see is in Australia.  Bush Bernie’s Blog has been among those who inspire me to garden year round.  The shares that Bernie always posts, show a passionate gardener with such a sweet demeanour.  You won’t be disappointed if you click over to visit.  I am never disappointed in my visit…and in fact I get a real kick out of seeing that the seasons in Australia are the exact opposite of those in Alberta!  Spring is just beginning there….while in my garden, winter is setting in quickly! 

Head over and say hi to my sweet friend Bernie…I just know you will be welcomed!

Until next time….Happy Reading!!!

(¯`v´¯)
`*.¸.*´Glenda/Tootsie
¸.•´¸.•*¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´ .•´ ¸¸.•¨¯`•.

Welcome!!!  I am so glad you dropped by today!!!

Do you have a list of favorite blogs that you love to read? Do the posts inspire you? Have you just found a new blog that you are excited about and want to share the news??? Well…if you answered yes to any of these….this is your lucky day!

This party is brand spanking new! It is not just any party…it is a party with a TWIST!!! You don’t get to blow your own horn…you get to share a blog that who you admire!! There is no better way to show appreciation for the inspiration/ entertainment/ information than to send some new followers their way!

Read ‘Em Wednesday is a brand new way to show appreciation for your fellow bloggers! It is a party that offers us an opportunity to bring attention to some of the best blogs out there!

All you have to do is this:

A..Choose a blog that you enjoy reading off your blog list.

B..Write yourself a post introducing us all to your chosen blog and it’s author.

C..Be sure to put a link to that special blog in your post!

D..Link your blog post to this party…specific post URL…not your home page

E. Enjoy the party…and perhaps find a few new favourites on the list!

Now…I know I know…you are wondering if there are specific rules that this party insists you follow….funny you should ask:

There are a few straight forward guidelines that we ask you to follow…They are common sense really…

The Guidelines of this party are:

1. You cannot feature or share a blog that is not family friendly…NO PORN or ADULT SITES please!!!

2. You can feature any blog you want…any blog…there is no limit to the topic.

3. You cannot share your own blog…you Must share a favorite that you follow

4. Your post must include two things: 1. A link to the blog you are sharing. 2. A link to this party. You may also use the logo of this party and include a link to it as well. Either way….you MUST link to the hosting blog for this party!!!

( Any post that does not link directly to the host blog will be deleted…Our logo/link is VERY important to bring traffic to your blog and the blog you are sharing.)

5. You cannot enter without a post sharing another blog that you appreciate. You must share another blog.

6. You can only enter one time per week

7. you do not need to become a follower of each participant…but it would be nice if you have the time, to go to at least a few of them, and leave a wonderful word or two…and maybe even follow if you like what you see!

8. You are not allowed to feature any sites that are directly trying to sell something. This is not a party for advertising …or pedaling any wares. Any blogs that are created to sell any product will be deleted by party admin.

You can join/link into this fun new party at Tootsie Time, Growing 4 Seasons and at the Garden Chat Blog…It doesn’t matter which one you link into…the link will appear on all four lists… exposing not only your blog, but your featured blog to a whole lot of new fans! The linky will open Monday evenings and will close on Tuesday evening at midnight. You don’t have much time to join in the fun, so you best get posting!!!

———————————–

This is my share for the week:

I love to read blogs when I can…and I just adore garden blogs.  I also like to read the odd joke blog and several blogs about junkin’ and decorating…These are all things I know how to do…but there is one blog that I love to read…simply because I envy this woman’s special gift.

I have tried…and tried…and tried again, but to no avail.  I  thought I had the wrong equipment…so I went shopping…nope…thought maybe the background was wrong…so I painted it…nope…the fact that I needed to face…was I was no DIANE.   I am tablescape challenged.  I suck…stink on ice…simply cannot set a gorgeous table!

I do however LOVE to visit Tablescapes By Diane.   This woman can set a table for ANY occasion!  The cutest Halloween table I have ever seen was just set last week!  You guys…if you have not seen this wonderful woman’s gift…PLEASE head over there and check her out!  She rocks that dish cupboard every chance she gets!

Diane is a sweetheart too…she leaves the kindest comments for those who visit…always returns the visit and never ever has laughed at me for being plate handicapped!  I honestly don’t know how she does it…but I love to look at her work!

Check her out…click her name…the link will take you right there!  She’s probably setting us all a table for tea as we speak!

Until next Time….Happy reading!

(¯`v´¯)
`*.¸.*´Glenda/Tootsie
¸.•´¸.•*¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´ .•´ ¸¸.•¨¯`•.

I thought I’d take today’s post to show you the current state of my greenhouse!

Caution…the contents of this post caused this Tootsie a lot of anxiety and some tears.  (I’m ok now though!  Ha-ha)

The move is inevitable…and a greenhouse is a must in my world.  There are restrictions in the new house, and things are running a bit behind.  Thus, a decision was made.  I will take as much of this greenhouse as I possibly can…and use it again until the time comes when I can build a bigger one.

The yard at the house where I am moving is not as large as this one is, so a bigger greenhouse is really not an option.  The season has changed to winter, and time is of the essence…so I think that doing just what I have been for now is a good idea. I also am not living there yet…and it is three hours away from me…so being there to oversee a new style go up would be difficult!

So…we take the greenhouse down.

First I emptied it all out…took the blinds and all the shade screen down.

YOU BOYS BE CAREFUL WITH MY GREENHOUSE!!!!!!

Then the ‘men’ got to work on the plexi walls and all the screws that are holding it together…My 12 year old son was so excited to help out.  He really is is mom’s boy…Loves his power tools too!  hahaha

Before long…the bare frame was all that remained…the roof beams are already gone and the plexi was all moved aside to make room for more dismantling to get done.

It was not a good day in  this Tootsie’s world…I was very emotional about taking my space apart.    Seeing it all laying on the grass was so hard to look at.  Even though I know it will all be back up in a few weeks…it was still a difficult thing to say goodbye to it standing where it was.

BUT…Tootsie put her big girl panties on…and worked up quite a sweat…

The greenhouse doesn’t seem quite so big when you put it all in the trailer now does it?  I am actually kind of surprised it took up less than 1/2 of the trailer.  hahaha…

It’s all loaded up…and ready to head to the new place…I just hope we remember what goes where!  haha..

The yard will now have just a patio that is 12×20 feet big…and a gas line that the new people can put a heater on if they want to.  It is a nice big space for a party!

My yard sure does look big and lonely without the greenhouse now doesn’t it?

Just is NOT Tootsie’s Space anymore.

I already miss my greenhouse.  It is my safe place…where I go to take the edge off all of the stresses in life…I can’t wait to get the next one up!

I better get going…that greenhouse is not going to build itself you know!  Off to better things…new challenges and a lot of work!

I will be able to begin to share photos of everything very soon!!!

I hope I will see you all on Friday for the Big Flaunt!!!

Until Next Time…Happy Gardening!

(¯`v´¯)
`*.¸.*´Glenda/Tootsie
¸.•´¸.•*¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´ .•´ ¸¸.•¨¯`•.

www.tootsietime.com

HELLO THERE!  WELCOME!

We are so happy you could join us today!

My name is Glenda…but most of you know me as Tootsie…My partner Bren and I are super excited to share some  exciting news with you!  You know me (Tootsie ) from my Blog Tootsie Time.   You all know Bren from BG Garden and Garden Chat (the very successful weekly chat on twitter)  …We also sister/partner on our joint blog Growing 4 Seasons.

Both Bren and I love blogging and networking our sites, and have a myriad of blogs that we enjoy reading as much as we can.   We share special blog authors back and forth all the time, and thought it might be nice if we shared some of those outstanding people with you…and…have you share some of your favorites with us!  Thus, Read ‘Em All Tuesdays weekly meme was born!

Do you have a list of favorite blogs that you love to read? Do the posts inspire you?    Have you just found a new blog that you are excited about and want to share the news???  Well…if you answered yes to any of these….this is your lucky day!

This party is brand spanking new!  It is not just any party…it is a party with a TWIST!!! You don’t get to blow your own horn…you get to share a blog that who you admire!!    There is no better way to show appreciation for the inspiration/entertainment/information than to send some new followers their way!

Read ‘Em Wednesday is a brand new way to show appreciation for your fellow bloggers!  It is a party that offers us an opportunity to bring attention to some of the best blogs out there!

All you have to do is this:

A..Choose a blog that you enjoy reading off your blog list.

B..Write yourself a  post introducing us all to your chosen blog and it’s author.

C..Be sure to put a link to that special blog in your post!

D..Link your blog post to this party…specific post URL…not your home page

E.  Enjoy the party…and perhaps find a few new favorites on the list!

Now…I know I know…you are wondering if there are specific rules that this party insists you follow…funny you should ask:

There are a few straight forward guidelines that we ask you to follow…They are common sense really…

The Guidelines of this party are:

1.  You cannot feature or share a blog that is not family friendly…NO PORN or ADULT SITES please!!!

2.  You can feature any blog you want…any blog…there is no limit to the topic.

3.  You cannot share your own blog…you Must share a favorite that you follow

4.  Your post must include two things:   1.  A link to the blog you are sharing.   2.  A  link to this party.  You may also use the logo of this party and include a link to it as well.  Either way…you MUST link to the hosting blog for this party!!!

( Any post that does not link directly to the host blog will be deleted…Our logo/link is VERY important to bring traffic to your blog and the blog you are sharing.)

5.  You cannot enter without a post sharing another blog that you appreciate.  You must share another blog.

6.  You can only enter one time per week

7.  you do not need to become a follower of each participant…but it would be nice if you have the time, to go to at least a few of them,   and leave a wonderful word or two…and maybe even follow if you like what you see!

8.  You are not allowed to feature any sites that are directly trying to sell something.  This is not a party for advertising …or pedaling  any wares. Any blogs that are created to sell any product will be deleted by party admin.

You can join/link into this fun new party at Tootsie Time, Growing 4 Seasons and at the Garden Chat Blog…It doesn’t matter which one you link into…the link will appear on all four lists… exposing not only your blog, but your featured blog to a whole lot of new fans!  The linky will open Monday evenings and will close on Tuesday evening at midnight.  You don’t have much time to join in the fun, so you best get posting!!!

I am sure most (if not all of you ) have heard of Garden Chat. If you have not…  “#gardenchat is a Twitter based chat forum where garden enthusiasts from all walks of life connect and interact sharing ideas about their experience growing.”   It is a weekly online chat administrated by Bren  set up to discuss gardens, plants and all sorts of things that grow, with the best group of people around.   It offers the opportunity for bloggers and gardeners alike to shine and to share! Bren works really hard to keep this chat running…and has made it a huge success…If you have some spare time on Monday evenings…check it out…you will not be disappointed!  For more information about this weekly chat…please see the Garden Chat Homepage to learn all about it!

I (Tootsie) host a weekly garden party myself! It is a party for you all to Flaunt Your Flowers/Foliage every Friday. The linky for it is up and open every Thursday evening…and closes on Sunday evening. Please join me to see some of the most beautiful and inspiring gardens from all over this world!

Bren and I look forward to sharing our favorite blogs with you, and seeing who you read!

Until next week…Happy reading!

(¯`v´¯)
`*.¸.*´Glenda/Tootsie
¸.•´¸.•*¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´ .•´ ¸¸.•¨¯`•.

Many greenhouse growers use their greenhouses for a short period during the warmer months of the year, but there are a small percentage of us that grow year round!

This month by month outline will share what tasks may need to be done year round.

Keeping in mind that I garden in Alberta Canada, (zone3) the outdoor growing season is from mid to the end of May until the hard frosts take my gardens in mid to late September or early October.  If your climate is a bit milder than mine, you can adjust your greenhouse schedule to suit your climate.

This schedule is made for a plan to plant outdoors in Mid to late May.

In June, the greenhouse looks very different that it has all year!  Things have been planted in the ground, and the greenhouse becomes a lot less populated by our garden plants.  Most (if not all) of our veggie and annual seedlings as well as our summer hardy potted plant, hanging baskets and tender shrubs have been relocated to their summer locations and we can make room for other things growing on in our greenhouses!

In June, I do the following tasks in my greenhouse:

*  The heat has been switched to OFF this month.  Now is a good time to do any maintenance or repairs to the heating system.

*Shading is now a MUST for any plants that have been let or recently relocated to the greenhouse.  The sun is hot and the days are getting longer.   Our seedlings and tender plants need protection from the damaging rays of a hot sun.  Did you know that plants can get sun burned too?

*HOW DO I KNOW IF MY PLANTS HAVE BEEN SCORCHED BY THE SUN?  see Sun Scorch in the glossary…(click  for shortcut) “the G Lingo”

*Ventilation is a very critical element this month.  Temperatures are getting high and we need to keep this under control on the warm days.  Open vents manually or have them open automatically (depending on your venting system installed in the greenhouse)  in the mornings and have them closed in the evening if the night temperatures are cooler.  If the night temperatures remain warm, leaving the vents open is not an issue. The regimen you use to open and close vents will depend on the climate you live in.

*  Making sure to water regularly any plants that you keep in the greenhouse over the warm summer months.  Watering more often is essential in June than in previous months.

*  I keep tropical houseplants in my greenhouse over the warm summer months.  June is the month when I move them all back into the greenhouse as the annual crop has been moved outside and there is plenty of room for them now.

* My greenhouse gets a thorough spring cleaning, and a new “look” in June…as after I spray and clean everything, I stack all staging and move in the tropical houseplants. I add a small seating area to the inside of my greenhouse at this time.

*Damping down the greenhouse and all the fixtures is a daily task that I do every morning or early afternoon.   Not only will damping down moisten and cool the air in the greenhouse, but it will also discourage red spider mites and other pests that enjoy warm dry conditions and may threaten plants.

*  “Cleanliness is next to Godliness”.  This old adage is a great rule of thumb to follow.     After the big move outdoors, the greenhouse is practically empty.  This for me, offers a great opportunity to completely clean the inside and all the staging etc.

I remove everything from the the inside of the greenhouse, and pressure wash floors, walls, and windows, doors and ceilings.

*Sweep and clean away any discarded plants, dead leaves and spilled soil at this time.   Wash any any dirty pots and generally clean any and all staging and equipment that needs it.  Keeping the greenhouse clean will discourage insects and other menacing pests from setting up home.

*  Stock or re-stock the greenhouse supplies such as soil, plant foods, tags etc..

*Take time to relax and enjoy the plants and the scenery inside your greenhouse.

*  Don’t forget to update your garden journals!!!!   Start taking photos of plantings and things in the gardens…this will help you to remember the things you do and do not like for future reference.

I will see you again in July with more greenhouse tasks!

What tasks do you do for  the month of June  in your greenhouse?

Until next time….Happy gardening!

(¯`v´¯)
`*.¸.*´Glenda/Tootsie
¸.•´¸.•*¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´ .•´ ¸¸.•¨¯`•.

www.tootsietime.com

Many greenhouse growers use their greenhouses for a short period during the warmer months of the year, but there are a small percentage of us that grow year round!

This month by month outline will share what tasks may need to be done year round.

Keeping in mind that I garden in Alberta Canada, (zone3) the outdoor growing season is from mid to the end of May until the hard frosts take my gardens in mid to late September or early October.  If your climate is a bit milder than mine, you can adjust your greenhouse schedule to suit your climate.

This schedule is made for a plan to plant outdoors in Mid to late May.

May is an exciting month in the year round greenhouse.  We have sown all of our seeds, and they are developing into a beautiful crop of plants and flowers that will grace our gardens all summer long!  There are a lot of things that we need to make sure we keep up with and are aware of this month.

Just as in April, the temperatures in the greenhouse are of the utmost of importance, as well as regular watering and pest/disease control.

*Keeping the warm temps up were an issue in past months, but in May we see an opposite trend starting.   It is warming up outside more each day, and spring is in full swing.  Our main task this month is to keep the daytime temperatures down a little bit, and the overnight temperatures where they need to be….75-80F  or   24-26C

*Shading our tender plants is important in the month of May.  Blinds or a shade screen are ideal ways to provide some relief from the scorching rays of the sun.

(*there is a product on the market called shading paint that can be used to cover south facing windows or areas that have excessive sun coverage.  If the weather should dull or cool dramatically shade paint can be removed.  I don’t use this product.  I simply will hang old sheer curtains or thin white bed sheets from the ceiling of the greenhouse…and use blinds for the walls. )

*Proper ventilation and air flow is VERY important this time of year.  Open doors and windows or vents, and turn on your air circulation fans.  Hot and humid air can cause many diseases and pests to become and issue, so keeping the air in the greenhouse circulating is important.  Keeping the temperatures down to a dull roar  as much as possible is also very beneficial to the plants inside the greenhouse.

*  Damping down the greenhouse is a practice that will help manage those high daytime temperatures.   This method will include watering the staging and floors in the mornings while the sun is shining.  The air temperature in the greenhouse will be reduced when the water evaporates, and the relative humidity inside the structure will be raised.

*  Our plants are now actively growing in our greenhouses and we should feel free to feed them with the food of our choice.  Most  (if not all) of our plants are in pots or containers and will need some sort of nourishment if they are to keep actively growing and thriving.  A little feeding will give our plants that kick in the roots that will send them into healthy maturity in the coming weeks.

*DO NOT FORGET TO WATER!!!  Check each are of your greenhouse AT LEAST once each day to  make sure things have not become too dry.  Making sure that the soil in the containers is moist but not soaked is important.  We would not want to see our plants affected by root rot, or have parched plants withering and fading away on us.

* In my greenhouse, I begin to harden off my annuals in May.  This means that I will take each and every pot, tray and container out of the greenhouse into the back yard garden for short periods of time.  They will slowly adjust to the outdoor temperatures and conditions.  Each day, I extend the period of time that I leave the plants outside, until they are safe from such threats as sunburn, windburn and frost.   This is a lot of work, and very good exercise!!!

* Continued vigilance on maintenance and cleaning of the greenhouse is important, as is making sure all structural parts are intact and all equipment is in good working order.

*keep records up to date in  your greenhouse journal!!!

I will see you again in June with more greenhouse tasks!

What tasks do you do for  the month of May  in your greenhouse?

Until next time….Happy gardening!

(¯`v´¯)
`*.¸.*´Glenda/Tootsie
¸.•´¸.•*¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´ .•´ ¸¸.•¨¯`•.

www.tootsietime.com

Well Hello there!  Today I am sharing from inside the greenhouse.

All the little seedlings that took their start inside are now thriving outside…and the greenhouse is still growing on.

In case some of you are new and not so familiar with me and my plant obsession, these are the facts:

I live within in the city of Red Deer …which is smack dab in the middle of Alberta Canada…I am a zone three gardener, and I garden year round.  Our winters are bitterly cold and that means my greenhouse is the little oasis in the snow for most months of the year.  I am fortunate to have a fairly large yard…that is filled with several flower beds.

The greenhouse is a 12×20 wood and plexi –glass structure that stands on wood decking, (which in the winter months is lined and insulated by industrial foam tile flooring…In the cold winter months I heat the greenhouse with a gas furnace and in the summer when it is warm, I cool with the vents and move the air with fans.  I am by no means a professional gardener…but instead self taught and wingin’ it as I go…trial and error has taught me much!  I absolutely adore my greenhouse and pretty much anything with leaves….(okay…not weeds…ha-ha)

I start all the annual flowers in my greenhouse, starting in January.  From January until May the greenhouse is filled with the bedding plants that will fill my gardens for the summer months…Once the annuals are out of the greenhouse, I move several of my houseplants (tropicals) into it and that is where they live for the summer and most of the winter months!  I garden year round from the safety of my very favorite place in the world….my greenhouse!

Now that we have the particulars out of the way, lets see what’s going in inside in the greenhouse at this time of year.

Lots of tropicals…some started from cuttings…some from seed…all are very much loved.

Yes…that is my kid’s swimming pool…it is so warm inside the greenhouse, that the cold water doesn’t seem to phase them when it is inside…it also stays a lot cleaner than having it outside…and I don’t lose any garden space with an ugly swimming pool!

I open the blinds and can sit and watch the kids swim…as well as enjoy the view of my gardens from my little wicker throne.

NOW….What’s Growing in the greenhouse right this minute???

I have lots of plants that are in there right now…I am also starting a bunch of new ones to give to friends who are plant deprived…lol

THIS…is the cacti that I started from seed about 5 years ago.  They are growing like weeds all of a sudden.  Last spring I broke a piece of the tall one off when I was trying to transplant them.  I popped them into the soil of another pot…and now they too are growing like crazy.  It seems, that I need to cut back that tall one…it doesn’t want to stand on its own anymore…and I am constantly getting prickles in places no prickles should ever go…hee hee…

I am not that versed in the language of the succulent…especially the prickly cactus variety..so I have no idea what they are all called…or why this one keeps drooping over on me.

This little batch started out as one little round…and has become quite a big member of the house!  It will soon grace the tables of my hairdressers shop…as I am making more…and don’t need that many dangerous plants on my desk!  *)

This is a Nicco Swedish Ivy.  I took a cutting 7 years ago…and have been making more and more as need be.  It was three times the size of the photo above about a month ago…

Today she is not so big.  Out of the blue it collapsed and would not pick up.  So…I got busy and decided to cut it back and see if it would come around…seems that worked…it will be big as ever in no time I’m sure.

I also have the silver version of the Swedish ivy.  I started this from seed in the spring of this year.  I haven’t tried to keep one of the silver ones year round before…so thought it was worth a try.

A Begonia from seed 3 years ago…blooming all nice and pretty.

My Bananas!!! There are two of them in the greenhouse…I refer to them as the divas …totally high maintenance…ugh.  ha-ha-ha…but I do love them!

The Jade plant that I coaxed into bloom last summer is growing like a weed…I have started 6 new ones from it.

I do rescue for the plants that my chiropractor abuses…lol…the asparagus fern is almost ready to take back for round 3…lol

The greenhouse is like a last stop hospital for some of my houseplants…if they are not doing well…they rest up in here…if they can’t recover…they are replaced…or have cuttings taken from them to make more to give away.

Healthy and happy…most of the plants thrive in the greenhouse…

My Mandeville is doing well…even sporting a couple of bloom buds…

There are two Wandering Jews…a green one that is very healthy….and a purple one…witch is not so much…I am taking cuttings off of them to make more…

I Have a whole stock of cuttings and starters from the tropicals that I love…just waiting for some soil, pots and new homes…

It seems that the wisteria heard me say she was slated for the trash if no leaves appeared….lol….two weeks ago it was nothing more than a twig!

The Passion flower is loving the warm in the greenhouse…has bloomed several times this summer.  I hope I can keep her alive for another winter…

The Hydrangea that I was certain would die, has decided to give me another chance…now…can we get some blooms???

I love anything with leaves…and am so glad to be able to grow year round in my little haven.

What does your greenhouse do in the summer months???

I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to link in with some photos…with either current or past (during the dormant seasons) to Flaunt Your Flowers on Friday with me on Tootsie Time. Many absolutely gorgeous gardens participate in this party, and yours would be a welcome visit for them all to make!

Hugs and smiles, wishes for a grand week and thank you to those who have stopped by for a visit!  Leave a comment and share some of your gardening advice!

Until next time…Happy Gardening!

(¯`v´¯)
`*.¸.*´Glenda/Tootsie
¸.•´¸.•*¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´ .•´ ¸¸.•¨¯`•.

www.tootsietime.com

You have all heard of birth stones…and you have all heard of the traditional gift list…

…but have you heard of the traditional birthday flower guide?

If not….today is your lucky day!

I was  taking a break one day and found this list online at a site called homestead garden.  I have never heard of it, and decided to share!

January~~Carnation

February~~Violet

March~~Jonquil

April~~Sweet Pea or Daisy

May~~Lily of the Valley

June~~Rose

July~~Larkspur

August~~Gladiolus

September~~Aster

October~~Calendula

November~~Chrysanthemum

December~~Narcissus

I hope you enjoyed seeing which one you are! (at least no one is a Dandelion)

What is YOUR birthday flower?  Mine is May (lily of the valley)  Not my favorite flower…but it’s pretty!

I hope you all will join me  for the weekly garden flaunting party  over at my primary blog Tootsie Time!  The party starts Thursday evening and closes on Sunday night.  It is so much fun to see what others around the world are flaunting each week!

(¯`v´¯)
`*.¸.*´Glenda/Tootsie
¸.•´¸.•*¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´ .•´ ¸¸.•¨¯`•.

www.tootsietime.com