The Indoor Greenhouse Experiment

So… you're probably wondering why we would have a walk-in greenhouse inside? Honestly, it was the only way we could think of to be able to start our seeds indoors and keep our cat from eating them! Now… the crazy idea has turned into much more of an experiment really.
 

As you know we live in a trailer or mobile home if you prefer; and we are very limited on space! The room pictured has been our storage room for the past 3 years. We had intended on redecorating it and giving it to one of our daughters, but once we finally got it cleared out….well the greenhouse idea had came about! (Sorry, Brat) The first thing to mention is that we chose to try totally organic gardening this year. Last year we bought seedlings and did it the quick and easy way. Though we had great results once we overcame a few hiccups, we were disappointed that we had not considered ahead of time, that we couldn’t save and regrow the seeds. bummer!

This year we chose to do some research and really take the time to learn about the types of seeds that could be saved. We decided on heirloom seeds and purchased a kit that contained thousands of seeds! Even though we will not be able to use them all this year, if we store them properly they are supposed to have at least a 5 year shelf life. Imagine if you will, the possibility of buying one kit and through seed saving, hardly having to buy any future seeds..if ever !  (more on this later)

 



Our Experiment:

On March 22nd, we planted our first seeds in the new greenhouse. Our seed choices included: 10 varieties of tomatoes, 2 kinds of cucumbers, banana peppers, red and white onions, dill, iceberg lettuce, and cabbage. Because we were not positive how many might germinate, we planted doubles of everything. We had read the information on all of the seeds and felt mildly comfortable beginning our adventure. Because many of the seeds mentioned that the soil had to be above 70 degrees before the seeds were sown, we placed a heater in the greenhouse on low and constantly monitored the temp. We water once a day just to moisten and are careful not to over saturate. (we are not experts, simply learning as we go !)

In just a few days our seeds began to sprout and within a week our tomatoes, peppers, and lettuce, and cabbage had all sprouted!
 

As you can tell in the following pictures, we’re calling week one a success !

 

Stay tuned, we will update further in the coming weeks !
 

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Author Information:

Sharon Pannell is a self proclaimed "Prepsteader", both prepper and homesteader. She authors the blog The Trailer Park Homesteader where she teaches others about the importance of disaster preparedness and self-sufficiency. Sharon believes everyday the stuff can hit the fan, it is not one big epic event necessarily and it only takes one set back to create a hardship; so big or small prepare for it all ! Along with her blog, Sharon can also be found managing her other social media sites including her Facebook Page The Trailer Park Homesteader, TTPH Pinterest Page, and TTPH Twitter Page.